Megatron Makes History: Calvin Johnson Sets Receiving Record

With 1,964 yards, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson set the NFL single-season record for receiving yards, surpassing the previous mark held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (1,848 in 1995).

"It's a huge accomplishment to take one of those records from the great Jerry Rice," says Johnson, who became the first player in franchise history to lead the league in both receptions (122) and receiving yards. "It's an accomplishment that took a lot of work."

Most Receiving Yards, Single Season, NFL History

Player Team Year Rec Yards Avg TD
Source: NFL
Calvin JohnsonDetroit20121221,96416.15
Jerry RiceSan Francisco19951221,84815.115
Isaac BruceSt. Louis19951191,78115.013
Charley HenniganHouston Oilers1961821,74621.312
Marvin HarrisonIndianapolis20021431,72212.011

 

Over the past two seasons, Johnson has recorded 3,645 receiving yards (1,964 in 2012 and 1,681 in 2011), the most in any twoyear span in league history. He is the only player in NFL annals to post back-to-back seasons with at least 1,600 receiving yards.

"Without a doubt, he's the best receiver in the league right now," says Rice.

Most Receiving Yards, Two-Year Span, NFL History

Player Team Years Yards (Yr 1) Yards (Yr 2) Total Yards
Source: NFL
Calvin JohnsonDetroit2011-20121,6811,9643,645
Jerry RiceSan Francisco1994-19951,4991,8483,347
Marvin HarrisonIndianapolis2001-20021,5241,7223,246
Andre JohnsonHouston2008-20091,5751,5693,144
Isaac BruceSt. Louis1995-19961,7811,3383,119

 

From Week 9 through 16, Johnson posted an NFL-record eight consecutive 100-yard receiving games, breaking the previous mark of seven held by Pro Football Hall of Famer MICHAEL IRVIN (1995) and CHARLIE HENNIGAN (1961). Johnson had four consecutive 140-yard receiving games from Week 10 through 13 and is the only player in NFL history to accomplish the feat in a single season. He had five consecutive 125-yard receiving games (Week 9 through 13), tying PAT STUDSTILL (1966) for the longest such streak in league annals.

"I've been an NFL fan my entire life and I've never seen a better player than Calvin Johnson," says Lions head coach JIM SCHWARTZ. "As good a player as you see on the field, he's a better person. He's a better teammate."

Johnson was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November when he had 32 catches for 619 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 154.8 receiving yards per game during November, the highest by a player in that month since Pro Football Hall of Famer LANCE ALWORTH (156.3 in 1963).

During December, Johnson had 44 catches, the most ever by a player in a single calendar month. He also became the first player in league history with at least 10 catches in four consecutive games.

"I can't say enough about Calvin," says Detroit quarterback MATTHEW STAFFORD. "The guy is unreal. I love having him as a teammate. I love throwing the ball to him. He just sets a great standard for all the guys on our team and everybody in this league." Johnson was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and became the first Lions offensive player to accomplish the feat since Pro Football Hall of Famer BARRY SANDERS (1990-99).

"Give him a chance to develop and grow," says Rice. "If he continues to play ball the way he's doing it, he's going to be put up there with the best. This guy is gifted but also has the work ethic. He's only going to get better with that kind of attitude." In his first six NFL seasons (92 games), Johnson has 488 catches for 7,836 receiving yards and 54 touchdowns. He is one of only five players in NFL history with at least 7,500 receiving yards in his first 90 career games joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Alworth and Rice and RANDY MOSS and TORRY HOLT.

"Calvin's best is yet to come," says Schwartz. "Where he's going to lead this team, the best is yet to come."

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Megatron Makes History: Calvin Johnson Sets Receiving Record