Image via Complex Original
In the NFL, white players have become less and less common at the wide receiver position, as they now represent only a marginal fraction of the receivers who actually make a difference in the slot or as a downfield threat. However, this isn't to say that their presence is completely unknown, or has been non-existent since the league's inception. Indeed, over the years, names like Steve Largent, Fred Biletnikoff, and Don Hutson have established themselves as formidable players on the field, and even presented strong cases as some of the game's all-time best receivers.
Today, a name that stands among these ranks is Wes Welker, the sure-handed reliable receiver for the Denver Broncos who has been able to rack up incredible receiving numbers over the years as both the primary target for Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Over the past seven seasons, Welker has amassed five Pro Bowl selections to go along with 745 receptions. With Peyton Manning under the helm, surpassing 1,000 catches doesn't seem impossible for the quick-footed slot receiver.
So, in honor of Welker's birthday, we decided to rank him alongside some of the NFL's other best white wide receivers to provide an idea of where he stands in the history of the league. Check out the 25 Best White Wide Receivers in NFL History.
25. Eric Decker
Team(s): Denver Broncos, New York Jets
Years played: 2010-2013
Career stats: 3,070 receiving yards, 222 receptions, 33 TDs
In fairness, it may be premature to have Eric Decker on this list after just two strong seasons in the NFL, and no Pro Bowl selections to his name. But the former Broncos wide receiver emerged as a force for Denver in the Peyton Manning era. Yes, Manning is notorious for making everyone around him better, but you have to give credit to Decker for catching the ball and getting into the end zone.
Last season, Decker caught four touchdown passes in a single game against a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense, and consistently made plays all season to keep the Broncos' historic offense rolling.
24. Brandon Stokley
Team(s): Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, New York Giants
Years played: 1999-2013
Career stats: 5,339 receiving yards, 397 receptions, 39 TDs
For years, Brandon Stokley was a dependable presence in the NFL, never posting amazing numbers, but always having sure enough hands to find a place on any competitive rosters. When Stokley retired, his former quarterback Peyton Manning was quick to say that, "I think Brandon is the best teammate I've ever had." A ringing endorsement from an all-time great is what makes Stokley's resume stand out from your average slot receiver.
23. Jordy Nelson
Team(s): Green Bay Packers
Years played: 2008-2013
Career stats: 4,590 receiving yards, 302 receptions, 36 TDs
It's still early in Jordy Nelson's career, but he's already established himself as one of Aaron Rodgers' go-to options, as the Kansas State product has hooked up with franchise quarterback for more than a few eye-popping TDs. As a former track and field athlete, Nelson has the speed to go long on every play. And it's that ability to stretch the field that has made him the Packers' new deep threat in the absence of Greg Jennings.
22. Joe Jurevicius
Team(s): New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns
Years played: 1998-2008
Career stats: 323 receptions, 4,119 receiving yards, 29 TDs
Leading the way for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiving corps in Super Bowl XXXVII was Joe Jurevicius, a reliable receiver who had a knack for making the right play on third down. Indeed, in 2007 with the Seattle Seahawks, Jurevicius grabbed 29 third down passes, clearly marking him as a go-to guy when his team needed to advance the field.
Unfortunately, complications with knee surgery would end his career in 2008, forcing his untimely and unfair exit from the NFL.
21. Ricky Proehl
Team(s): Phoenix Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts
Years played: 1990-2006
Career stats: 669 receptions, 8,878 receiving yards, 54 TDs
Ricky Proehl was never the primary target for the Rams' "Greatest Show On Turf," but when the ball was thrown his way, Proehl was sure to make the most of the opportunity. With two Super Bowl TDs to his name, as well as the game-winning touchdown pass in the 1999 NFC Championship Game, Proehl could show up when the pressure was at its greatest. And though his fellow receiving corps members like Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, or Az-Zahir Hakim often received more credit for St. Louis' success, Proehl continually proved that no secondary could afford to ignore his presence on the field.
