Most receiving yards in a single game: Browns' Amari Cooper nears NFL record with explosive display vs. Texans

The NFL has seen a number of Bohemians walk through its hallowed walls. No position has housed more of them than wide receivers, however.

It's a glamorous place to be at on the field, admittedly; wideouts are often afforded the time and space needed to let their personality shine through, opportunities that are not always available to their contemporaries.

Quarterback may be the most popular position on the field, and perhaps offensive line is the most important. But few players are as glitzy as wide receivers. And on rare occasions, some have been able to leave their name to posterity.

The reason why? They couldn't stop catching the ball.

The all-time single game receiving yards list is filled with talent. Some of them are Hall of Famers, while others had to settle for a few brief glimpses of greatness. Still, all of those who populate its space do so because, at one point or another, they showed the football world just how good they could be. At least for a fleeting moment.

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So, come one, come all. The Sporting News gives you rundown on the greatest single-game receiving performances (by yardage) in NFL history.

Most receiving yards in a single game

Just six players have hit the 300 yards receiving mark in a single game in NFL history, most recently Julio Jones in 2016. The all-time leader for yards in a single game is Flipper Anderson, the former Ram who exploded for 336 yards in Los Angeles' 20-17 win over the Eagles on Nov. 26, 1989. Anderson accounted for nearly 30 percent of the total yardage he accumulated throughout the year in that game.

His record has stood some 34 years, resting comfortably among giants. The most recent incursion on his high-water mark happened in 2013, when Lions great Calvin Johnson fell just seven yards short of the total in a win over Dallas.

Browns receiver Amari Cooper is the latest to get fans wondering about the record, exploding for 265 yards on Christmas Eve in 2023. 

Here's a look at the 20 greatest single-game receiving performances (by way of yardage):