Top 10 Best NFL Wide Receivers of All Time
These guys are the lifeblood of modern offenses, the playmakers who turn ordinary passes into highlight reel touchdowns. But who are the best of the best? Who are the legends who've left an unforgettable impact on the game?That's where you come in. We've put together a list of some of the greatest wide receivers to ever lace up their cleats, and we want to know who YOU think deserves to be at the top. This isn't just about stats (although those certainly matter). It's about the total package - the speed, the hands, the route-running, the clutch performances, the ability to single-handedly change the course of a game.
Jerry Rice is considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, holding numerous records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He played the majority of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, winning three Super Bowls. Rice was known as Mr. Reliable. His "catch to drop" ratio was the highest ever, which ultimately earned him the record for most touchdowns ever for any receiver, most catches, and most receiving yards. He used to practice catching bricks as a kid with his dad, which is how he developed such soft hands for the ball.
Jerry was known for his incredible work ethic and endurance, and it showed time after time when he would still be fresh in the 4th quarter while the defense was huffing and puffing. This shouldn't even be close. Rice is not only the greatest receiver to ever play the game but arguably the greatest player to ever play!
Randy Moss, known for his incredible speed and leaping ability, is second all-time in touchdown receptions. He played for several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. Randy Moss is the most athletic wide receiver ever. He's faster and more athletic than both Rice and Harrison. Though he might be less consistent and his awareness might not be on par, that doesn't mean it isn't impressive.
Even with three defenders on him, he'll still manage to catch the ball 60 yards deep. He's the biggest deep and touchdown threat the game has ever seen. If he had played with the Patriots right after the Vikings, his stats would be even more phenomenal than they already are.
He may not get as many catches as Harrison or Rice, primarily because he's often busy going deep and scoring. He's the most influential player on a team when used correctly. He played on both the 15-1 Vikings and the 16-0 Patriots. If you pair him with a good quarterback and a solid defense, you're almost guaranteed at least 12 wins.
His behavior could be better and he could exhibit more humility, but with his level of talent, it's evident he knows he's superior. He's the third-best receiver, following Rice and Harrison.
Terrell Owens ranks third all-time in receiving yards and touchdowns in the NFL. His career spanned several teams, most notably the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, and he was known for his flamboyant celebrations. T.O. is probably the biggest difference-maker on a team when it comes to wide receivers. He always makes his team better. This is all assuming he likes his QB enough to play, but think about it. He helped the Eagles get to a Super Bowl, who made 4 consecutive NFC championship trips. He assisted the Cowboys in getting to the playoffs two consecutive years.
Sure, as far as behavior goes, he is last on the list, but he knows his worth. Not as athletic as Rice or Moss but one of the strongest ever to play the position. He could catch the ball at the 7 and drag it about 5-6 more yards. Also, second to Rice, he is the most clutch receiver.
Dubbed "The Catch II," Owens dropped 3 passes in that playoff game until catching the game-winning touchdown amidst 3 defenders. Then, coming off an injury, he had an amazing Super Bowl performance despite a losing effort. In all his playoff games, sure he mouthed off, but he never played poorly. T.O., aside from the Jessica Simpson saga, seems to be meshing with Romo, so unless Romo or the rest of the team messes up that badly, he will perform in the playoffs.
Cris Carter is known for his exceptional catching ability, particularly in the end zone, ranking fourth all-time in career touchdown receptions. He played primarily for the Minnesota Vikings and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. Trust me, I'm not a fan of any one team, just a fan of the NFL. REALLY THINK BACK. Do you remember Jerry Rice diving or going up over three men and coming down with the ball? No, he had a great system with the 49ers and great QBs throwing to him. Larry Fitzgerald has much better hands, is bigger, faster, and better in every way. Well, except one. I do give it to Jerry Rice. He was a hard worker with a great work ethic. Randy Moss was way faster, way taller, and could jump much higher. Plus, he had better hands, no question about it. Cris Carter had the best hands of any wide out I've ever seen, along with Steve Largent.
The true list is this:
1. Larry Fitzgerald
2. Cris Carter
3. Randy Moss
4. Calvin Johnson
5. Andre Johnson
6. Steve Smith
7. Terrell Owens
8. Brandon Marshall
9. Anquan Boldin
10. Steve Largent
11. Tory Holt
12. Lynn Swann
13. Sterling Sharpe
14. Reggie Wayne
15. Michael Irvin
16. Marvin Harrison
17. Gary Clark
18. Tim Brown
19. Fred Biletnikoff
20. Andre Rison
You need to be a deep threat with size, hands, clutch ability. A guy who, when it's 4th down with 1 second on the clock, you can throw the ball to without stress, knowing he's going to make the catch.