20. Bill Schroeder
Team(s): Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Years played: 1994-2004
Career stats: 304 receptions, 4,583 receiving yards, 28 TDs
Though his numbers after his time in Green Bay would decline, Bill Schroeder's tenure with the Packers was significant enough to earn him a place on this list. As a cheesehead, Schroeder hit his career mark in 1999 when he tacked on 1,051 receiving yards off of 74 receptions. A native of Wisconsin who attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Schroeder may not have been the top receiver in Packers history, but his success story is nonetheless inspirational.
19. Steve Watson
Team(s): Denver Broncos
Years played: 1979-1987
Career stats: 1x Pro Bowl selection, 6112 receiving yards, 36 TDs
After coming out of Temple as a undrafted free agent in 1979, Steve Watson found solid footing in Denver as a Broncos wide receiver for nine seasons. It wasn't just a matter of having John Elway on the team either. Watson was voted to his only Pro Bowl in 1981, two years before Elway joined the team. However, with 353 receptions to his name, and a mess of receiving yards, Watson quickly became Elway's first option during the future Hall of Famer's early playing days.
18. Pat Tilley
Team(s): St. Louis Cardinals
Years played: 1976-1986
Career stats: 1x Pro Bowl selection, 486 receptions, 7005 receiving yards
As a former All-Pro wide receiver, Pat Tilley is often recognized as one of the best players in the Cardinals' quiet history. At just 5'10", Tilley was a sprightly presence in the slot, topping out at 68 receptions in 1980 for his personal best. Indeed, Tilley's numbers were never flashy, but he could always be counted on to catch a pass when his offense needed some positive yardage.
17. Wayne Chrebet
Team(s): New York Jets
Years played: 1995-2005
Career stats: 580 receptions, 7365 receiving yards, 41 TDs
If not for his checkered concussion history, who knows how much more effective Wayne Chrebet could've been for the New York Jets? As is, Chrebet's story is the quintessential underdog tale, as the former NCAA I-AA athlete went from a walk-on to a legitimate star in New York, serving as the Jets' first or second option for numerous seasons throughout the late '90s and early 2000s. Along with that, Chrebet was solid on third down, with 379 of his 580 career receptions coming on third-down conversions.
It's hard to find fault in a guy who could move the chains like that.
16. Ed McCaffrey
Team(s): New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos
Years played: 1991-2003
Career stats: 1x Pro Bowl selection, 7,422 receiving yards, 55 TDs
As a primary option for John Elway alongside Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe, Ed McCaffrey was an essential part of the Denver Broncos' success throughout the late '90s when they were able to secure two Super Bowl titles in the twilight of Elway's career. McCaffrey earned a Pro Bowl nod in 1998 when he snagged 10 TDs and tallied just over 1,000 receiving yards. In the Super Bowl that year, McCaffrey was able to grab five passes for 72 yards en route to Denver's big win over the Atlanta Falcons.
15. Dwight Clark
Team(s): San Francisco 49ers
Years played: 1979-1987
Career stats: 2x Pro Bowl selection, 6750 receiving yards, 48 TDs
In terms of iconic moments in NFL history, Dwight Clark is one of the best, as the former 49er is most known for his game-winning reception in the 1982 NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys. However, Clark was also more than just this moment. The San Francisco legend led the league in receptions twice during his career, and managed to haul down 48 touchdown catches during his nine years in the league.
He couldn't compare to his counterpart Jerry Rice, but those who forget Dwight Clark's legacy on the field are in turn marginalizing the first San Francisco dynasty.
14. Billy Howton
Team(s): Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys
Years played: 1952-1963
Career stats: 4x Pro Bowl selection, 8,459 receiving yards, 61 TDs
For years, Don Hutson was recognized as the franchise leader in receptions and receiving yards for the Green Bay Packers. However, when Billy Howton came along, the record books had to be rewritten. The standout wide receiver started out strong in his rookie season when he caught 13 touchdown passes, and he continued to exhibit his considerable talents all throughout his 12-year career. As a rookie, Howton also racked up 1,231 total receiving yards, and in 1956 he was able to tally 256 receiving yards during a game against the Rams. Today, these numbers still stand as records for the Packers franchise.
