Unveiling the Untouchable Record: Who Truly Dominates NFL Receiving Yards in a Single Season?

11. 1,746 – Charley Hennigan, Houston Oilers (1961)

As well as holding the record for more than three decades, Hennigan’s standout total of 1,746 yards was made even more impressive as it took him only 14 games to reach it.

It also came from just 82 receptions, as he averaged 21.3 yards per reception and 124.7 yards per game.

The two-time AFL champion played for seven seasons and left his mark on the game, with only three of his 14 games in the 1961 season seeing him record less than 100 receiving yards.

12. 1,725 – Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints (2019)

This was a historic season from Thomas as he finished with the most receptions of all time with 149.

Drew Brees relentlessly found the open palms of Thomas, who unsurprisingly won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

Thomas hit double figures for catches in nine of his 16 games, with his best outing seeing him make 13 receptions in a losing effort against the divisional rival Falcons.

13. 1,722 – Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts (2002)

In the 1999 season, Harrison totaled 1,663 receiving yards. It was therefore not entirely surprising that he managed to improve on that three years later.

The Colts and QB Peyton Manning were heavily reliant on Harrison that year, with his 205 targets third all time for an NFL season. His 143 receptions and 92 receiving first downs helped lead the Colts to 10-6, though they were beaten 41-0 by the New York Jets in the wild-card game.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer and the Colts went on to win Super Bowl XLI a few years later, but on a personal level, 2002 was Harrison’s standout in terms of receiving yards.

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