Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and the 30 best HBCU football players of all time
By Dante Pryor
20. Charlie Joiner, wide receiver/kick returner, Grambling State
Before legendary receiver Jerry Rice was famous for his longevity, Charlie Joiner had the longest career of any wide receiver in NFL history. Joiner spent 18 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers.
When Joiner retired in 1986, he was the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and games played by a wide receiver. Joiner made three Pro Bowls, was a first-team All-Pro (1970) and is in the Chargers Hall of Fame.
Joiner played with legendary Grambling quarterback James “Shack” Harris during his college career. While at Grambling, Joiner was a four-time SWAC Conference Champion, winning the 1967 Black National Title. Joiner gained 2,066 yards at Grambling and was a three-time all-conference selection.
After a stellar career at Grambling, Joiner was a fourth-round draft pick in 1969 by the Houston Oilers. Joiner spent the first seven seasons of his career between the Oilers and Cincinnati Bengals.
When he joined the San Diego Chargers, Don Coryell’s spread offense is when Joiner hit his stride. Alongside fellow Hall of Famers Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow, Joiner helped the Chargers reach the AFC title game in 1980 and 1981.
Joiner would coach after retirement for the Chargers, Bills and Chiefs. In 1996 Joiner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.