Most Career Receiving Yards by a Detroit Lions Player
The Detroit Lions have had their share of electrifying pass catchers who lit up the stat sheets on Sundays. From towering deep threats to clutch possession receivers, this list celebrates the top 10 players who amassed the most career receiving yards in franchise history.
Top 10 List
10. Marvin Jones – 4,331 Yards
Jones was a steady, reliable target during his Lions tenure, consistently finding the end zone and delivering big plays downfield.
9. Leonard Thompson – 4,682 Yards
Thompson provided a consistent presence in Detroit’s passing attack throughout the 1980s, contributing as both a starter and a clutch role player.
8. Golden Tate – 4,741 Yards
Tate was a master of yards after the catch, turning short throws into game-changing plays and topping 90 receptions in multiple seasons.
7. Charlie Sanders – 4,817 Yards
Sanders redefined the tight end position in the 1970s with his athleticism and reliable hands, earning a place in the Hall of Fame.
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown – 4,851 Yards
Already climbing the ranks early in his career, St. Brown combines precise route-running with a fearless mentality that’s made him Jared Goff’s go-to option.
5. Gail Cogdill – 5,221 Yards
Cogdill was one of the league’s early deep threats, bringing speed and big-play potential to Detroit’s passing game in the 1960s.
4. Brett Perriman – 5,244 Yards
Perriman was a reliable weapon alongside Herman Moore, including a 1,400-yard season during Detroit’s offensive explosion in the mid-’90s.
3. Johnnie Morton – 6,499 Yards
Morton was a dependable target through coaching changes and quarterback rotations, finishing with six seasons over 500 yards.
2. Herman Moore – 9,174 Yards
Moore was nearly unguardable at his peak, setting NFL records for receptions in a season and forming a dominant duo with Barry Sanders in the ’90s.
1. Calvin Johnson – 11,619 Yards
“Megatron” was a generational talent whose blend of size, speed, and body control made him unstoppable. His 1,964-yard season remains one of the greatest ever.
Ranking the 10 greatest receivers in Detroit Lions history by career yardage
Top 50 Career Receiving Yards Performances in Lions History
The Detroit Lions’ legacy is filled with electric receivers who changed the game and shaped the franchise’s identity. Some relied on finesse, others on raw athleticism — but all left a mark on Motown football.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvin Johnson | 11,619 |
| 2 | Herman Moore | 9,174 |
| 3 | Johnnie Morton | 6,499 |
| 4 | Brett Perriman | 5,244 |
| 5 | Gail Cogdill | 5,221 |
| 6 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | 4,851 |
| 7 | Charlie Sanders | 4,817 |
| 8 | Golden Tate | 4,741 |
| 9 | Leonard Thompson | 4,682 |
| 10 | Marvin Jones | 4,331 |
| 11 | Roy Williams | 3,884 |
| 12 | Terry Barr | 3,810 |
| 13 | Freddie Scott | 3,651 |
| 14 | Jim Gibbons | 3,561 |
| 15 | Jeff Chadwick | 3,359 |
| 16 | Kenny Golladay | 3,068 |
| 17 | David Hill | 3,054 |
| 18 | Brandon Pettigrew | 2,965 |
| 19 | John Greene | 2,965 |
| 20 | Jim Doran | 2,960 |
| 21 | Barry Sanders | 2,921 |
| 22 | Germane Crowell | 2,722 |
| 23 | Cloyce Box | 2,665 |
| 24 | Larry Walton | 2,623 |
| 25 | Dorne Dibble | 2,552 |
| 26 | Doak Walker | 2,539 |
| 27 | Dave Middleton | 2,522 |
| 28 | Leon Hart | 2,499 |
| 29 | Pat Studstill | 2,452 |
| 30 | James Jones | 2,318 |
| 31 | Earl McCullouch | 2,314 |
| 32 | Robert Clark | 2,302 |
| 33 | Theo Riddick | 2,238 |
| 34 | Mark Nichols | 2,235 |
| 35 | Nate Burleson | 2,083 |
| 36 | Billy Sims | 2,072 |
| 37 | Eric Ebron | 2,070 |
| 38 | T.J. Hockenson | 2,068 |
| 39 | David Sloan | 2,024 |
| 40 | Mike Furrey | 1,931 |
| 41 | Kalif Raymond | 1,896 |
| 42 | Richard Johnson | 1,818 |
| 43 | Pete Mandley | 1,797 |
| 44 | Ray Jarvis | 1,772 |
| 45 | Az-Zahir Hakim | 1,670 |
| 46 | Willie Green | 1,640 |
| 47 | Joique Bell | 1,638 |
| 48 | Ron Jessie | 1,636 |
| 49 | Dexter Bussey | 1,616 |
| 50 | Sam LaPorta | 1,615 |
From Hall of Famers to modern stars, the Detroit Lions have showcased some of the most exciting receivers in NFL history. Whether it was Calvin Johnson dominating defenses or Amon-Ra St. Brown carving up the middle of the field, each of these players left an indelible mark on the franchise.
FAQ SECTION
Who has the most career receiving yards in Detroit Lions history?
Calvin Johnson leads the Lions with 11,619 career receiving yards.
Which Lions receiver had the most single-season receiving yards?
Calvin Johnson set the NFL record with 1,964 yards in 2012.
Who are some other notable Lions receivers?
Beyond this top 10, Roy Williams, Robert Clark, and Brandon Pettigrew were also important contributors over the years.
Want more records and rankings like this?
Follow @sogfootball on Instagram — daily debates and stat drops.
Browse all NFL Records and Tier Lists on the site here.
