PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Michael Irvin #88 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game December 23, 1990 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Irvin played for the Cowboys from 1988-99. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
10. Michael Irvin (1988-1999): 11,904 receiving yards, 65 TDs. Not as big of a TD threat as many on this list, but few were more physical.
9. Tim Brown (1988-2004)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 24: Tim Brown #81 of the Los Angeles Raiders scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game November 24, 1991 at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Brown played for the Raiders from 1988-2003. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
14,934 receiving yards, 100 TDs
“Mr. Raider” retired as one of the leaders in both receiving and return yardage
8. Don Hutson (1935-1945)
1943: Don Hutson #14 of the Green Bay Packers catches the ball while posing for a portrait circa 1943. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
7,991 receiving yards in a run-heavy league, 99 TDs.
He was selected to 9 All-NFL teams in 11 seasons.
7. Larry Fitzgerald (2004-2020)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a reception against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-12. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
17,492 receiving yards, 121 TDs
Imagine his statistics if he played with better QB play
6. Cris Carter (1987-2002)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 6: Wide receiver Cris Carter #80 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a pass against the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the 2000 NFC Divisional Playoff Game at the Metrodome on January 6, 2001 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Saints 34-16. (Photo by Joseph Patronite/Getty Images)
13,899 receiving yards, 130 TDs
He “only caught touchdowns,” according to former Eagles Head Coach Buddy Ryan
5. Terrell Owens (1996-2010)
IRVING, TX – OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Terrell Owens #81 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates his third touchdown against the Houston Texans on October 15, 2006 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Texans 34-6. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
15, 934 receiving yards, 153 TDs
Not always the best teammate or the most coachable, “TO” was certainly one of the most talented ever
4. Calvin Johnson (2007-2015)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – NOVEMBER 23 : Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions warms up during pregame warm ups prior to playing the New England Patriots in an NFL football game on November 23, 2014 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Johnson played for the Lions from 2007-2015. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
11,619 receiving yards, 83 TDs
Retired after nine seasons, “Megaton” could have easily been second on this list had he played longer.
3. Steve Largent (1976-1989)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 29: The Seattle Seahawks throwback logo is seen on the football field at Lumen Field before the game against the Cleveland Browns on October 29, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
13,089 receiving yards, 100 TDS
The first player to catch 100 TD passes
2. Randy Moss (1988-2012)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 6: Wide receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings races upfield against the New Orleans Saints in the 2000 NFC Divisional Playoff Game at the Metrodome on January 6, 2001 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Saints 34-16. (Photo by Joseph Patronite/Getty Images)
15,292 receiving yards, 156 TDs
His speed and size made him a matchup nightmare.
1. Jerry Rice (1985-2004)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice (80) runs with the football after making a catch and drags Bengals defensive back Solomon Wilcots (41) along the way during the 4th quarter of the 49ers 20-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida. Rice had 11 receptions for a then Super Bowl-record 215 yards and one touchdown, on a sprained ankle, and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. (Photo by Sylvia Allen/Getty Images)
22,895 receiving yards, 197 TDs
Without a doubt, the greatest receiver to ever play the game.
