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Ladd McConkey sets single game rookie playoff receiving yardage record

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•01/11/25
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© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LA Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey has already accomplished some pretty impressive things in his rookie year with the franchise. In Saturday’s playoff game against the Houston Texans, McConkey once again added yet another impressive mark to his rookie season. He set the single game rookie playoff receiving yardage record for a wideout. In the fourth quarter, the former Georgia star hauled in an 86-yard touchdown catch, pushing his total on the day to 188 receiving yards.

He finished with nine catches for 197 receiving yards in the loss. The only players (rookie or not) with more receiving yards in a playoff debut are Calvin Johnson (211 yards in 2011 Wild Card) and Demaryius Thomas (204 yards in 2011 Wild Card). Those stats were posted by OptaSTATS.

In his rookie campaign, he finished with 91 catches for 1,346 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. McConkey averaged 14.8 yards per carry. In Week 17, he shattered the Chargers rookie franchise record for the most receptions and yards by a Charger rookie in a single season, formerly held by Keenan Allen.

That’s a pretty special season and his elite route running and ability to separate make him extremely difficult to defend. It was easy to see that from his tape at Georgia. That skill set has translated and in a big way to the next level.

McConkey battled through injuries with the Bulldogs but was one of Georgia’s top playmakers over his three years. He ended his career in Athens with 1,687 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. That includes 478 yards and two touchdowns in just nine games as a junior.

Known for his blazing speed, McConkey clocked in with a 4.39 40-yard dash time ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Coming out of high school (North Murray) in Chatsworth, Georgia, he was tabbed as a three-star prospect. He was ranked as the No. 1,147 overall player in America, according to the On3 Industry Ranking for the 2020 cycle.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.