Tim Brown
Career Stats: 255 games played (202 starts), 1,094 receptions, 14,934 yards, 100 TD
Tim Brown, the first Heisman Trophy winner, is deserving of a spot on this list. Brown was as consistent as any receiver of his period, collecting nine Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors. Brown was an immediate contributor for the Los Angeles Raiders following his outstanding senior season at Notre Dame, where he established the rookie record for total yards gained (2,317). He was first used mostly as a return specialist, and he succeeded in that role. Brown had the vision of a running back and was lethal in the open field, allowing him to make big plays on special teams. Brown went on to create his Hall of Fame resume after ultimately taking over as the team’s No. 1 offensive receiver. Brown now has the most touchdowns (204), receiving yards (14,734), receptions (1,070), and all-purpose yards (1,070) on the team (19,431). When you consider how many all-time great players have donned the Silver and Black, the accomplishments are quite astonishing.
Tim Brown
Michael Irvin
Career Stats: 159 games played (147 starts), 750 receptions, 11,904 yards, 65 TD
The Playmaker triumphed everywhere he went. In three seasons at the University of Miami, Irvin only lost three games. During that time, the Hurricanes won the Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and National Championship. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him, and his Miami coach (Jimmy Johnson) soon followed. In the 1990s, the two contributed in the establishment of the Cowboys’ dynasty. Irvin was good enough during the regular season to make five Pro Bowls, but he saved his best performances for the playoffs. Irvin, who is presently third all-time in career postseason receiving yards, produced clutch plays on his way to three Super Bowl rings.
Michael Irvin
