Sharp Rookie Chases Sharpe’s Record

Sterling Sharpe is one of the greatest players in Green Bay Packers history. Rookie receiver Jayden Reed is close to breaking one of Sharpe’s franchise records.

A first-round pick in 1988, Sharpe caught 55 passes as a rookie. That broke Billy Howton’s 36-year-old Packers record for most receptions in a debut season. Thirty-five years later, Reed enters Sunday’s game at the Carolina Panthers needing two catches to break Sharpe’s record.

“Just an honor to be able to accomplish a goal like that,” Reed said. “Obviously, hasn’t been done in a long time so I’m just grateful for the people that put me in this position to do so. I’m highly grateful and blessed.”

Reed has caught 54 passes this season. Despite playing through a list of injuries, he’s caught at least four passes in six consecutive games and quickly has become a focal point of the offense.

While it’s an apples-to-oranges comparison, Reed vs. his Packers rookie peers:

- Has five more touchdown catches than Sharpe in 1988.

- Has caught eight more passes than Hall of Famer James Lofton in 1978.

- Has caught nine more passes than Greg Jennings, 16 more than Davante Adams, 21 more passes than Jordy Nelson and 29 more passes than Randall Cobb.

- Has caught 12 more passes than Romeo Doubs did last year.

- Has more touchdown receptions than anyone but Christian Watson (seven) over the last 69 years.

“Usually every year, me and my trainer will sit down and we write down our goals before every season,” Reed said. “I wouldn’t say I had any stat goals, really. Just go out there and play well was really the main goal for me. And win.”

Among this year’s rookie class, Reed is sixth in receptions (54), seventh in yards (592) and fourth in touchdowns (six). From the slot, he’s second in receptions (35), second in yards (458) and tied for first in touchdowns (five).

Reed leads the Packers with eight total touchdowns.

“I’m just here to do my job and execute,” Reed said. “Whatever position they put me in, I’m just here to execute and do that job. Whatever is the best for me to do to help the team win, that’s my mindset: go out there and do whatever it takes.”

A toe injury prevented Reed from practicing this week. He probably could use a week to get past all the bumps and bruises but the Packers are in must-win mode. With coach Matt LaFleur raving about Reed’s “war daddy” mentality, what Reed has done playing through injuries and alongside so much youth has been remarkable.

Has anything surprised him?

“At the end of the day, football is football,” Reed said. “I’ve been doing this since I’ve been 10 years old. The only difference is you’re playing with pro guys that are faster, bigger and more instinctive. That’s the biggest difference.

“I’ve been playing ball my whole life and I still don’t think I’ve scratched the surface of what I can be. I’m just looking to get better every day.”

Packers Rookie Receiving Top-10 Lists

Receptions

Sterling Sharpe, 1988: 55

* Jayden Reed, 2023: 54

Billy Howton, 1952: 53

Gerry Ellis, 1980: 48

James Jones, 2007: 47

James Lofton, 1978: 46

Greg Jennings, 2006: 45

Romeo Doubs, 2022: 42

Christian Watson, 2022 41

Keith Woodside, 1988: 39

Receiving Yards

Billy Howton, 1952: 1,231

James Lofton, 1978: 818

Sterling Sharpe, 1988: 791

James Jones, 2007: 676

Greg Jennings, 2006: 632

Max McGee, 1954: 614

Christian Watson, 2022: 611

* Jayden Reed, 2023: 592

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, 2018: 581

Boyd Dowler, 1959: 549

(Note: Dontayvion Wicks is 12th with 491)

Receiving Touchdowns

Billy Howton, 1952: 13

Max McGee, 1954: 9

Christian Watson, 2022: 7

James Lofton, 1978: 6

* Jayden Reed, 2023: 6

Don Hutson, 1935: 6

Ray Pelfrey, 1951: 5

Carl Elliott, 1951: 5

Boyd Dowler, 1959: 4

Ed West, 1984: 4