13. Mac Speedie
Team(s): Cleveland Browns
Years played: 1946-1952
Career stats: 2x Pro Bowl selection, 5,602 receiving yards 33 TDs
To say that Mac Speedie was a two-time Pro Bowler is deceiving, because the former Cleveland Browns standout was also selected as an All-Pro receiver six times. Blessed with overpowering height and quickness, Speedie's physical attributes helped him lead the league in receiving yards for four different seasons during his seven-year career. Led by quarterback Otto Graham, Speedie's Browns represent one of the only good eras of Cleveland football. Hey, but at least Cleveland has Josh Gordon to hang their hat on now.
12. Hugh Taylor
Team(s): Washington Redskins
Years played: 1947-1954
Career stats: 2x Pro Bowl selection, 5,233 receiving yards, 58 TDs
At 6'4", Hugh Taylor was a towering presence in the NFL, and it should be no surprise that the talented receiver was selected to the Pro Bowl twice. Or rather, it should be surprising that he wasn't selected more often. In his first NFL game, Taylor racked up 212 receiving yards—a rookie record that would stand until 1962—and throughout his career, he averaged 19.2 YPR, a number that ranks 15th-best all time.
Basically, the guy was nearly getting two first downs every time he caught the ball. Who can say to no that?
11. Cris Collinsworth
Team(s): Cincinnati Bengals
Years played: 1981-1988
Career stats: 3x Pro Bowl selection, 6698 receiving yards, 417 receptions
Football fans today best know Cris Collinsworth for his talents in the broadcast booth, but back in the '80s, the former Bengals star was regularly going vertical for Cincinnati, serving as an integral part of the team's high-scoring offense. Standing at 6'5", mismatches were common for Collinsworth due to both his size and speed. Unfortunately, a bad ankle injury would severely limit his career.
Collinsworth made a sizeable impact for Cincinnati during his years in the league, but it's too bad that he was only given eight seasons to do so.
10. Elroy Hirsch
Team(s): Chicago Rockets, Los Angeles Rams
Years played: 1946-1957
Career stats: 3x Pro Bowl selection, 7,029 receiving yards, 60 TDs
Known as "Crazylegs," Elroy Hirsch could tear up a field during his playing days, as the former Chicago Rockets and Los Angeles Rams star traded off running back and receiver, but still managed to boast insane catching numbers such as his 18.1 YPR, and the 60 receptions he made in the end zone. In 1951 with the Los Angeles Rams, Hirsch recorded 1,495 receiving yards en route to an NFL Championship that same season.
The mark stood as a league record for 19 years.
9. Billy Wilson
Team(s): San Francisco 49ers
Years played: 1951-1960
Career stats: 6x Pro Bowl selection, 5902 receiving yards, 49 TDs
Billy Wilson's omission in the Hall of Fame has been head-scratching for more than a few historians and participants of the game including legendary Niners head coach Bill Walsh, who referred to Wilson as, "the top pass receiver of his time and one of the finest blockers" at Wilson's death in 2009. Indeed, six Pro Bowl selections along with a mess of TDs and receiving yards should seem like enough to warrant induction.
However, as other spectacular receivers like Andre Reed or Art Monk have known all too well, no position is more clogged in the Hall of Fame than the wide out spot.
8. Wes Welker
Team(s): San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos
Years played: 2004-Present
Career stats: 5x Pro Bowl selection, 9,358 receiving yards, 841 receptions
When we look at quick slot receivers in the NFL today, we're first drawn to Wes Welker, the dependable receiving option for Peyton Manning, and formerly for Tom Brady. It was with the New England Patriots that Welker first broke out as a star, catching over 110 passes in five of his six seasons with the team (he was injured in the outlying season, but still collected 86 receptions). With the Broncos, Welker has taken on a similar role, grabbing a pass in the middle when the team needs fast yardage, and often appearing out of nowhere to surprise his opponents.
