Most Receiving Yards in a Single Game by a Carolina Panthers Player
When you think of Carolina Panthers receiving greatness, one name towers over all: Steve Smith Sr. He dominates this list with five of the top 10 games — including the franchise record of 218 yards. Mix in some big games from Muhsin Muhammad, tight end legend Greg Olsen, and even Ed Dickson, and you’ve got a full spectrum of Panthers aerial dominance.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Ed Dickson – 175 Yards (2017)
Tight end Ed Dickson exploded for 175 yards in 2017 — a breakout game few saw coming.
9. Steve Smith Sr. – 178 Yards (2011)
One of five appearances, this 178-yard day showed that Smith’s explosiveness never faded.
8. Muhsin Muhammad – 179 Yards (2004)
“Moose” brought physicality and hands — and this 179-yard performance was textbook possession dominance.
7. Steve Smith Sr. – 181 Yards (2011)
Another 2011 heater, Smith racked up 181 yards with his trademark attitude and insane YAC.
6. Greg Olsen – 181 Yards (2016)
Olsen remains one of the few tight ends to ever hit this mark. A brilliant display of route-running and trust with Cam Newton.
5. Muhsin Muhammad – 189 Yards (2003)
Muhammad’s second entry — his 2003 performance helped power one of Carolina’s best seasons.
4. Steve Smith Sr. – 189 Yards (2006)
Smith again. His 2006 season was elite, and this game proved he could carry the passing attack singlehandedly.
3. Muhsin Muhammad – 192 Yards (1998)
The original WR1 in Panthers history. His 192-yard day in ’98 set the tone for years to come.
2. Steve Smith Sr. – 201 Yards (2005)
Over 200 yards of fury, quick cuts, and sideline magic. Smith was simply too much for the defense to handle.
1. Steve Smith Sr. – 218 Yards (2006)
The #1 spot goes to the legend himself. In 2006, Smith scorched defenders for 218 yards — still the high watermark in franchise history.

Ranking the 10 best single-game receiving yard performances in Panthers history
Top 50 Single-Game Receiving Performances in Panthers History
No one in Panthers history comes close to Steve Smith Sr., who owns half the list and the franchise record. But respect to tight ends like Olsen and Dickson, and OGs like Muhsin Muhammad who paved the way. Until another WR rises to the challenge, this list is Steve Smith’s kingdom.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steve Smith Sr. | 218 | 1 | 10/15/2006 |
| 2 | Steve Smith Sr. | 201 | 1 | 10/30/2005 |
| 3 | Muhsin Muhammad | 192 | 1 | 9/13/1998 |
| 4 | Steve Smith Sr. | 189 | 1 | 10/15/2006 |
| 5 | Muhsin Muhammad | 189 | 0 | 11/16/2003 |
| 6 | Greg Olsen | 181 | 0 | 10/10/2016 |
| 7 | Steve Smith Sr. | 181 | 0 | 10/2/2011 |
| 8 | Muhsin Muhammad | 179 | 1 | 12/5/2004 |
| 9 | Steve Smith Sr. | 178 | 2 | 9/11/2011 |
| 10 | Ed Dickson | 175 | 0 | 10/8/2017 |
| 11 | Steve Smith Sr. | 170 | 3 | 9/25/2005 |
| 12 | Steve Smith Sr. | 169 | 0 | 11/20/2005 |
| 13 | Steve Smith Sr. | 168 | 0 | 11/23/2008 |
| 14 | Steve Smith Sr. | 165 | 1 | 12/14/2008 |
| 15 | Patrick Jeffers | 165 | 2 | 1/2/2000 |
| 16 | Patrick Jeffers | 160 | 2 | 12/26/1999 |
| 17 | DJ Moore | 157 | 1 | 11/18/2018 |
| 18 | Steve Smith Sr. | 157 | 1 | 12/20/2009 |
| 19 | Willie Green | 157 | 1 | 12/8/1996 |
| 20 | Willie Green | 157 | 1 | 11/12/1995 |
| 21 | Steve Smith Sr. | 156 | 0 | 9/18/2011 |
| 22 | Steve Smith Sr. | 153 | 3 | 9/16/2007 |
| 23 | DJ Moore | 152 | 1 | 10/30/2022 |
| 24 | Steve Smith Sr. | 151 | 1 | 10/19/2003 |
| 25 | Muhsin Muhammad | 151 | 0 | 10/3/1999 |
| 26 | Steve Smith Sr. | 149 | 1 | 11/13/2006 |
| 27 | Muhsin Muhammad | 147 | 1 | 9/28/2008 |
| 28 | Patrick Jeffers | 147 | 2 | 12/12/1999 |
| 29 | Wesley Walls | 147 | 0 | 9/7/1997 |
| 30 | Willie Green | 147 | 1 | 12/17/1995 |
| 31 | Adam Thielen | 145 | 1 | 9/24/2023 |
| 32 | Drew Carter | 144 | 1 | 12/10/2006 |
| 33 | Steve Smith Sr. | 144 | 1 | 12/8/2002 |
| 34 | Steve Smith Sr. | 143 | 0 | 10/23/2011 |
| 35 | Steve Smith Sr. | 138 | 1 | 9/11/2005 |
| 36 | Patrick Jeffers | 138 | 1 | 12/18/1999 |
| 37 | Steve Smith Sr. | 137 | 1 | 12/22/2007 |
| 38 | Steve Smith Sr. | 136 | 1 | 10/14/2007 |
| 39 | Muhsin Muhammad | 135 | 1 | 12/18/2004 |
| 40 | Greg Olsen | 134 | 2 | 9/27/2015 |
| 41 | Steve Smith Sr. | 134 | 0 | 12/28/2008 |
| 42 | Ricky Proehl | 133 | 1 | 11/9/2003 |
| 43 | Donald Hayes | 133 | 1 | 11/28/1999 |
| 44 | Drew Carter | 132 | 1 | 11/18/2007 |
| 45 | Muhsin Muhammad | 132 | 0 | 9/23/2001 |
| 46 | Mark Carrier | 132 | 2 | 11/26/1995 |
| 47 | DJ Moore | 131 | 0 | 12/19/2020 |
| 48 | Greg Olsen | 131 | 1 | 10/18/2015 |
| 49 | Steve Smith Sr. | 131 | 0 | 9/20/2009 |
| 50 | Steve Smith Sr. | 131 | 1 | 1/1/2006 |
No one in Panthers history comes close to Steve Smith Sr., who owns half the list and the franchise record. But respect to tight ends like Olsen and Dickson, and OGs like Muhsin Muhammad who paved the way. Until another WR rises to the challenge, this list is Steve Smith’s kingdom.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Panthers record for most receiving yards in a game?
Steve Smith Sr. holds the record with 218 yards in 2006.
How many times does Steve Smith appear on this list?
Steve Smith Sr. appears five times, showing legendary consistency and dominance.
Are there any tight ends in the Top 10?
Yes — Greg Olsen (181 yards in 2016) and Ed Dickson (175 yards in 2017) both made the cut.
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