In 1961, Houston Oilers WR Charley Hennigan had one of the best WR seasons in pro football history

Houston Oilers WR Charley Hennigan had one of the best receiving years in pro football history

Charley Hennigan had one of the best years for a WR in pro football history in 1961. Hennigan had 82 catches for 1,746 yards and 12 touchdowns for the pass-happy Houston Oilers, led by George Blanda. The Oilers also won the AFL Championship that season.

To put this season in more context, Hennigan had a 570 yard lead on the runner-up WR. His yardage lead was more yards than all but 15 other WRs had the entire season in the AFL.

Hennigan averaged 124 yards per game in a 14-game season, in an era where teams averaged 195 yards passing per game. To adjust for 2021 passing inflation (240 yards per game) and the 16-game schedule, Hennigan’s season is the equivalent of a player with 2,454 receiving yards in 2021.

He only played seven seasons, but he was a Pro Bowler every season except his first and last; and an All-Pro three seasons.