Wide receivers play a critical role in any NFL team’s offense. They are responsible for running precise routes and making tough catches in tight windows. The best wide receivers of all time have had a remarkable combination of size, speed, agility, and skill. In this article, we look at the top 10 wide receivers of all time in the NFL and analyze their career achievements.
Jerry Rice
A three-time Super Bowl champion and arguably the most excellent wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice played in the NFL for 20 years, catching 1,549 passes for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns during his legendary career. Rice was an absolute beast on the field and is still considered by many as the gold standard for NFL wide receivers.
Randy Moss
At 6’4” and with a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash, Randy Moss was an absolute playmaker and one of the most dynamic wide receivers in NFL history. He finished his career with 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns. He also holds the single-season record for touchdown receptions with 23.
Terrell Owens
Known for his touchdown celebrations, Terrell Owens was an absolute beast in the NFL. He is 4th all-time in both receptions and receiving yards (1,078 and 15,934, respectively. At 6’3”, 223 pounds, Owens was an unstoppable force on the field and is regarded as one of the best wide receivers in history.
Steve Largent
Steve Largent was known for his precise route-running and sure hands, finishing his career with 819 receptions, 13,089 yards, and 100 touchdowns. He still holds the Seahawks franchise records for most receptions and receiving yards, along with 42 regular-season games with at least one touchdown catch.
Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson was a sheer freak of nature on the field. The 6’5”, 2236-poundwide receiver was blessed with exceptional speed and athleticism. He finished his nine-year career with 11,619 receiving yards, 83 touchdowns, and 616 receptions.
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he retires. He has accumulated 16,279 receiving yards, 160 touchdowns and 1,285 receptions thus far. He also holds numerous NFC records, including the most career reception yardage, and is 8th all-time in both receptions and receiving yards.
Isaac Bruce
Over the course of his 16-year career, Isaac Bruce proved to be one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league. He retired with the 2nd all-time receiving yards (15,208) and 4th in receptions with 1,024. He is a four-time Pro Bowler and was part of the Rams’ Super Bowl XXXIV victory.
Cris Carter
Cris Carter is regarded as one of the greatest route-runners in NFL history. He retired with 1,101 receptions, 13,899 receiving yards, and 130 touchdowns. He is also a two-time NFL receptions champion, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and an eight-time Pro Bowler.
Tim Brown
Tim Brown is one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. He wreceivedthe Heisman Trophy in 1987 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. He finished his career with 1,094 receptions, 14,934 receiving yards, and 100 touchdowns.
Marvin Harrison
Marvin Harrison established the single-season receptions record in 2002 (143 receptions) and was the most feared wide receiver in the NFL for nearly a decade. He finished his career with 1,102 receptions, 14,580 yards ,and 128 touchdowns. He was also an eight-time Pro Bowler.
