Top 20 Series. There are many ways in which a player's success in the NFL is measured. One of the most obvious is a comparison of statistics. Each week during the NFL's regular season Profootballhof.com featured updated Top 20 lists for four main statistical categories.
Now, with the help from Elias Sports Bureau, we are rolling out our expanded season’s end lists so you can compare today’s stars with the greatest of all-time. | Return to Top 20 at the Start of 2012>>>
CAREER NOTES. Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers added 381 yards to his career total in 2011 as he broke into the Top 20 list at the 18th position. Ward averaged 8.3 yards per catch and found the end zone twice.
Season at a glance: 2011 LEADER: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (1,681 yards)
SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Jerry Rice*, San Francisco 49ers (1,848 yards in 1995)
Receiving Yards (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
| 1 | Jerry Rice* | 22,895 |
| 2 | Terrell Owens | 15,934 |
| 3 | Isaac Bruce | 15,208 |
| 4 | Tim Brown | 14,934 |
| 5 | Randy Moss | 14,858 |
| 6 | Marvin Harrison | 14,580 |
| 7 | James Lofton | 14,004 |
| 8 | Cris Carter* | 13,899 |
| 9 | Henry Ellard | 13,777 |
| 10 | Torry Holt | 13,382 |
| 11 | Tony Gonzales | 13,338 |
| 12 | Andre Reed | 13;198 |
| 13 | Steve Largent* | 13,089 |
| 14 | Irving Fryar | 12,785 |
| 15 | Art Monk* | 12,721 |
| 16 | Jimmy Smith | 12,287 |
| 17 | Charlie Joiner* | 12,146 |
| 18 | Hines Ward | 12,083 |
| 19 | Derrick Mason | 12,061 |
| 20 | Michael Irvin* | 11,904 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau