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He’s done it: New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas broke the record Marvin Harrison set with the Indianapolis Colts back in 2002, when Thomas was 9 years old. What Harrison accomplished that year was legendary — he caught 143 receptions in 16 games, the most in a single season in NFL history.
Thomas only needed 15 games to catch 144 receptions, with the record-breaker coming late in the second half during Sunday’s game with the Tennessee Titans. He also shattered the mark Randy Moss established for the most receiving yards in a player’s first four years (5,396), having increased his total to 5,473 yards after his performance against the Titans.
It speaks to his skill and durability that he’s able to handle whatever coverage assignments teams try to guard him with each week, and overcome them anyway. There’s a lot to be said for someone who can beat the defense when they all know that the ball is coming his way before it’s even thrown.
It’s why he has quickly become a favorite target of Drew Brees. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler (having been named to the all-star game in 2017, 2018, and 2019) and a favorite to repeat as a first-team All-Pro again this year, having done so in 2018. Thomas isn’t the biggest or fastest receiver on the field, but his work ethic in practice has translated into historic production. Now he needs to go get a Super Bowl ring.
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