NFC all-time receiving yards leaders: Which Saints rivals rank top-10?
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NFC all-time receiving yards leaders: Which Saints rivals rank top-10?
Luke Loffredo, Saints Wire·Saints Wire
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2 min read
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The NFC has been home to some of the greatest pass catchers in professional football history, boasting a combination of elite talent, record-breaking production, and remarkable longevity. When discussing the conference's greatest receivers, the first name that comes to mind is the one and only Jerry Rice. Widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Rice spent 16 of his 20 seasons in the NFC, rewriting the record books and setting a standard that may never be matched.
Rice wasn't the only all-time great to dominate the conference. His former teammate, Terrell Owens, spent 13 of his 15 NFL seasons in the NFC with theSan Francisco 49ers,Philadelphia Eagles, andDallas Cowboys, consistently producing All-Pro-caliber numbers. From a longevity standpoint, few players can match whatLarry FitzgeraldandMike Evansaccomplished, serving as franchise cornerstones while routinely eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark year after year.
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The conference has also featured countless other legendary pass catchers who built Hall of Fame-worthy careers, making this one of the deepest positions to rank.
With that said, here's our ranking of the top 10 all-time receiving yardage leaders in NFC history.
10. Steve Smith Sr.: 12,197 receiving yards
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 1: Fred Thomas #22 of the New Orleans Saints grabs the face mask of Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers on October 1, 2006 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers defeated the Saints 21-18. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Dec. 7, 2008; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver (81) Torry Holt against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 34-10 to clinch the NFC West division title. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Team:St. Louis Rams (1999 to 2008)
8. Mike Evans: 13,052 receiving yards
Sep 9, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) hauls in a pass for a 50-yard touchdown while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the third quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Bucs won, 48-40. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 1988; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams receiver Henry Ellard (80) in action against the New Orleans Saints at Anaheim Stadium. The Saints defeated the Rams 14-10. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Drug issues caused Buddy Ryan to get rid of receiver Cris Carter in 1989, a "tough love" move that the Hall of Fame receiver credits with saving his life and his football career. (Mike Powell /Allsport)
Teams:Philadelphia Eagles (1987 to 1989) andMinnesota Vikings(1990 to 2001)
4. Terrell Owens: 14,122 receiving yards
NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 20: Wide receiver Terrell Owens #81 of the San Francisco 49ers completes a touchdown catch while defended by Fakhir Brown #35 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFL game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 20, 2002. The Saints defeated the Niners 35-27. (Photo by Ronald Martinez /Getty Images)
Teams:San Francisco 49ers (1996 to 2003), Philadelphia Eagles (2004 to 2005), and Dallas Cowboys (2006 to 2008)
3. Isaac Bruce: 15,208 receiving yards
Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce had eight 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the Rams. Robert Deutsch via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Teams:Los Angeles Rams(1994 to 2007) and San Francisco 49ers (2008 to 2009)
2. Larry Fitzgerald: 17,492 receiving yards
Oct 27, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES: San Francisco 49ers wide-receiver Jerry Rice (L) cuts by New Orleans Saints safety Vince Buck after catching a pass from quarterback Elvis Grbac 29 October in San Francisco. Rice became the NFL's all-time leader in receiving yards with 14,012, which was held by James Lofton with 14,004. The Saints went on to upset the 49ers, 11-7. AFP PHOTOS (Photo credit should read JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Teams:San Francisco 49ers (1985 to 2000) andSeattle Seahawks(2004)
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Brad Pitt - New Orleans Saints. The actor/producer developed a close friendship with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and narrated the 2009 "America's Game" episode chronicling the Super Bowl XLIV-winning team.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
Kay Adams attends the 13th annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 03: Jimmy Buffett sings the national anthem before the start of the game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers December 3, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmy Buffett ORG XMIT: 71465444 GTY ID: 65444CG019_San_Francisco
(Getty Images)
1. Ellen DeGeneres (1958-) • Notable game shows: Ellen's Game of Games • Years on air as host: 2017-present • Wikipedia page views (2 yr.): 8,646,063 Comedian Ellen DeGeneres has become a fixture on television as a talk-show guest and host, game show host, and producer. DeGeneres has been the host of "Ellen's Game of Games" since 2017. Many of the games on the game show were played on her talk show. She's been the host of her own talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," since 2003. Known for her effusive, fun-loving personality, DeGeneres has also hosted the Academy Awards, the Grammys, and the Emmys. Her public image has taken a beating lately over accusations by former employees that her show has created a "toxic" work environment. ALSO READ: America’s Most Loved TV Personalities
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)
Comedian Theo Von watches the second quarter between Vanderbilt and Georgia State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
.
(MMA Junkie)
Superstar Britney Spears took her sons to Disneyland and posted a photo showing how much her two sons have grown.
(Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Master
P visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on January 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
(Theo Wargo, Getty Images)
Actor Zac Efron attends NEA's Read Across America Day kickoff with Zac Efron at the New York Public Library - Celeste Bartos Forum on March 2, 2012 in New York City.