7. Del Shofner
Team(s): Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants
Years played: 1957-1967
Career stats: 5x Pro Bowl selection, 6,470 receiving yards, 51 TDs
A former collegiate basketball player and track star, Del Shofner possessed the athleticism necessary to stand out in the National Football League during his playing days. As a result, Shofner was recognized for five different Pro Bowls, and quickly established himself as a star player for both the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants. He led the league in receiving yards for one season, and finished runner-up twice, signalling a consistency and dominance that was uncommon for his era.
6. Raymond Berry
Team(s): Baltimore Colts
Years played: 1955-1967
Career stats: 6x Pro Bowl selection, 9,275 receiving yard, 68 TDs
What Marvin Harrison was to Peyton Manning, Raymond Berry was to Johnny Unitas. Throughout his 13-year career with the Baltimore Colts, Berry was Unitas' No. 1 option in the receiving corps, as both a sure-handed receiver and a playmaker. If you want to know how reliable Berry was, consider the fact that he only fumbled once throughout his entire career. What else needs to be said?
5. Fred Biletnikoff
Team(s): Oakland Raiders
Years played: 1965-1978
Career stats: 6x Pro Bowl selection, 8,974 receiving yards, 76 TDs
As the namesake for college football's Biletnikoff Award, it's safe to say that Fred Biletnikoff did some things right during his 14-year career in the NFL. As a downfield threat, Biletnikoff typified the Al Davis receiver: a fast, vertical option who could score quickly for the team. As both a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowler, Biletnikoff was not only able to impress in the collegiate ranks, but in the pro division as well.
4. Harlon Hill
Team(s): Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions
Years played: 1954-1962
Career stats: 3x Pro Bowl selection, 4,717 receiving yards, 40 TDs
As the first-ever recipient of the 1955 NEA NFL MVP Award, you can be sure that Chicago Bears legend Harlon Hill made his presence felt in more than a few ways during his time in the National Football League. A superior athlete, Hill would perhaps be known as one of the best receivers ever were it not for a severed Achilles tendon that he suffered in 1958. However, the injury made Hill a shell of his former self, and the three-time Pro Bowler was sadly cut down in his prime.
3. Steve Largent
Team(s): Seattle Seahawks
Years played: 1976-1989
Career stats: 7x Pro Bowl selection, 13,089 receiving yards, 100 TDs
Steve Largent was never the fastest guy on the field, but he possessed hands that were made for catching a football. Though all of his records would eventually be broken, Largent retired from the NFL in 1989 with the most career receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards, as well as a 177-game streak with a least one reception. Had it not been for Jerry Rice's quick dismissal of all these records, Largent would receive much more praise than he currently does today. Still, despite Rice's subsequent dominance, Largent's place in NFL lore has been well-established.
2. Lance Alworth
Team(s): San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys
Years played: 1962-1972
Career stats: 7x Pro Bowl selection, 10,266 receiving yards, 85 TDs
To this day, the only wide receivers who have five games of 200 or more receiving yards are Calvin Johnson and Lance Alworth. Pretty formidable company, wouldn't you say? As a member of the AFL, Alworth regularly dominated in this fashion, setting a standard for the 1960s that few could match up with. Though he would win a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1972, Alworth's career was largely defined by his colorful presence on the field with the San Diego Chargers.
1. Don Hutson
Team(s): Green Bay Packers
Years played: 1935-1945
Career stats: 4x Pro Bowl selection, 7,991 receiving yards, 99 TDs
Don Hutson is often referred to as the first modern receiver in the NFL because of the astounding receiving numbers he posted in an era that favored the ground game. Hutson only played 10-12 games per season and had to deal with bogus pass interference rules, yet still led the Green Bay Packers to success over the air, and is often credited with inventing the idea of passing routes. When he retired in 1945, Hutson held every major receiving record in the books.
While they would all eventually be broken, Hutson's relative dominance makes him a serious candidate for one of the all-time best receivers.