During Super Bowl 2013 media day Randy Moss claimed that he is the best receiver in NFL history. Here is a list of greats at the position, including Jerry Rice and Cris Carter.
Super Bowl Media Day is usually filled with off-the-wall questions and players making interesting and newsworthy comments.
Randy Moss is no stranger to creating controversy with what he says and he did just that on Tuesday, claiming to reporters that he feels he is the greatest receiver of all time after being asked about it.
"Now that I'm older, I do think I'm the greatest receiver to ever do it," Moss said to reporters. "I don't think numbers stand. Because you can talk about this and this, I think I've had ... this year has been a down year for me statistically. The year before I retired was a down year, and Oakland was a down year. I don't really live on numbers I really live on impact and what you're able to do on that field. So I really do think I'm the greatest receiver to ever play this game."
Moss has compiled some amazing stats and is definitely in the conversation for the top spots, but many in the media, including on ESPN and the NFL Network were surprised by the comments. Moss has made 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns during his 14-year career. He had his best seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and set the record for receiving touchdowns while playing with the New England Patriots.
On NFL Network, former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin spoke about the comments with Rich Eisen.
"Bar none, nobody's having a conversation - it's Jerry Rice, period," Irvin said.
"You know Jerry Rice just swallowed his tongue hearing that," Rich Eisen said.
"And he should have," Irvin said.
Jerry Rice responded to the comments on ESPN later in the day and said he was surprised by what Moss said. Rice is the all-time leader with 1,549 receptions, 22,895 yards and 197 touchdown receptions.
"I impacted the game by winning Super Bowls," Rice said. "... Randy is still trying to win his first one, and I wish him the best, but I was very surprised that he said he's the best receiver to ever play the game. I leave that up to my fans to make that statement."
Moss, 35, will be a free agent after this season. ProFootballTalk.com, citing a source familiar with the receiver's thinking, reported Monday that he plans to play at least one more season.
"I've thought about it," the 35-year-old Moss said, "I do want to play another year."
In honor of Moss' comments, here is a list of some of the best wideouts to ever play the position.
-Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers
Rice is unquestionably considered the best receiver to play the game and is also one fo the best players in the history of the NFL, period. After playing at little-known Mississppi Valley State, the receiver came to the 49ers and shattered every record for the position. According to NFL.com, he has the all-time records with 1,549 receptions, 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. He was healthy for the majority of his career and is known as one of the best route runners in history. He was a Super Bowl champion three times and was named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year twice.
-Cris Carter, Minnesota Vikings
Carter is usually referred to as one of the top three to five receivers of all-time and he should be able to give a good read on the debate between Moss and Rice, since he played with Randy in Minnesota. Carter has amassed some amazing stats, making 1101 receptions for 13,899 yards and 130 touchdowns. After spending his first three seasons with the Eagles, Carter went to the Vikings where he played in 16 games 11 different times, including from 1993 to 2001. He was an eight time Pro Bowl selection and was part of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
-Andre Reed, Buffalo Bills
Reed is usually the odd man out when talking about receivers due to the stats of Rice and Carter, but Reed was one of the best as well. Reed finished his career with 951 receptions for 13,198 yards and 87 touchdowns and made it to the Super Bowl four times with the Bills. He was a seven time Pro Bowl selections and was considered to have some of the best hands in football.
-Randy Moss, San Francisco 49ers
Moss is right about one thing, he's one of the greatest receivers of all time, just not the one at the top of the list. He made 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns during his 14-year career and made it to the Super Bowl with the Patriots, losing to the New York Giants in 2008. Moss is likely one of the most if not the most explosive receivers ever.
Honorable Mentions:
-Lance Alworth, San Diego Chargers
-Terrell Owens, San Francisco 49ers
