Most Receiving Yards in a Single Game by a Detroit Lions Player
Calvin Johnson didn’t just break records — he rewrote the book. The Lions legend holds six of the top ten single-game receiving performances in franchise history, including a jaw-dropping 329-yard day in 2013. From old-school monsters like Cloyce Box to recent stars like Marvin Jones, this list is a mix of dominance across eras.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Roy Williams – 204 Yards (2007)
A bright spot in a rough era for Detroit, Roy Williams delivered this massive game in 2007 with big plays all over the field.
9. Marvin Jones – 205 Yards (2016)
Jones went nuclear in this 2016 game, showcasing his deep-threat ability and precise route running.
8. Calvin Johnson – 207 Yards (2012)
Yes, this is just one of six Calvin games. His 207-yard effort in 2012 was part of an unstoppable campaign.
7. Calvin Johnson – 211 Yards (2012)
Another 2012 outing where Megatron torched defenders and showed why he was uncoverable, even with double teams.
6. Calvin Johnson – 214 Yards (2011)
Just another Sunday for CJ. This 2011 performance was a perfect blend of power, speed, and timing with Stafford.
5. Calvin Johnson – 225 Yards (2012)
A top-tier stat line even by his standards. This was the kind of game that made defensive backs look helpless.
4. Calvin Johnson – 244 Yards (2012)
Megatron’s dominance peaked in 2012 — and this 244-yard game proved he wasn’t just the best WR that season, he was historic.
3. Richard Johnson – 248 Yards (1989)
A rare name on this list, Richard Johnson’s performance came out of nowhere and still stands near the top after decades.
2. Cloyce Box – 302 Yards (1950)
Over 70 years ago, Box dropped 302 yards — with no gloves, no domes, and no mercy. A forgotten all-time great performance.
1. Calvin Johnson – 329 Yards (2013)
The crown belongs to Megatron. This 329-yard eruption in 2013 is one of the greatest receiving performances in NFL history.
Ranking the 10 best single-game receiving yard performances in Lions history
Top 50 Single-Game Receiving Performances in Lions History
Calvin Johnson dominates this list, but several other Lions greats left their mark with unforgettable receiving days.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvin Johnson | 329 | 1 | 10/27/2013 |
| 2 | Cloyce Box | 302 | 4 | 12/3/1950 |
| 3 | Richard Johnson | 248 | 1 | 12/3/1989 |
| 4 | Calvin Johnson | 244 | 1 | 1/1/2012 |
| 5 | Calvin Johnson | 225 | 0 | 12/22/2012 |
| 6 | Calvin Johnson | 214 | 2 | 12/18/2011 |
| 7 | Calvin Johnson | 207 | 1 | 11/11/2012 |
| 8 | Marvin Jones | 205 | 2 | 9/25/2016 |
| 9 | Roy Williams | 204 | 1 | 9/23/2007 |
| 10 | Cloyce Box | 202 | 3 | 12/13/1952 |
| 11 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | 193 | 1 | 12/15/2024 |
| 12 | Herman Moore | 183 | 1 | 12/4/1995 |
| 13 | Bob Mann | 182 | 2 | 12/11/1949 |
| 14 | Marvin Jones | 180 | 2 | 1/3/2021 |
| 15 | T.J. Hockenson | 179 | 2 | 10/2/2022 |
| 16 | Calvin Johnson | 179 | 2 | 11/17/2013 |
| 17 | Leonard Thompson | 179 | 1 | 9/11/1983 |
| 18 | Herman Moore | 176 | 0 | 11/5/1995 |
| 19 | Johnnie Morton | 174 | 2 | 9/22/1996 |
| 20 | Richard Johnson | 172 | 1 | 9/17/1989 |
| 21 | Cloyce Box | 172 | 3 | 12/7/1952 |
| 22 | Calvin Johnson | 171 | 1 | 12/2/2012 |
| 23 | Johnnie Morton | 171 | 1 | 12/7/1997 |
| 24 | Gail Cogdill | 171 | 1 | 12/17/1961 |
| 25 | Herman Moore | 169 | 1 | 11/24/1994 |
| 26 | Dave Middleton | 168 | 1 | 11/20/1955 |
| 27 | Calvin Johnson | 166 | 1 | 10/18/2015 |
| 28 | Golden Tate | 165 | 1 | 10/16/2016 |
| 29 | Terry Barr | 165 | 1 | 11/22/1964 |
| 30 | Gail Cogdill | 165 | 0 | 11/1/1964 |
| 31 | Terry Barr | 165 | 1 | 9/30/1962 |
| 32 | Calvin Johnson | 164 | 2 | 9/8/2014 |
| 33 | Calvin Johnson | 164 | 1 | 9/23/2012 |
| 34 | Pat Studstill | 164 | 0 | 10/30/1966 |
| 35 | Germane Crowell | 163 | 1 | 11/7/1999 |
| 36 | Ray Jarvis | 163 | 2 | 10/31/1976 |
| 37 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | 161 | 2 | 11/17/2024 |
| 38 | Calvin Johnson | 161 | 1 | 11/22/2009 |
| 39 | Roy Williams | 161 | 1 | 10/15/2006 |
| 40 | Leonard Thompson | 161 | 2 | 12/19/1982 |
| 41 | Jim Gibbons | 161 | 2 | 12/13/1964 |
| 42 | Kenny Golladay | 158 | 1 | 11/28/2019 |
| 43 | Calvin Johnson | 158 | 1 | 12/7/2014 |
| 44 | Larry Walton | 158 | 2 | 10/18/1970 |
| 45 | Herman Moore | 157 | 1 | 9/1/1996 |
| 46 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | 156 | 1 | 11/12/2023 |
| 47 | Freddie Scott | 156 | 1 | 11/8/1981 |
| 48 | Calvin Johnson | 155 | 2 | 10/20/2013 |
| 49 | Cloyce Box | 155 | 3 | 11/27/1952 |
| 50 | Golden Tate | 154 | 1 | 10/19/2014 |
Calvin Johnson completely owns this list — with six appearances including the top spot. His dominance in 2012 alone is unmatched. But props go to legends like Cloyce Box and surprise performances from Marvin Jones and Richard Johnson, who etched their names in Lions history with one legendary afternoon.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Lions record for most receiving yards in a game?
Calvin Johnson holds the record with 329 yards in 2013.
How many times is Calvin Johnson on this list?
Calvin Johnson appears six times, more than any player on any team’s list.
Are there any 2000s performances included?
Yes — Roy Williams (2007), Marvin Jones (2016), and multiple Calvin Johnson games (2011–2013).
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