New York Jets legend Wayne Chrebet names five of his favorite wide receivers in NFL history on episode 11 of The Underdog Jets Podcast.
Have you ever wondered who your favorite player’s favorite player is? Well, if your all-time favorite NFL player is Wayne Chrebet, then the latest episode of The Underdog Jets Podcast will sufficiently answer that very question.
Chrebet and Jets X-Factor’s Robby Sabo spend the latest episode going over New York Jets legend’s five all-time favorite receivers in NFL history. While Chrebet himself likely tops many Jets fans’ personal lists, the fan-favorite is humble enough to keep himself out of his own top five.
The following are five of Wayne Chrebet’s all-time favorite NFL wide receivers (while intentionally excluding some of the obvious names such as Jerry Rice, whom Chrebet believes is the greatest to ever get it done on the field).
Don Maynard
“I’ve gotta include my favorite Jet on the list,” said Chrebet of Maynard.
Don Maynard is widely regarded as the best wide receiver in Jets history. He was the legendary Joe Namath’s favorite target and played an instrumental role in his success.
As Sabo noted in the podcast, Maynard played the first season of his career with the Giants, but he was with the Jets organization since its very beginning, cementing him as a member of Gang Green through and through.
The most productive season of Maynard’s career came in 1967 when he racked up 1,434 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 71 receptions. He achieved this stat line at 32 years old — an impressive feat.
Andre Reed
Andre Reed was next up on Chrebet’s list. Playing the majority of his career with the Buffalo Bills, Jets fans likely don’t like seeing Reed’s name here. The fact of the matter is though, Reed had a fantastic career and Chrebet recognizes that.
“I kind of modeled my game after him,” said Chrebet. “Everything about him, I love. He’s a tough guy. He had great hands, great routes.”
An impressive and telling stat to know about Reed is that he ranks in the top 20 in NFL history for total career receptions, total career receiving yards, and total career touchdown receptions.
His most productive season came in 1989, a year that saw him grab 88 receptions for 1,312 yards and nine touchdowns.
Art Monk
Next is the most physically imposing of the receivers on Chrebet’s all-time list, Art Monk. A native of New York, Monk spent the majority of his career with Washington before playing his penultimate season with the Jets in 1994.
Chrebet mentions on the podcast that a big reason he believes he himself was able to carve out a role as a rookie in 1995 was because of the departure of Monk, who would have posed quite the competition.
Monk’s most productive season was in 1984, a decade before playing for the Jets. He had 1,372 receiving yards and seven touchdowns that season on 106 receptions. His impressive career landed him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and he is still considered one of the great receivers in NFL history to this day.
Fred Biletnikoff
Many who haven’t heard of Fred Biletnikoff have likely at least heard his name before. The legendary receiver is the namesake of college football’s prestigious award given to the nation’s top receiver each year. Interestingly enough, Jets rookie Elijah Moore was a finalist for this honor just last season.
Fred Biletnikoff’s stats aren’t as eye-popping as some other names on Chrebet’s list, but one must remember that he played in an NFL that did not pass the ball nearly as much as it does today. It’s also worth noting that Biletnikoff made first-team All-Pro on two separate occasions — more than any other name on Chrebet’s list.
Chrebet himself carved out a role in the NFL through hard work, drive and determination. This is something he shares in common with Biletnikoff. He too was someone not seen as an elite physical talent. In fact, Biletnikoff only ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash, but his ability to get open and find holes in coverage was what made him an elite player.
Steve Largent
Last but certainly not least, is Steve Largent. The Seattle Seahawks legend was another player who was rather unremarkable from a physical standpoint — he stands at 5-foot-11 and ran a 4.9-second 40-yard dash.
But don’t be fooled.
Largent racked up a 1,000-yard season on eight different occasions throughout his NFL career.
“He doubled my stats,” remarked Chrebet. “When he left the game, he was in the top five [best receivers] of all-time.”
Chrebet, you are my favorite receiver of all time. My favorite Jet too. The Jets are an underdog franchise. You are the ultimate underdog. Thank you for your grit and bravery.