Minnesota Vikings: 15 best wide receivers of all time
By Adam Carlson
60. . WR. (1972-75). John Gilliam. 10. player
A second-round selection in the 1967 NFL Draft (No. 52 overall) by the New Orleans Saints, John Gilliam was quite impressive during his time at South Carolina State. However, he is best known for taking the opening kickoff of the first-ever Saints game 94 yards for a touchdown, getting the first score in New Orleans franchise history.
While that play will remain famous, it was his four years that he spent in Minnesota when he played his best football. Gilliam was a member of the Vikings from 1972 to 1975, where he played in two of the team’s Super Bowls.
During his time in Minnesota, Gilliam accumulated 3,297 yards on just 165 catches in his 56 starts, averaging 20 yards per catch. He reached the end zone as a receiver 20 times and rushed for one more score.
A standout receiver and kick returner, he was named to the Pro Bowl each of the four years he was with the Vikings. Gilliam earned second-team All-Pro honors for his 1973 season and was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings.