Fansided

Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is wrapped up for a tackle by Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is wrapped up for a tackle by Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

12. Antonio Brown

There were several great receivers that defined the 2010s- Antonio Brown outshined all of them. The six year stretch he put together from 2013-18 is one of the best, if not the best, in NFL history for a receiver.

He had six straight years of at least 100 receptions, leading the NFL in that category in 2014 and ’15. His 2014 season is one of the best for a receiver in league history. Along with leading the NFL with 129 catches, he also led the league with 1,698 yards. He followed that up with a better season in 2015. He had 136 catches and 1,834 yards that season.

Brown would lead the NFL in yards once more in ’17 with 1,533, and in 2018, his 18 receiving touchdowns were the most in the league.

Things went south after 2018 for Brown, but he helped the Buccaneers win a Super Bowl in 2020, and is still a valuable member to their receiving unit. He may have to wait to get in the Hall of Fame based on off-field issues, but in terms of his play, he is one of the greatest receivers of all time.

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