Milestones

History Published on : 10/4/2005
Each Wednesday throughout the 2005 NFL season, Profootballhof.com examines a current NFL record.

Marvin_HarrisonIndianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison hauled in a record 143 catches during the 2002 season to shatter the National Football League mark for receptions in a single season. He broke the previous mark with two weeks remaining in the season and padded the record considerably as he finished with 20 catches more than Herman Moore’s 123 receptions in 1995.

The record for most catches in an NFL season switched hands four straight seasons from 1992 to 1995. The legendary Don Hutson had set the standard in the 1930s and 1940s when he record the league’s first 70-catch season in 1942, an amazing figure for the day.

Fellow Hall of Famer Tom Fears was the first player to eclipse the 80-catch plateau with 84 for the Los Angeles Rams in 1950. The American Football League produced the first 100-catch receiver when Lionel Taylor of the Denver Broncos achieved the total during the 1961 season.

 Harrison sets NFL record, jersey goes to Canton>>>

Progression of a Record – Most Receptions, Season
143 – Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts (2002)
123 – Herman Moore, Detroit Lions (1995)
122 – Cris Carter, Minnesota Vikings (1994)
112 – Sterling Sharpe, Green Bay Packers (1993)
108 – Sterling Sharpe, Green Bay Packers (1992)
106 – Art Monk, Washington Redskins (1984)
101 – Charley Hennigan, Houston Oilers (1964)
100 – Lionel Taylor, Denver Broncos (1961)
92 – Lionel Taylor, Denver Broncos (1960)
84 – Tom Fears, Los Angeles Rams (1950)
77 – Tom Fears, Los Angeles Rams (1949)
74 – Don Hutson, Green Bay Packers (1942)
58 – Don Looney, Philadelphia Eagles (1940)
        Don Hutson, Green Bay Packers (1941)
41 – Don Hutson, Green Bay Packers (1940)
        Gaynell Tinsley, Chicago Cardinals (1938)
34 – Don Hutson, Green Bay Packers (1936)

Other Milestones
 1978 Patriots - Most yards gained rushing
 Tom Dempsey - Longest field goal
 Jerry Rice - Career receptions
 Eric Dickerson - rookie rushing mark