(Jason Kempin/Getty Images for NEA)
Japan's Naomi Osaka celebrates beating Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles round of 16 tennis match on the seventh day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2026.
(KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV, AFP via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 25: Director Spike Lee is interviewed prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight's game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
US Actress Hillary Swank is pictured arriving to the Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills.
(Susan Goldman, AFP/Getty Images)
Aaron Neville performs at the American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times debut gala at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on May 2, 2017, in Washington, DC.
(Paul Morigi, Getty Images for WS Productions)
Wendell Pierce attends the European premiere of Marvel Studios' ''Thunderbolts*" in London, Britain, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe
(Chris J Ratcliffe, REUTERS)
Joe Dumars
(Provided by Independent Sports & Entertainment)
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, left, talks with Reggie Wayne, wide receivers coach for the Colts before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)
American rapper Birdman looks on prior to a game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Pop-Country singer Kenny Chesney and his band perform for a large crowd at the Germain Amphitheater Thursday evening June 7, 2007.
(James D. DeCamp/Columbus Dispatch)
Jan 5, 2025; Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Anthony Mackie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY
(Dan MacMedan, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY)
Archie Manning takes time to talk to IndyStar's Dana Benbow during a promotional visit to St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospital in Noblesville, Ind., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. Manning was born in Drew, Miss., in 1949. His No.18 was the first of only four Ole Miss Jersey's ever retired and he was drafted second overall in the 1971 NFL draft. He played most of his 14 years in the NFL with the Saints and twice made the Pro Bowl. He's received many accolades and is well known for his philanthropic work. Manning was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
(Matt Kryger/IndyStar)
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These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
1/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
2/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Brad Pitt - New Orleans Saints. The actor/producer developed a close friendship with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and narrated the 2009 "America's Game" episode chronicling the Super Bowl XLIV-winning team.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
3/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Kay Adams attends the 13th annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
4/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 03: Jimmy Buffett sings the national anthem before the start of the game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers December 3, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmy Buffett ORG XMIT: 71465444 GTY ID: 65444CG019_San_Francisco
(Getty Images)
5/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
1. Ellen DeGeneres (1958-) • Notable game shows: Ellen's Game of Games • Years on air as host: 2017-present • Wikipedia page views (2 yr.): 8,646,063 Comedian Ellen DeGeneres has become a fixture on television as a talk-show guest and host, game show host, and producer. DeGeneres has been the host of "Ellen's Game of Games" since 2017. Many of the games on the game show were played on her talk show. She's been the host of her own talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," since 2003. Known for her effusive, fun-loving personality, DeGeneres has also hosted the Academy Awards, the Grammys, and the Emmys. Her public image has taken a beating lately over accusations by former employees that her show has created a "toxic" work environment. ALSO READ: America’s Most Loved TV Personalities
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)
6/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Comedian Theo Von watches the second quarter between Vanderbilt and Georgia State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
7/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
.
(MMA Junkie)
8/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Superstar Britney Spears took her sons to Disneyland and posted a photo showing how much her two sons have grown.
(Getty Images)
9/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Master
P visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on January 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
(Theo Wargo, Getty Images)
10/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Actor Zac Efron attends NEA's Read Across America Day kickoff with Zac Efron at the New York Public Library - Celeste Bartos Forum on March 2, 2012 in New York City.
(Jason Kempin/Getty Images for NEA)
11/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Japan's Naomi Osaka celebrates beating Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles round of 16 tennis match on the seventh day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2026.
(KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV, AFP via Getty Images)
12/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 25: Director Spike Lee is interviewed prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight's game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
13/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
US Actress Hillary Swank is pictured arriving to the Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills.
(Susan Goldman, AFP/Getty Images)
14/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Aaron Neville performs at the American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times debut gala at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on May 2, 2017, in Washington, DC.
(Paul Morigi, Getty Images for WS Productions)
15/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Wendell Pierce attends the European premiere of Marvel Studios' ''Thunderbolts*" in London, Britain, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe
(Chris J Ratcliffe, REUTERS)
16/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Joe Dumars
(Provided by Independent Sports & Entertainment)
17/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, left, talks with Reggie Wayne, wide receivers coach for the Colts before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)
18/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
American rapper Birdman looks on prior to a game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
19/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Pop-Country singer Kenny Chesney and his band perform for a large crowd at the Germain Amphitheater Thursday evening June 7, 2007.
(James D. DeCamp/Columbus Dispatch)
20/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Jan 5, 2025; Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Anthony Mackie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY
(Dan MacMedan, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY)
21/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Archie Manning takes time to talk to IndyStar's Dana Benbow during a promotional visit to St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospital in Noblesville, Ind., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. Manning was born in Drew, Miss., in 1949. His No.18 was the first of only four Ole Miss Jersey's ever retired and he was drafted second overall in the 1971 NFL draft. He played most of his 14 years in the NFL with the Saints and twice made the Pro Bowl. He's received many accolades and is well known for his philanthropic work. Manning was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
