Most Career Receiving Yards by a Philadelphia Eagles Player
The Philadelphia Eagles have a rich history of prolific pass-catchers who elevated the franchise to new heights. From Harold Carmichael’s record-setting career to DeSean Jackson’s explosive deep threats, these receivers left their mark in unforgettable fashion.
Let’s count down the top 10 players with the most career receiving yards in Eagles history — a list packed with Hall of Famers, deep threats, and Super Bowl legends.
Top 10 All-Time Receiving Yard Leaders
10. Jeremy Maclin – 4,771 Yards
Maclin was a dependable and dynamic receiver, posting multiple 1,000-yard seasons and producing countless clutch catches before injuries cut his Eagles tenure short.
9. Brent Celek – 4,998 Yards
Celek brought old-school toughness to the tight end position, becoming a fan favorite for his blocking and timely contributions in the passing game.
8. Bobby Walston – 5,363 Yards
One of the early stars of Eagles history, Walston was also the team’s kicker—showcasing a rare versatility seldom seen in the modern game.
7. Tommy McDonald – 5,499 Yards
A Hall of Fame deep threat, McDonald’s blazing speed and big-play production made him one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers of the 1960s.
6. Pete Pihos – 5,619 Yards
Pihos was ahead of his time, leading the league in receptions twice and playing a huge role in the Eagles’ early championship teams.
5. Zach Ertz – 6,267 Yards
Ertz set the NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end and delivered a Super Bowl-winning touchdown against the Patriots.
4. Mike Quick – 6,464 Yards
Quick was aptly named, earning five Pro Bowls with his smooth routes and explosive acceleration that consistently beat defensive backs.
3. DeSean Jackson – 6,512 Yards
No one struck fear into secondaries quite like Jackson, who racked up highlight-reel touchdowns and became the league’s premier deep threat.
2. Pete Retzlaff – 7,412 Yards
Nicknamed “The Baron,” Retzlaff was a five-time Pro Bowler who seamlessly blended size, hands, and production throughout the 1960s.
1. Harold Carmichael – 8,978 Yards
Standing 6’8”, Carmichael was nearly impossible to cover, earning four Pro Bowls and becoming the Eagles’ all-time receiving leader—and eventually a Hall of Famer.

Ranking the 10 best career receiving yard totals in Philadelphia Eagles history
Top 50 Career Receiving Yards in Eagles History
From the towering presence of Harold Carmichael to the electrifying speed of DeSean Jackson, these receivers defined generations of Eagles football. As new stars emerge in Philadelphia, the bar for excellence remains sky high—ready to be challenged by the next great Eagle.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harold Carmichael | 8978 |
| 2 | Pete Retzlaff | 7412 |
| 3 | DeSean Jackson | 6512 |
| 4 | Mike Quick | 6464 |
| 5 | Zach Ertz | 6267 |
| 6 | Pete Pihos | 5619 |
| 7 | Tommy McDonald | 5499 |
| 8 | Bobby Walston | 5363 |
| 9 | Brent Celek | 4998 |
| 10 | Jeremy Maclin | 4771 |
| 11 | Ben Hawkins | 4764 |
| 12 | Fred Barnett | 4634 |
| 13 | Dallas Goedert | 4085 |
| 14 | A.J. Brown | 4031 |
| 15 | DeVonta Smith | 4011 |
| 16 | Calvin Williams | 3840 |
| 17 | Brian Westbrook | 3790 |
| 18 | Jason Avant | 3646 |
| 19 | Keith Byars | 3532 |
| 20 | Harold Jackson | 3493 |
| 21 | Charlie Smith | 3349 |
| 22 | Timmy Brown | 3346 |
| 23 | Irving Fryar | 3067 |
| 24 | Jordan Matthews | 3006 |
| 25 | Jack Ferrante | 2884 |
| 26 | John Spagnola | 2833 |
| 27 | Todd Pinkston | 2816 |
| 28 | Keith Jackson | 2756 |
| 29 | Charle Young | 2583 |
| 30 | Reggie Brown | 2574 |
| 31 | L.J. Smith | 2525 |
| 32 | Nelson Agholor | 2515 |
| 33 | Duce Staley | 2498 |
| 34 | Wilbert Montgomery | 2447 |
| 35 | Keith Krepfle | 2420 |
| 36 | Riley Cooper | 2418 |
| 37 | Gary Ballman | 2379 |
| 38 | Chad Lewis | 2349 |
| 39 | LeSean McCoy | 2282 |
| 40 | Alshon Jeffery | 2237 |
| 41 | Kenny Jackson | 2139 |
| 42 | James Thrash | 2026 |
| 43 | Terrell Owens | 1963 |
| 44 | Joe Carter | 1810 |
| 45 | Greg Lewis | 1699 |
| 46 | Clarence Peaks | 1658 |
| 47 | Kevin Curtis | 1577 |
| 48 | Darren Sproles | 1459 |
| 49 | Cris Carter | 1450 |
| 50 | Herschel Walker | 1388 |
From the towering presence of Harold Carmichael to the electrifying speed of DeSean Jackson, these receivers defined generations of Eagles football. As new stars emerge in Philadelphia, the bar for excellence remains sky high—ready to be challenged by the next great Eagle.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Eagles record for most career receiving yards?
Harold Carmichael holds the record with 8,978 career receiving yards.
Which Eagles tight end ranks highest in career receiving yards?
Zach Ertz leads all Eagles tight ends with 6,267 yards in his career.
Is DeSean Jackson in the top 3?
Yes—DeSean Jackson ranks third all-time with 6,512 receiving yards
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