Michael Irvin, a key player for the Dallas Cowboys during their 1990s dynasty, won three Super Bowls with the team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and is known for his physical style of play. T.O. shouldn't even be on this list. He's always dropping passes, yet he's above a Hall of Famer. Just think about what Irvin did to get here and then think about T.O. when he's dropping passes.
Michael Irvin was one of the hardest working players on that Cowboys dynasty team. His leadership and talent helped that team to three Super Bowl wins.
He was not fast. He played in a run-first offense. He made his living on the slant and the button hook, caught everything thrown his way, and could not be brought down.
First down, first down, first down. The dude never got injured. Can't think of many that play that way nowadays. Playmaker, number 88, all day.
Marvin Harrison played his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts, forming a prolific duo with quarterback Peyton Manning. He ranks fifth all-time in career receptions and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. Marvin Harrison holds the record for the most receptions in a season with 143, 20 more than the previous record. He has more receiving yards than Carter. He's superior to T.O. by far.
He should be ranked either number 2 or 3 on this list, certainly not behind T.O., who likely holds the record for the most dropped passes. The duo of Marvin and Peyton is the best QB-WR pairing since Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.
Had Marvin not suffered that season-ending injury, he would have ranked second in every receiving category that year. He is the second-best wide receiver after Jerry Rice.
Although he may not have played as long as Rice due to his physicality, his consistency and humility are commendable. Truly an unsung icon.
Calvin Johnson, also known as "Megatron," was known for his size, speed, and catching ability. He set the single-season record for receiving yards in 2012 and played his entire career with the Detroit Lions before retiring early. This guy better step up, or the Lions should get a better quarterback. There's too much talent and potential to let go to waste. The dude is 6-5, 240 lbs. He's a beast. He has the third-best 40-yard dash time after Randy Moss and Deion Sanders (and we all know what they did in history).
He has the second-best vertical after Randy Moss. This dude also has Marvin Harrison-style modesty. Imagine that: Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but I seriously want to see him develop quickly.
The next Jerry Rice or better? Not likely, especially considering Jerry Rice came into the league with a Hall of Fame quarterback at the helm, Montana, not John Kitna. But hopefully, he comes close to it. One of the best college wide receivers ever. Hopefully, one of the best NFL wide receivers ever.
Don Hutson, who played for the Green Bay Packers, was a pioneering wide receiver in the NFL, setting numerous records during the 1930s and 1940s. He was a two-time MVP and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963. None of the rest of these receivers would even have jobs if not for Don Hutson.
He led the league in touchdowns and receiving to a degree no other wide out on this list ever approached. He earned 8 first-team all-pro awards. He was in the inaugural Hall of Fame (HOF) class.
Of all the players who have ever laced up cleats, he was on the short list of the best from ALL positions, not just WR. Hutson still holds the following records:
- Most seasons leading league in pass receptions (8),
- Most consecutive seasons leading league in pass receptions (5),
- Most seasons leading league in pass receiving yards gained (7),
- Most consecutive seasons leading league in pass receiving yards gained (4),
- Most seasons leading league in pass receiving touchdowns (9),
- Most seasons leading the league in total touchdowns (8),
- Most consecutive seasons leading league in pass receiving touchdowns (5),
- Most seasons leading league in scoring (5), and
- Most consecutive seasons leading league in scoring.
His 99 receiving touchdowns was a career record that held for 44 years. Additionally, he played defense and led the league in interceptions.
Lance Alworth, nicknamed "Bambi," played primarily for the San Diego Chargers in the AFL and NFL. He was known for his speed and graceful playing style, leading to his Hall of Fame induction in 1978. Alworth was a bit of an athletic freak. He had world-class speed and a vertical leap coupled with toughness. He was elusive and yet could hit and block. He was a star running back at Arkansas before being switched to receiver in the AFL. Additionally, he was the Yankees' first-round pick to be their center fielder.
He was one of the most entertaining players to watch of all time. Yes, he was faster than Jerry Rice. Rice was never much of a burner. Alworth was the fastest man on the field in every game he played until he got older, and then Bob Hayes came along.
If another Alworth (i.e., a white guy with toughness, freak athleticism, and movie star looks) came along, he would be so marketable that you could sign that one guy and start your own league of top young talent that would rival the NFL and force them into a merger. But, that already happened.
Larry Fitzgerald is second all-time in career receptions and receiving yards. He spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals and is known for his consistency and durability. Larry Fitzgerald should be number 11 because his number is 11! Comedy aside, Larry is better than Lance Alworth, Calvin Johnson, Terrell Owens, Marvin Harrison, Michael Irvin, and Tim Brown.
Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Don Hutson, and Jerry Rice are better than Larry, but overall, I still think Larry is the best.
He is a player that can grab 1,000 receiving yards in a season even with a trained zebra as quarterback, and that's what makes him the best. He doesn't rely on a strong passer, which is most important.
Anyone can be good if he has to catch passes from Brady or Montana, but Leinart?
The Newcomers
Steve Largent, who spent his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks, retired as the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995. Played in an era without these advanced rubber gloves, new rules that strongly favor offense, and new sports science to help players be as strong and fast as they can possibly be. He had average quarterbacks throwing to him his whole career, not fellow Hall of Famers. And he still absolutely owned the position.
If he played today, with his incredible hands, intelligent route running, and fearlessness, we'd be talking about him as the greatest slot receiver to ever play the game. (I know he wasn't a slot receiver, but that's because the position didn't really exist back then. I'm thinking in terms of his size.)
Tim Brown spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and is one of the NFL's all-time leaders in receptions and receiving yards. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. Ok, I know this can't be right. Brown, along with Carter, out of the top 10 when you have guys like Steve Smith and Chad Johnson ahead of them? Moss and TO are also questionable, but I am not trying to take anything away from them. Some of those guys are good, but this is an all-time list, and Brown should be in the top 5 for sure.
In many of the major records, he is ranked 2nd to only Rice, yet he still doesn't get the respect he deserves.
Rice, Brown, and Largent are the top three, but most of those today wouldn't last in the days when the receiver was blasted all the way down the field. Moss and T.O. are too soft. Art Monk was one great receiver.
Lynn Swann played his entire NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning four Super Bowls. He was known for his acrobatic catches and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. As a huge Pittsburgh Steeler fan and a bigger... sorry, THE BIGGEST LYNN SWANN FAN, I must say this: This man was hospitalized a week before Super Bowl X with a concussion from a cheap shot. He played and became the Super Bowl MVP with 4 catches, 164 yards, and a touchdown, featuring some of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history.
The way he flies through the air and makes his catches is like poetry in motion. With a name like Swann, it couldn't be more appropriate.
Swann didn't have huge numbers. It wasn't a throwing era. But he was a human highlight reel. And tough. He took all the hits and never complained. An amazing player.
Andre Johnson, known for his physical play and consistency, spent most of his career with the Houston Texans. He ranks 11th all-time in receiving yards and was a seven-time Pro Bowler. While not having the rings will hold a player back, it does not affect his stats. You have to consider that he spent some time injured and still boasts impressive statistics. Matt Schaub is a subpar quarterback, and let's not forget the days Johnson spent with Carr.
It wasn't necessarily Carr's fault, as he was frequently sacked even before Johnson arrived in Houston. I felt bad for Carr and still do. Something's not right with that guy.
He's easily the most gifted receiver, second only to Randy Moss. A strong, physical guy who had great hands.
I'm a Texans fan, so that's why I chose Andre. He will never be a Colt. He should easily be in the Hall of Fame because he never had a top-tier quarterback and still accumulated impressive stats.
If he had a reliable quarterback, he'd probably be among the top five wide receivers without question.
Andre Reed was a key player for the Buffalo Bills during their four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s. He ranks in the top 20 all-time in career receptions and receiving yards and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014. If his team had won just one Super Bowl, there would have been a different light shone on him. This guy had it all: speed, quickness, strength, tenacity, courage, attitude, and intelligence. He wasn't into self-promotion and was always a class act.
You can't rank Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson or even Michael Irvin above this guy. Andre Reed is arguably the best run-after-catch wide receiver of all time, second only to Jerry Rice. I recall a play where Andre went across the middle, broke six or seven tackles, and scored.
He played even with broken ribs. A tough wide receiver who could run both short and deep routes. Add in his willingness to block, and he's far superior to Ocho Cinco, Isaac Bruce, Tim Brown, Hines Ward, Steve Smith, Cris Carter, Irvin, Harrison, Owens, and Moss.
Isaac Bruce played primarily for the St. Louis Rams, where he was a crucial part of the "Greatest Show on Turf." He ranks fifth all-time in receiving yards and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. He should be at least number 5. Come on. He has the number 1 receiving yards, number 5 in receptions, and number 9 in touchdowns. He's number 2 in average. He also has multiple recording records, was a great leader, and is the reason the Rams won the Super Bowl!
He has it all. And how can Moss be number 2? The only thing he beat Bruce in was the 40-yard dash! Everyone that voted has seen Randy play, and that's why they vote for him.
He set the record for receiving yards in a season for a few hours before Jerry Rice passed it the same day. He did it in a horrible offense, well before the Greatest Show On Turf. He retired second all-time in receiving yards.
