Most Receiving Yards in a Single Game by a Philadelphia Eagles Player
When the Eagles go deep, they go all in — and this Top 10 list proves it. From Tommy McDonald’s 237-yard masterpiece in 1961 to DeSean Jackson’s blistering bursts in the 2010s, Philadelphia has always had a flair for big-play receivers.
DeSean Jackson appears three times in the Top 10, including two in 2013 alone, and reminded everyone what elite speed truly looks like. But the list is more than just burners — Kevin Curtis shocked fans in 2007 with a 221-yard outburst, and Pete Retzlaff dropped 204 yards as a tight end back in the ‘60s. That’s range. That’s legacy.
From forgotten names like Bud Grant (yes, *that* Bud Grant) to modern weapons like A.J. Brown climbing the ranks, the Eagles’ aerial attack has always found ways to shine — sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes spectacularly.
TOP 10 LIST
10. DeSean Jackson – 193 Yards (2013)
One of several on this list, Jackson lit up defenses again in 2013 with elite speed and jaw-dropping separation.
9. Harold Jackson – 194 Yards (1970)
No relation to DeSean — but just as dangerous. Harold Jackson was a deep-ball threat before it was trendy.
8. DeSean Jackson – 195 Yards (2013)
Yes, again. This second 2013 appearance shows how much of a vertical nightmare DeSean was that season.
7. Ben Hawkins – 197 Yards (1967)
Big hands, big hair, and big numbers. Hawkins was a forgotten gem from the ‘60s who made cornerbacks look silly.
6. Timmy Brown – 199 Yards (1962)
More known for his return skills, Brown proved he was just as dangerous from scrimmage with this near-200-yard performance.
5. Bud Grant – 203 Yards (1952)
Before he became a legendary coach, Bud Grant was a beast on the field. His 203-yard game came in a run-first era and still holds weight today.
4. Pete Retzlaff – 204 Yards (1965)
A tight end putting up 200+ in the ‘60s? Retzlaff wasn’t just tough — he had serious hands and smarts too.
3. DeSean Jackson – 210 Yards (2010)
Prime DeSean was a nightmare. His 210-yard day in 2010 was highlight after highlight — and mostly on bombs.
2. Kevin Curtis – 221 Yards (2007)
This one came out of nowhere. Curtis had a career day with over 220 yards — and no one saw it coming.
1. Tommy McDonald – 237 Yards (1961)
Still unmatched. McDonald’s 237-yard game is more than six decades old and still the gold standard in Philly’s air attack history.
Ranking the 10 best single-game receiving yard performances in Eagles history
Top 50 Single-Game Receiving Performances in Eagles History
This chart highlights the biggest receiving explosions in franchise history — from legends like Tommy McDonald to current stars like A.J. Brown.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tommy McDonald | 237 | 2 | 12/10/1961 |
| 2 | Kevin Curtis | 221 | 3 | 9/23/2007 |
| 3 | DeSean Jackson | 210 | 1 | 12/12/2010 |
| 4 | Pete Retzlaff | 204 | 0 | 11/14/1965 |
| 5 | Bud Grant | 203 | 2 | 12/7/1952 |
| 6 | Timmy Brown | 199 | 2 | 12/16/1962 |
| 7 | Ben Hawkins | 197 | 1 | 10/22/1967 |
| 8 | DeSean Jackson | 195 | 1 | 12/15/2013 |
| 9 | Harold Jackson | 194 | 2 | 10/11/1970 |
| 10 | DeSean Jackson | 193 | 1 | 9/15/2013 |
| 11 | Fred Barnett | 193 | 2 | 9/13/1992 |
| 12 | Jeremy Maclin | 187 | 2 | 10/26/2014 |
| 13 | Fred Barnett | 187 | 1 | 10/24/1994 |
| 14 | Harold Carmichael | 187 | 2 | 10/14/1973 |
| 15 | Ben Hawkins | 187 | 2 | 10/1/1967 |
| 16 | Tommy McDonald | 187 | 0 | 10/1/1961 |
| 17 | Bud Grant | 186 | 1 | 11/30/1952 |
| 18 | Jack Ferrante | 184 | 3 | 12/12/1948 |
| 19 | A.J. Brown | 181 | 0 | 12/18/2022 |
| 20 | Calvin Williams | 181 | 3 | 9/19/1993 |
| 21 | Don Looney | 180 | 0 | 12/1/1940 |
| 22 | Tommy McDonald | 179 | 2 | 9/15/1963 |
| 23 | DeSean Jackson | 178 | 1 | 12/13/2009 |
| 24 | Hank Baskett | 177 | 1 | 12/31/2006 |
| 25 | Bobby Walston | 176 | 2 | 11/8/1953 |
| 26 | A.J. Brown | 175 | 2 | 10/1/2023 |
| 27 | Timmy Brown | 174 | 1 | 10/28/1962 |
| 28 | Fred Barnett | 173 | 2 | 11/6/1994 |
| 29 | DeSean Jackson | 171 | 0 | 10/2/2011 |
| 30 | Jeremy Maclin | 171 | 2 | 9/18/2011 |
| 31 | Terrell Owens | 171 | 1 | 10/2/2005 |
| 32 | Dallas Goedert | 170 | 0 | 9/22/2024 |
| 33 | Mike Quick | 170 | 1 | 10/28/1984 |
| 34 | DeVonta Smith | 169 | 1 | 9/25/2022 |
| 35 | Jerry Williams | 166 | 1 | 10/3/1954 |
| 36 | James Thrash | 165 | 2 | 9/23/2001 |
| 37 | Jerry Williams | 163 | 1 | 11/28/1954 |
| 38 | Cris Carter | 162 | 1 | 10/10/1988 |
| 39 | Tommy McDonald | 162 | 3 | 12/16/1962 |
| 40 | Terrell Owens | 161 | 1 | 12/5/2004 |
| 41 | Fred Barnett | 161 | 0 | 12/13/1992 |
| 42 | Harold Jackson | 161 | 0 | 9/17/1972 |
| 43 | Alshon Jeffery | 160 | 0 | 12/16/2018 |
| 44 | Timmy Brown | 160 | 1 | 9/23/1962 |
| 45 | Jordan Matthews | 159 | 1 | 12/20/2015 |
| 46 | Jeremy Maclin | 159 | 2 | 10/17/2010 |
| 47 | Jeremy Maclin | 158 | 2 | 11/2/2014 |
| 48 | Brent Celek | 157 | 0 | 9/16/2012 |
| 49 | A.J. Brown | 156 | 3 | 10/30/2022 |
| 50 | Brent Celek | 156 | 1 | 12/18/2011 |
Tommy McDonald’s record still stands tall, but DeSean Jackson carved out his own legacy with three Top 10 entries — all over 190 yards. From tight ends to speed demons, this list shows that the Eagles’ passing game has always had room for fireworks. Kevin Curtis may not be a household name, but his 221-yard day won’t be forgotten in Philly.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Eagles record for most receiving yards in a game?
Tommy McDonald holds the record with 237 receiving yards in 1961.
How many times is DeSean Jackson on the list?
DeSean Jackson appears three times — 2010 and twice in 2013.
Are any tight ends included in this list?
Yes — Pete Retzlaff put up 204 yards in 1965 as a tight end.
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