These are the top-10 receiving yards leaders in NFL history

Story by

Story by
These are the top-10 receiving yards leaders in NFL history

Luke Loffredo, Saints Wire · Saints Wire

Tue, Jul 28, 2026 ·

2 min read

About Our Ads

Next up in our all-time series, where we rank the top 10 players in every major statistical category. After recently wrapping up the NFL's all-time rushing leaders, we're now shifting our focus to the air, ranking the league's all-time receiving yards leaders.

While there's little debate over who claims the No. 1 spot, the rest of the list is filled with plenty of intrigue. A pair of longtime Colts receivers round out the back end of the rankings after serving as Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning 's top targets throughout his legendary career. We also have the lone tight end on the list checking in at No. 6, redefining the position as one of the game's premier vertical threats during his era. At No. 2 sits a member of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, who spent his entire career with one franchise and became one of the league's greatest examples of consistency, excellence, and longevity.

With that said, here's our ranking of the NFL's top 10 all-time leaders in career receiving yards -- list filled with franchise legends, Hall of Famers, and some of the greatest pass catchers the game has ever seen.

10. Reggie Wayne: 14,345 yards

In 14 seasons with the Colts Reggie Wayne compiled 14,345 yards receiving and 82 touchdowns.Xxx Colts 35 Jpg Spt Sports Usa — In 14 seasons with the Colts Reggie Wayne compiled 14,345 yards receiving and 82 touchdowns. Xxx Colts 35 Jpg Spt Sports Usa

Team: Indianapolis Colts (2001 to 2014)

9. Marvin Harrison: 14,580 yards

Marvin Harrison had 14,580 receiving yards and 128 touchdowns from 1996-2008. Harrison had eight consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, the Colts won a Super Bowl during his tenure and he is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Team:Indianapolis Colts (1996 to 2008)

8. Steve Smith Sr.: 14,731 yards

Jan. 15, 2006; Chicago, IL USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver (89) Steve Smith jumps over Chicago Bears defensive end (96) Alex Brown in the fourth quarter of the NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field. Carolina won 29-21. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Matt Cashore

Teams: Carolina Panthers (2001 to 2013) and Baltimore Ravens (2014 to 2016)

7. Tim Brown: 14,934 yards

Las Vegas/Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders -- Tim Brown, 1988-2003, 14,734 yards

Teams: Los Angeles Raiders /Oakland Raiders (1988 to 2003) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004)

6. Tony Gonzalez: 15,127 yards

15. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs (2008) - 261.8 points

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (1997 to 2008) and Atlanta Falcons (2009 to 2013)

5. Issac Bruce: 15,208 yards

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 29: Isaac Bruce #80 of the St. Louis Rams carries the ball after making a catch against the Green Bay Packers November 29, 2004 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Teams:Los Angeles Rams /St. Louis Rams (1994 to 2007) and San Francisco (2008 to 2009)

4. Randy Moss: 15,292 yards

Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss celebrates with fans after his fourth quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. At left, Vikings Cris Carter congratulates Moss. Carter picked up his 800th career reception as Minnesota defeated Cincinnati 24-3.SC/SB — Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss celebrates with fans after his fourth quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. At left, Vikings Cris Carter congratulates Moss. Carter picked up his 800th career reception as Minnesota defeated Cincinnati 24-3. SC/SB

Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1998 to 2004, 2010), Oakland Raiders (2005 to 2006), New England Patriots (2007 to 2010), Tennessee Titans (2010), and San Francisco 49ers (2012)

3. Terrell Owens: 15,934 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), Dallas Cowboys (2006 to 2008), Buffalo Bills (2009), and Cincinnati Bengals (2010)