Calvin Johnson still holds the NFL record for the most receiving yards in a single season. He set the bar at 1,964 yards during his historic 2012 campaign. However, the ongoing debate over who might finally break his record has recently taken an unexpected turn.

While discussing which NFL receivers could challenge his record, the Detroit Lions legend naturally pointed to Justin Jefferson. However, Johnson believes the Vikings wideout may miss his chance due to Minnesota's shaky quarterback situation involving J.J. McCarthy.

“I thought he could have been one, but they messed up his quarterback situation when they brought in my man from Michigan, J.J. McCarthy, when they had Sam Darnold just win them 14 games,” said Johnson at his fourth annual celebrity golf outing Monday, June 15, at The Cardinal at St. John's.

Johnson, however, stressed how Jefferson was certainly capable of breaking the record but that his window to break it would close soon.

“He’s got the talent,” said Johnson. “What year is he in? Like six or seven? I mean, he needs to do it soon. He needs to do it soon, probably.”

Jefferson has come close to the record before when he recorded 1,809 receiving yards in 2022. Unfortunately, he has not eclipsed 1,100 receiving yards in two of the last three years.

Last season with McCarthy under center, Jefferson caught just 84 passes for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns in 17 starts. Compare that to his 2023 performance when he had 68 catches, 1,074 yards and five touchdowns in just nine starts.

Johnson also explained how the decision to replace Darnold with McCarthy was wrong and that those sorts of decisions would have seen people lose their jobs.

“I hate seeing people get fired, but people get fired when stuff like that happens,” added Johnson.

That said, Johnson also named another star who could break his record.

Johnson Believes Rams Star WR Could Break The Record

During Johnson’s record-breaking 2012 campaign, the signal-caller for the Detroit Lions was Matthew Stafford, who now serves as the franchise quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams.

When Cooper Kupp finished his season with 1,947 receiving yards in the 2021 season, the second-most in NFL history, the quarterback was Stafford. Johnson believes that with Stafford as the quarterback, Rams’ Puka Nacua has the best chance at breaking his record.

“He’s still got Matthew (Stafford), so I think he’s got a shot,” said Johnson. “If he stays healthy, that dude’s a killer out there. He’s a definite No.1.”

Johnson was 27 years old when he set the record, the same age as Jefferson. However, Nacua is only 25, entering his fourth season, and Johnson set the record in his sixth season.

“That would be kind of dope (if Stafford helped Nacua break my record),” added Johnson. “I’d have to go to that game if he did that, cause I like Puka. That’s just a young guy, just learning, but I think he’s an awesome, dynamic receiver.”

Between Jefferson and Nacua, who do you think has the best chance to break the record? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore