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. Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is the leading receiver among active players. He added 80 catches for 875 yards in 2011. Gonzalez moved from sixth to second all-time in receptions.
Season at a glance: 2011 LEADER: Wes Welker, New England Patriots (122 receptions)
SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts (143 receptions in 2002)
Receptions (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
| 1 | Jerry Rice* | 1,549 |
| 2 | Tony Gonzales | 1,242 |
| 3 | Marvin Harrison | 1,102 |
| 4 | Cris Carter* | 1,101 |
| 5 | Tim Brown | 1,094 |
| 6 | Terrell Owens | 1,078 |
| 7 | Isaac Bruce | 1,024 |
| 8 | Hines Ward | 1,000 |
| 9 | Randy Moss | 954 |
| 10 | Andre Reed | 951 |
| 11 | Derrick Mason | 943 |
| 12 | Art Monk* | 940 |
| 13 | Torry Holt | 920 |
| 14 | Keenan McCardell | 883 |
| 15T | Jimmy Smith | 862 |
| 15T | Reggie Wayne | 862 |
| 17 | Muhsin Muhammad | 860 |
| 18 | Irving Fryar | 851 |
| 19 | Rod Smith | 849 |
| 20 | Larry Centers | 827 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau