Most Career Receiving Yards by a Chicago Bears Player

The Chicago Bears might be known for defense and pounding the rock, but don’t sleep on their pass-catching history. Despite inconsistent quarterback play over the years, several Bears have carved out serious legacies through the air — including two running backs, a revolutionary tight end, and some of the toughest wide receivers in NFL lore.

This list brings together names from the leather-helmet days to the Jay Cutler era, showcasing the players who racked up yardage in a city that traditionally values grit over glamour. Let’s dive into the top 10 Bears in career receiving yards and salute their big plays, clutch grabs, and YAC brilliance.

Top 10 All-Time Receiving Yard Leaders

10. Ken Kavanaugh – 3,626 Yards
One of the NFL’s first true receiving threats, Kavanaugh helped define the position before it was even fashionable.

9. Willie Gault – 3,650 Yards
With Olympic speed and big-play flair, Gault gave the Bears deep-ball fireworks during their 1985 championship season.

8. Marty Booker – 3,895 Yards
The go-to guy in a forgettable offensive era, Booker still found ways to shine and earned a Pro Bowl selection.

7. Matt Forte – 4,116 Yards
A fantasy football darling and every-down workhorse, Forte was equally dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield.

6. Curtis Conway – 4,498 Yards
A bright spot in the ’90s, Conway posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and stayed consistent in a revolving offense.

5. Mike Ditka – 4,503 Yards
Long before he was “Da Coach,” Ditka was rewriting the tight end playbook. His blend of grit and athleticism set the standard.

4. Walter Payton – 4,538 Yards
“Sweetness” wasn’t just a Hall of Fame rusher — he was also a lethal receiver, making him the total package.

3. Alshon Jeffery – 4,549 Yards
Towering catches and sideline toe-taps defined Jeffery’s game. He was Cutler’s top target and a matchup nightmare.

2. Harlon Hill – 4,616 Yards
The 1955 MVP — yes, really — Hill was a dominant force in the post-war NFL with hands and wheels that turned heads.

1. Johnny Morris – 5,059 Yards
Quiet, dependable, and always open. Morris held it down for the Bears across the ‘60s and still tops the franchise chart decades later.

Ranking the greatest receivers in Chicago Bears history by total career receiving yards

Top 50 Career Receiving Yards Performances in Bears History

While the Bears have been defined by defense and power running, these receivers and backs proved that Chicago has a proud tradition of big plays through the air. From Johnny Morris’s consistency to Alshon Jeffery’s highlight grabs, every player on this list helped shape the franchise’s offensive history.

While the Bears have been defined by defense and power running, these receivers and backs proved that Chicago has a proud tradition of big plays through the air. From Johnny Morris’s consistency to Alshon Jeffery’s highlight grabs, every player on this list helped shape the franchise’s offensive history.

FAQ SECTION

Who has the most career receiving yards in Chicago Bears history?
Johnny Morris holds the record with 5,059 yards.

Which Bears tight end gained the most career receiving yards?
Mike Ditka leads all Bears tight ends with 4,503 yards.

Are there any running backs among the Bears’ top receivers?
Yes—Walter Payton and Matt Forte both rank among the top 10 thanks to their versatility.

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