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Writer's pictureDavid Hegler

This Day in Sports History: Jim Benton is First NFL Receiver to Record 300 Yards in a Game



In more than 100 years, there have been just six men to gain 300 or more yards receiving in an NFL game. No matter the player, the opponent or the situation, the event always leave fans in awe, instantly elevating the player to near-mythical status. On November 22, 1945, the Cleveland Rams' Jim Benton became the founding member of the 300 Yards Receiving Club.


The 7-1 Rams battled the 6-2 Lions in front of 40,000 fans at Detroit's Briggs Stadium for the Western Division Championship. After the two teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter, Jim Benton opened the second quarter with an exhilarating 70-yard catch and run from Bob Waterfield to give his team a lead that they wouldn't relinquish.


At the end of the day, the Rams won 28-21 and Benton caught ten of Waterfield's completions for 303 yards. Only Steve Pritko (2-26, 1 touchdown) caught any of Waterfield's passes that day. To put it simply, Jim Benton was the first receiver to record "video game numbers" in a game.




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