Most Receiving Yards in a Single Game by an Arizona Cardinals Player
You might not associate the Cardinals with flashy passing numbers, but this list proves otherwise. Sonny Randle’s 256-yard outburst in 1962 still leads the franchise, while Anquan Boldin and John Brown delivered fireworks in the modern era. From Hall of Fame tight ends to under-the-radar burners, Arizona’s top 10 receiving games are anything but boring.
Top 10 List
10. Frank Sanders – 190 Yards (1998)
A steady and reliable weapon in the late ’90s, Sanders turned back the clock with this career-best day in 1998.
9. John Gilliam – 192 Yards (1969)
Gilliam makes his second appearance on this list, this time with a 192-yard effort that helped define his big-play reputation.
8. Michael Floyd – 193 Yards (2013)
Floyd showed flashes of star potential, and this 193-yard game was the peak of his career in Arizona.
7. Roy Green – 196 Yards (1984)
Green was electric in the ‘80s. His 196-yard showing in 1984 was a mix of deep-ball threats and fearless YAC runs.
6. John Brown – 196 Yards (2015)
Brown torched defenders in 2015 with his signature speed. A modern highlight in a historically run-heavy franchise.
5. John Gilliam – 197 Yards (1969)
Gilliam again! This 197-yard effort confirmed he wasn’t just a one-game wonder — he was a true vertical threat.
4. Sonny Randle – 198 Yards (1965)
Randle was unstoppable in the ‘60s. His 198-yard day in 1965 was just one of several dominant games during his peak.
3. Jackie Smith – 212 Yards (1963)
Yes, a tight end made the top 3. Smith’s 212-yard game in 1963 was outrageous for his position — and he earned every yard.
2. Anquan Boldin – 217 Yards (2003)
In his first NFL game, Boldin dropped 217 yards. It remains one of the greatest rookie debuts in league history.
1. Sonny Randle – 256 Yards (1962)
Randle takes the crown with a 256-yard clinic in 1962. He ran crisp routes, outmuscled DBs, and locked in his name atop the Cardinals record books.
Ranking the 10 most productive receivers in Arizona Cardinals history
Top 50 Single-Game Receiving Performances in Cardinals History
This chart shows every Cardinals player to record 149+ receiving yards in a single game, including names like Sonny Randle, Anquan Boldin, Jackie Smith, and Larry Fitzgerald.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sonny Randle | 256 | 1 | November 4, 1962 |
| 2 | Anquan Boldin | 217 | 2 | September 7, 2003 |
| 3 | Jackie Smith | 212 | 2 | October 13, 1963 |
| 4 | Sonny Randle | 198 | 3 | September 26, 1965 |
| 5 | John Gilliam | 197 | 1 | October 5, 1969 |
| 6 | John Brown | 196 | 0 | October 18, 2015 |
| 7 | Roy Green | 196 | 2 | December 16, 1984 |
| 8 | Michael Floyd | 193 | 1 | November 17, 2013 |
| 9 | John Gilliam | 192 | 3 | October 26, 1969 |
| 10 | Frank Sanders | 190 | 1 | November 15, 1998 |
| 11 | Roy Green | 189 | 2 | October 7, 1984 |
| 12 | Rob Moore | 188 | 0 | November 30, 1997 |
| 13 | Frank Sanders | 188 | 1 | November 16, 1997 |
| 14 | Mel Gray | 187 | 2 | October 25, 1975 |
| 15 | Anquan Boldin | 186 | 0 | November 16, 2008 |
| 16 | David Boston | 184 | 2 | December 3, 2000 |
| 17 | Roy Green | 183 | 2 | September 16, 1984 |
| 18 | Dave Stief | 183 | 1 | December 17, 1978 |
| 19 | Anquan Boldin | 181 | 2 | September 23, 2007 |
| 20 | Roy Green | 176 | 1 | November 13, 1988 |
| 21 | Taz Anderson | 175 | 0 | December 16, 1962 |
| 22 | Larry Fitzgerald | 172 | 0 | November 26, 2006 |
| 23 | Larry Centers | 172 | 0 | December 25, 1995 |
| 24 | Larry Fitzgerald | 171 | 2 | December 30, 2007 |
| 25 | Roy Green | 170 | 0 | September 19, 1982 |
| 26 | DeAndre Hopkins | 169 | 1 | December 20, 2020 |
| 27 | Gus Tinsley | 167 | 1 | November 27, 1938 |
| 28 | Gus Tinsley | 167 | 3 | September 24, 1937 |
| 29 | Michael Floyd | 166 | 1 | December 30, 2012 |
| 30 | Roy Green | 166 | 3 | September 17, 1989 |
| 31 | Ernie Jones | 166 | 1 | December 10, 1988 |
| 32 | Roy Green | 166 | 0 | October 14, 1984 |
| 33 | John Gilliam | 166 | 0 | November 21, 1971 |
| 34 | Bob Shaw | 165 | 5 | October 2, 1950 |
| 35 | Dave Williams | 164 | 4 | November 2, 1969 |
| 36 | Roy Green | 163 | 2 | October 21, 1984 |
| 37 | Anquan Boldin | 162 | 2 | December 23, 2007 |
| 38 | Anquan Boldin | 162 | 1 | October 9, 2005 |
| 39 | Woodley Lewis | 162 | 3 | December 14, 1957 |
| 40 | Billy Stacy | 161 | 1 | October 8, 1961 |
| 41 | Ollie Matson | 161 | 1 | November 28, 1954 |
| 42 | Larry Fitzgerald | 160 | 1 | October 26, 2014 |
| 43 | Mal Kutner | 160 | 1 | September 28, 1947 |
| 44 | DeAndre Hopkins | 159 | 1 | October 30, 2022 |
| 45 | Gary Clark | 159 | 1 | December 5, 1993 |
| 46 | Sonny Randle | 159 | 3 | October 6, 1963 |
| 47 | Sonny Randle | 159 | 3 | September 23, 1960 |
| 48 | Pat Tilley | 158 | 0 | November 22, 1981 |
| 49 | Larry Fitzgerald | 156 | 2 | November 25, 2007 |
| 50 | Anquan Boldin | 156 | 1 | December 4, 2005 |
Sonny Randle’s 256-yard explosion has stood for over 60 years — a testament to his dominance in a very different NFL. Anquan Boldin’s unforgettable rookie debut and John Gilliam’s double entries show that the Cardinals’ receiving legacy is deeper than you think. Don’t sleep on Jackie Smith either — 212 yards from a tight end? Unreal.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Cardinals record for most receiving yards in a game?
Sonny Randle holds the record with 256 yards in 1962.
What’s the most recent performance on the list?
John Brown had 196 yards in 2015 — the newest name to crack the top 10.
Are any tight ends included in this list?
Yes — Jackie Smith’s 212 yards in 1963 ranks third all-time and is legendary for a tight end.
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