Ranking the top 25 wide receivers in NFL history…
10. Steve Largent
Drafted 117th overall in the fourth round by the Houston Oilers in 1976 out of the University of Tulsa, Steve Largent was traded to the expansion Seattle Seahawks before his rookie season, where he blossomed into one of the NFL’s all-time greats.
Over 14 seasons with the Seahawks, Largent shattered records, retiring as the league’s leader in receptions (819), receiving yards (13,089) and touchdown receptions (100)—the first to reach 100 TDs.
He led the NFL in receiving yards in 1979 (1,237) and 1985 (1,287), setting a Seahawks single-season mark in 1985 that lasted 35 years. Largent had a 177-game reception streak and delivered a legendary performance in a 1987 strike game with 15 catches for 261 yards and three touchdowns against Detroit.
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He earned seven Pro Bowl selections (first in 1978) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 on his first ballot. The Seahawks retired his No. 80 jersey in 1992, and he was named to The Sporting News’ 100 Greatest Football Players list at No. 46 in 1999.
His career totals stand at 819 receptions, 13,089 yards and 100 touchdowns across 200 games, with averages of 16.0 yards per catch.
Largent’s standout attributes were his exceptional hands and focus, earning the nickname “Yoda” for catching anything thrown his way, despite lacking elite speed. His playing style was that of a precision artist: masterful route-runner who used intelligence and technique to get open, adapting seamlessly to left- and right-handed quarterbacks like Jim Zorn and Dave Krieg.
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After football, he served in Congress from 1994-2002. He remains a Seahawks icon.
But who ranks ahead of Largent at No. 9 all-time?