Ranking the top 25 wide receivers in NFL history…
Drafted sixth overall by the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988 out of Notre Dame, where he became the [first wide receiver](https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/tim-brown/) to win the Heisman Trophy in 1987, Brown established himself as a versatile playmaker early on. As a rookie, he led the NFL in kickoff returns and yards, earning a Pro Bowl nod as a returner.
Over 16 seasons with the Raiders (1988-2003), Brown transitioned to elite receiver, amassing franchise records in receptions (1,070), yards (14,734) and punt return yards (3,272).
He achieved nine straight 1,000-yard seasons (1993-2001), peaking in 1997 with a league-leading 104 catches for 1,408 yards and five TDs. Standout performances included 1995 (89 receptions, 1,342 yards, 10 TDs) and 2000 (76 receptions, 1,128 yards, 11 TDs).
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Brown earned seven Pro Bowls as a receiver (1993-1997, 1999, 2001), totaling nine overall, and helped the Raiders to playoffs multiple times, though no Super Bowl win. In 2001, at 35, he scored on an 88-yard punt return, the oldest to do so.
Released in 2004, Brown joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for one season, catching 24 passes for 200 yards and one TD, reaching 100 career receiving touchdowns in his return to Oakland.
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Brown’s career totals: 1,094 receptions, 14,934 yards and 100 touchdowns, plus 3,320 punt return yards with three TDs and 1,235 kickoff return yards with one TD, for 19,682 combined yards (fifth all-time at retirement). He was Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
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Brown’s standout attributes were his speed (4.39 40-yard dash), agility and durability, playing 255 games with remarkable consistency. His playing style was multifaceted: a deep threat with precise routes, explosive after the catch and elite as a return specialist, contributing in all phases.
These days, he chairs the Heisman Trophy Trust and remains a Raiders legend.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports