All Time NFL Wide Receivers

We are approaching the halfway point of another dramatic and successful NFL season. TV ratings are high and and tense and hard fought contests are a weekly event. My Bears provided the season video replay highlight by inexplicably losing to the Washington Commanders last week on a “Hail Mary” pass with no time remaining on the clock. C’est La Vie! It is appropriate to supplement our ongoing review of the all time great players so let’s look at the wide receiver position.

We previously described the NFL Quarterback as the “Alpha” in the game. The master of ceremonies- the straw that stirs the drink. We stand by that characterisation. But- it is not the the Quarterback is is the true “DIVA” in the NFL- that is the province of the modern wide receiver. This corp of elite athletes represent the ultimate showmen in the sport. They invented the exotic and creative end zone celebration after scoring a touchdown. They are invariably free spirits, bold, egotistical and theatrical. At critical moments, they are the difference makers. Many are exhibitionists, complaining they are always open particularly when not targeted enough by the QB. They are colourful and elite athletes who are performance artists in the truest sense of the word. They are the ultimate doomsday weapon for a successful team. Many appear to be “NUTS” off the field- characters always seeking to renegotiate their contract. Many, despite significant on the field exploits are lousy teammates, causing causing regular distractions throughout the season by their continual shenanigans. They get wide berth because of their sensational skills. You can’t live with them, but you cannot win without them. Characters with character, although sometimes just pure characters.

The omnipresent importance of the wide receiver is modern phenomenon- a narrative driven by the explosion of the passing game in the 1980’s. There were wonderful receivers before then, but their statistics pale in comparison to the great contemporary wideouts because teams in earlier era simply didn’t throw the ball as much. This era differential makes evaluation of the all time greats a challenge because the game has changed so radically. I employ my traditional criteria. I need to have seen the player perform in person or on TV since 1961- the year I lost my sports virginity. I do recognise some of the great receivers from the 60’s and 70’s, but they are featured in the bottom rungs of the list.

What is the criteria performance wise? The bottom line is they need to be exceptional playmakers- stars who change the game and impact their team’s success and legacy. They need to score touchdowns and excel in the clutch. The skill set required is physically and mentally demanding. They need to be agile, posses the ability to release cleanly from the line of scrimmage, have separation ability, run precise routes, display body control, have soft hands, be strong, quick, fast, durable, have stamina, concentration, focus, toughness, field vision and scheme intelligence. It is a bonus if they block effectively for others. I review lifetime receptions, total touchdowns, lifetime yards, performance during peak years, Pro Bowl appearances and Hall of Fame recognition. Longevity and contribution to team success are also relevant. Finally, they need to pass the WFM eye test- I know greatness when it happens in front of me. Without further detail- here goes! I identify the player by name, followed by number of receptions, total yards and career touchdowns.

1. Jerry Rice; 1549 receptions, 22,895 yards and 192 touchdowns.

2. Randy Moss; 982 receptions, 15,292 yards and 150 touchdowns.

3. Larry Fitzgerald; 1432 receptions, 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns.

4. Terrell Owens; 1078 receptions, 15,934 yards and 150 touchdowns.

5. Marvin Harrison; 1102 receptions, 14,580 yards and 128 touchdowns.

6. Calvin Johnson; 731 receptions, 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns.

7, Chris Carter; 1101 receptions, 13,891 yards and 130 touchdowns.

8. Steve Largent; 819 receptions, 13,089 yards and 100 touchdowns.

9. Tim Brown; 1094 receptions, 14,934 yards and 100 touchdowns.

10. Reggie Wayne; 1070 receptions, 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns.

11. Issac Bruce; 1024 receptions, 15,205 yards and 91 touchdowns.

12. Andre Reed; 951 receptions, 13,198 yards and 87 touchdowns.

13. Michael Irvin; 750 receptions, 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns.

14. James Lofton; 764 receptions, 14,004 yards and 78 touchdowns.

15. Art Monk; 940 receptions, 12,721 yards and 68 touchdowns.

16. Steve Smith; 1031 receptions, 14,736 yards and 81 touchdowns.

17. Andre Johnson; 1062 receptions, 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns.

18. Hines Ward; 1000 receptions, 12,080 yards and 88 touchdowns.

19. Charlie Joiner; 750 receptions, 12,146 yards and 65 touchdowns.

20. Sterling Sharpe; 595 receptions, 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns.

21. Fred Bilitenkoff; 589 receptions, 8974 yards and 76 touchdowns.

22. Lance Alworth; 542 receptions, 10,266 yards and 85 touchdowns.

23. Paul Warfield; 427 receptions, 8565 yards and 85 touchdowns.

24. Raymond Berry; 631 receptions, 925 yards and 68 touchdowns.

25. Charlie Taylor; 649 receptions, 9116 yards and 79 touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Lynn Swann, Julio Jones, Torry Holt, Antonio Brown and Drew Pearson.