Michael Thomas goes the distance, breaks Marvin Harrison’s record

New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas broke Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison’s NFL record for the most receptions in a single season.

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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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Michael Thomas breaks Marvin Harrison’s single-season reception record

Michael Thomas makes history.

A record that stood for 17 seasons has now been broken. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas broke the record for most receptions in a single season, previously held by Indianapolis Colts legendary wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

Harrison’s 143 receptions in 2002 previously broke the record of 123 in a single season, which was previously held by Herman Moore. Thomas has been the best wide receiver in the NFL this season, and it hasn’t really been all that close.

Thomas broke the record on a fourth-quarter catch from Drew Brees.

Thomas entered the Week 16 games leading the NFL in receptions (133) and receiving yards (1,552). Even with Drew Brees missing a large chunk of the season early on, Thomas continued his dominance regardless with Teddy Bridgewater under center.

The Colts learned first-hand just what kind of year Thomas is having. The 26-year-old went off for 12 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown against the Colts during the Week 15 blowout in New Orleans.

Thomas is enjoying a historic start to begin a career. He has the most receptions through a player’s first three seasons (321) in the NFL.

Passing Harrison’s record is indicative of just how elite Thomas is, and he won’t be slowing down any time soon.