Wide receivers often find inspiration by studying the legends who came before them. For Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins, that influence runs deep.
Players with similar size and physicality have shaped how he views success at his position.
During a recent conversation with insider Jordan Schultz, Higgins shared his all-time top five NFL wide receivers.
Higgins started with Jerry Rice, the all-time leader in receiving yards. Randy Moss followed at second for his explosive playmaking ability.
Julio Jones took the third spot with his smooth yet physical style. A.J. Green rounded out the fourth position with his competitive edge.
The fifth spot gets interesting. Higgins narrowed it down between three big-bodied receivers who mirror his own playing style: Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Calvin Johnson, and Andre Johnson.
I asked #Bengals star WR @teehiggins5 to name his top five WR's of all time and we ended up with seven elite options! 🔥
Subscribe to my new YouTube channel: https://t.co/VCq1yWSBFd pic.twitter.com/myfCaCslxN
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 28, 2025
These players became the type Higgins gravitated toward during his development years.
Each left their mark not just through statistics but by redefining how to control games with power and agility combined.
Chad Johnson brought a flamboyant personality with precise route running. Calvin Johnson possessed unmatched physical traits and an incredible catch radius.
Andre Johnson delivered consistency and toughness game after game. All three qualities show up in Higgins’ current playing style.
At 26, Higgins remains a cornerstone of the Bengals offense. Injuries slowed him recently, but he still posted solid 2024 numbers: 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games.
Heading into 2025 under the franchise tag, Higgins focuses on team success rather than individual accolades.
His goal stays simple. Help Cincinnati end a two-year playoff drought and give the offense strong momentum from the season opener.
The influence of those receivers continues to guide his development as he enters another crucial campaign.
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