Top 10 NFL Wide Receivers of the 1980s

The Top 10 of the 1980s! The 1980s was known as an age when passing games flourished and became more prevalent. Short passes gained favor, leading to incredible stats during this decade - Dan Marino broke records like never before in 1984 while legendary players like Dan Fouts also produced great moments throughout this era - not forgetting Joe Montana who won four Super Bowls during this decade!

10) Wes Chandler of the San Diego Chargers

Air Coryell may be a system, but people forget Chandler was exceptional despite not fitting perfectly into it as evidenced by him earning over one thousand receiving yards in one season with New Orleans Saints before moving on to San Diego. Chandler is often judged unfairly compared to teammates Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow; and John Jefferson whom he replaced. Yet Chandler had more catches, yards, touchdowns than either Winslow or Jefferson combined and more Pro Bowl appearances than Joiner did!

9) Mark Duper of the Miami Dolphins

Dan Marino took the NFL by storm in 1983 and 1984 and helped lead his Dolphins team to their historic 1984 season thanks to their outstanding duo of Marks brothers - leading their Dolphins squad with an unbelievable performance record that propelled them forward with an unforgettable season of play.

8) Roy Green

Green was one of the most underrated players in NFL history. For the Cardinals, Green played receiver, defensive back, and special teams simultaneously; an unmatched talent. Green enjoyed an exceptional career from 1981-90 (except a nine-game season '82 ), amassing at least 500 yards every season except nine game seasons; in 1983 he led all receivers with 14 touchdown receptions while 1984 brought 1,555 receiving yards - setting an NFL season record and leading all in touchdown receptions with 12.

7) Stanley Morgan

Stanley Morgan stands as the only player ever to average more than 19 yards per catch over 500 receptions - this distinction will likely never be eclipsed again. Additionally, Morgan was just seven players to reach 10,000 career receiving yards; although this achievement might seem minor today.

6) Henry Ellard

Not only had he amassed over 24,000 receiving yards over his career, but also tied Lance Alworth and Michael Irvin with seven 1000-yard season totals; plus, three of those years eclipsed 1,300 receiving yards! Yet somehow, that achievement got lost along the way, and now Henry stands outside looking in at Canton.

5) James Lofton

Teamed up in Green Bay with Lynn Dickey as quarterback, they formed an explosive combination. Lofton recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons despite strikes occurring in 1982 and 1987 that hindered him.

4) Mark Clayton

Clayton amassed five 1,000-yard seasons, including 996 in 1985 and 776 during 1987's strike-shortened campaign. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and retired with 84 touchdowns -- 18 coming during his second year! Clayton joined Mark Duper as part of the Marks Brothers combination that revolutionized NFL play during its mid-'80s golden era!

3) Art Monk from Washington Redskins

Monk was the last player to hold all three NFL reception records at once: most receptions in a season concurrently, most receptions in a career, and consecutive games with a reception. He amassed five 1,000-yard seasons and three Super Bowl rings; when Monk caught 106 passes in 1984 alone he led all league receivers by 17 receptions; this record stood for 10 years after Monk set it.

2)Steve Largent from Seattle Seahawks

Largent held all major NFL receiving records when he retired, including most receptions (819), most receiving yards in a career (13,089), and most touchdown receptions (100). Additionally, his then-record streak of 177 consecutive regular-season games where he recorded at least one reception made him the first receiver ever in NFL history to achieve 100 touchdown receptions during their career.

(1) Jerry Rice of the San Fransisco 49ers

Jerry Rice revolutionized our understanding of what wide receivers could accomplish. Considered the greatest wideout ever to play the game despite only playing half of the decade's games, Jerry was unmatched as both a possession receiver and deep threat; Rice could do it all!