He should be higher than 19th without a doubt.
Steve Smith played for the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, known for his toughness and competitive nature. He ranks in the top ten all-time in career receiving yards. Pound-for-pound, Steve Smith is the toughest guy in NFL history. He's the smallest guy on the field, yet he's always knocking people over (or juking them out of their shoes and then blowing by them). Steve Smith also always shows up big in major games.
He has scored a touchdown in 9 of 11 playoff games. In one of the other two, he had a 100-yard receiving game last year. For comparison, Marvin Harrison has scored a touchdown in only 1 of 16 playoff games.
BEST I EVER SAW! Toughness, competitiveness, route running. What receiver is more dangerous once the ball is in his hand? He went to the Pro Bowl as a returner in his first year in the league. He has a triple crown (only Sterling Sharp and Jerry Rice have this honor), and was a runner up for MVP for the NFL (unheard of for a WR).
Where is Sean Alexander now? He never played with Hall of Fame quarterbacks. The man is 5'9"! He has the nastiest stiff arm ever for a receiver, will block your path fiercely. You want me to keep going? My man gets no love. Maybe this will help.
Reggie Wayne spent his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts, ranking in the top ten all-time in receptions and receiving yards. He formed a prolific duo with quarterback Peyton Manning and won a Super Bowl in 2006. Reggie is an awesome route runner. He doesn't drop the ball and is number 7 all time. He will finish as number 1.
May finish in the top 10. He is outstanding. Currently the 2nd best after Randy Moss.
Amazing route runner, right behind Marvin Harrison!
Roddy White spent his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons and is the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He had six consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. Roddy White is an extremely good player. Injuries have been affecting him lately, which is sad. He is often overlooked because he plays alongside such talented wide receivers like Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, but he is Atlanta's greatest wide receiver of all time.
Why is Roddy White even being considered?
Roddy White is the greatest wide receiver in the history of football.
Brandon Marshall played for several teams, including the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears, and is one of the NFL's all-time leaders in receptions. He is known for his physical style of play and has six seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. Brandon Marshall is undoubtedly a great player, but he still has more years to play and improve. He hasn't yet reached Hall of Fame potential.
One of the best wide receivers ever, yet he has never been in the playoffs.
He currently holds the record for most receptions in a game. I know someone already mentioned this, but it's worth noting.
Raymond Berry played for the Baltimore Colts and was a favorite target of quarterback Johnny Unitas. He led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards three times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. Easily top 5. He played in a shorter season and without the rules in place today that open up the passing game.
You can count the number of dropped passes in his career on one hand.
When he scored, which was often, he didn't showboat like many of today's receivers do.
One of the most precise route runners of all time. The younger guys might not be aware, but he out-thought and outworked the defenses. He also worked with Unitas to set up plays based on the tendencies of the offense. He is a top 10 all-time.
He was a pioneer that paved the way for others to follow. He improved the position with analytical preparation that enhanced his natural abilities.
I don't think they give Wes a lot of credit for his downfield stuff because he's so well-known for his short routes. But he is very explosive down the field. He should be ranked much higher than Andre Reed because Reed doesn't have four seasons with 110 receptions.
Wes is one of the greatest. He might be one of the smallest wide receivers, but he has one of the biggest hearts. He catches 70% or more of everything.
He proved height doesn't matter when you are trying to make it to the top.
Chad Johnson, also known as Chad Ochocinco, played primarily for the Cincinnati Bengals and was known for his flamboyant personality and elite receiving skills. He had seven 1,000-yard seasons and was a six-time Pro Bowler. He is the most entertaining player to watch of all time. This man once tried to bribe a ref with a single dollar!
A. J. Green, known for his athleticism and hands, played the majority of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler and has multiple seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. I think he is better than Fitzgerald, Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Marshall, and many others. He deserves to rank much higher on this list, close to Calvin Johnson. Both are great receivers, so he should be positioned higher.
He's like a god. Have you seen him play? I'm definitely going to vote for him.
He's the new kid on the block doing it big.
Sterling Sharpe played his entire career with the Green Bay Packers and was a five-time Pro Bowler before a neck injury forced him into early retirement. He led the league in receptions three times and was known for his exceptional route-running and hands. I've always believed that if not for his neck injury, Sterling would be considered the best receiver to ever play the game. He had better speed than Rice, was stronger and more physical than Rice, and had equally impressive hands.
He'll remain one of my all-time favorites, even if the record books eventually forget him.
He has better stats than many players on this list, especially considering his short career. When you compare his numbers to Rice's first 7 years in the league, Sterling is not far behind.