Top 10 Wide Receivers in NFL History – #5 Calvin Johnson
#5 – Calvin Johnson
As i’m writing this, Calvin Johnson is 34 years old and I still think he could compete in today’s NFL. Megatron was a freak of nature and it makes me have a little disdain for the Lions who had two all-time greats retire around their prime.
His early retirement after only 9 seasons leaves the question, what if? Calvin Johnson broke Jerry Rice’s single season receiving record in 2012 after recording 1,964 yards on 122 catches, so it’s only fair to assume he had potential to break Rice’s career records.
He was the fastest player to reach 11,000 receiving yards all the while having little to no support on the offensive end in Detroit. If Randy Moss is the most athletically gifted Wide Receiver in NFL history, Calvin Johnson to me is a close second. Calvin Johnson could beat double coverage at will with his amazing reach and leaping ability. What was especially freakish though was that he was just as dominant with the ball in his hands at 6’5″.
Much like my case with Barry Sanders for best running backs ever, I can’t discount Calvin Johnson’s greatness due to his early retirement.
Best Wide Receivers Ever – #4 Larry Fitzgerald
#4 – Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald is the model of consistency. He doesn’t have the immaculate athletic ability like some lower on this list, but was every bit as talented. For that reason he became the youngest player to reach 11,000 receiving yards and 1000 receptions with guys like Matt Leinart throwing him the football.
No matter who you put at Quarterback, Fitzgerald found ways to dominate. Whether you put him at slot or out wide, Fitzgerald found ways to dominate. He will catch every single ball in his radius and give it his all on every single blocking opportunity. You can’t teach a high motor and Larry Fitzgerald left it all on the field whether it was a run or pass play.
This is a consummate pro who is great at every facet of the receiver position. It’s a mentality with Fitzgerald. You talk about hands, route running, and speed with a receiver. Larry Fitzgerald had all of those traits, but i’ll even go a step further. He is the best blocking receiver on this list.
This is most likely the last season we will see of Fitz, and he lost a lot of his athleticsm, but even as a shell of his old self I can see him putting up a final 1000 yard season. First ballot hall of famer? Without a doubt in my mind.
Top 10 Wide Receivers in NFL History – #3 Terrell Owens
#3 – Terrell Owens
It was never a dull moment with Terrell Owens whether it was on or off the field. The majority of fans, media and even some of TO’s teammates regard him as a diva, but don’t overlook his love and dedication for the game of football.
I’m still shocked he was robbed of hall of fame honors not once, but twice. Yes, he had an over the top personality and never wasted a moment celebrating his accomplishments. Let’s not focus on that and instead focus on his impact on the field.
This man was a winner and play maker. Terrell Owens is 3rd all-time in receiving touchdowns and in receiving yards. He had the luxury of a great core behind him the majority of his career, but was effective for all 6 of the teams he played over his 16 year career. He was a rare breed of receiver that was athletic enough to take the top off the defense, and physical enough to catch balls in the middle and be a great after the catch receiver.
I’m glad Canton finally came to their senses and got him in the hall of fame.
