Making itsNetflixdebut on July 10,2024, Netflix’s NFL docuseriesReceivercurrently sits as the third-most watched TV show in the U.S. Picking up where the hit seriesQuarterbackleft off, the compelling behind-the-scenes doc features five of the most talented wide receivers playing in the NFL today. In addition to showcasing the intense dedication it takes to become the best at their position,Receiverpeels back the curtain to show how each athlete handles their private lives.
As cameras follow the five wide receivers throughout the 2023-24 NFL season, fans come to know who they are, where they come from, what makes their competitive side tick, how they navigate the highs of victory and the lows of defeat, overcome injury to be on the field with their teammates, and strive to be the best at their position in the entire league. Insightful as it is inspirational, every NFL player in Netflix’sReceiverdeserves closer attention.
Davante Adams — Las Vegas Raiders
Entering his 11th NFL season,Davante Adamsis clinging to his reputation as the most complete wide receiver in the league. A second-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2014, Adams made the Pro Bowl in 2017 and quickly became quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite target. In his 10-year career, Adams has led the league in touchdowns twice (2020, 2022), been named to six Pro Bowls, and been named All-Pro (Top 3 at one’s position in the league) three times. However, since he changed teams to theLas Vegas Raidersin 2022, Adams has remained productive but has not found team success.
Defined by his crisp route running, sure hands, and physical toughness, Adams has played all 34 games since becoming a Raider. In 2022, he caught 100 balls for 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns, proving his elite status. In 2023, Adams caught 103 balls for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns. Inthe popular football documentary, Adams voices frustration about playing with unproven quarterbacks, lack of targets, and the team turmoil of replacing a coach mid-season. With more years behind him than in front of him, Adams also speaks to leaving a lasting legacy in Vegas after spending the first part of his career in Green Bay.
Justin Jefferson — Minnesota Vikings
Along with Davante Adams,Justin Jeffersonis considered the most talented wide receiver in the NFL. Drafted in the first round by theMinnesota Vikingsin 2020, Jefferson is long, rangy, athletic, and extremely explosive. In his rookie season, Jefferson snared 88 catches for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. His sophomore campaign was even better, catching 108 balls for 1,616 yards and 10 TDs. Getting better each year, Jefferson’s best season came in 2022, snatching 128 balls for a whopping 1,809 yards and eight TDs. Jefferson averages 98.3 receiving yards per game, a current NFL record.
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Alas, injury cut Jefferson’s 2023 season short when he tweaked his hamstring versus the Kansas City Chiefs in week 5. Although he brieflybattled through the injury, his time on Receiver depicts Jefferson struggling with rehab, downtime, inability to be there for his teammates, etc. While sidelined, Jefferson celebrates his daughter’s birthday and is reminded of what is most important in his private life. Although he will catch passes from a new quarterback next season, in June 2024, Jefferson signed a massive contract extension for 4 years and $140 million, with $110 million fully guaranteed. The deal makes Jefferson the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL and the highest-paid non-quarterback.
George Kittle — San Francisco 49ers
A slight outlier,George Kittleplays Tight End for theSan Francisco 49ers. With a movie-star persona seen inVenomcommercials, Kittle has a larger-than-life personality that is easy to gravitate towards. Drafted in the 5th round by the 49ers in 2017, Kittle has outplayed his draft position to become one of the top Tight Ends in the league. Equally adept at catching passes as he is blocking for backs and receivers, Kittle has an infectious energy that translates on and off the field. Kittle became a full-time starter in 2018, playing all 16 games en route to hauling 88 balls for 1,377 yards.
Kittle logged his third-best statistical season in 2023, catching 65 balls for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns. A mauler in the running game, Kittle’s importance to the 49ers offense can’t be overstated. Yet, despite the individual and team success, Kittle has experienced two heartbreaking Super Bowl losses to the Kansas City Chiefs. Along with his teammate Deebo Samuel, Kittle expresses the difficulty of reaching the Super Bowl inthe must-watch sports documentary, what it takes to return, what can be done differently to ensure victory the next time, and how the painful losses fuel the team to improve. While he and Samuel aren’t getting any younger, the 49ers are expected to return to the Super Bowl in 2024-2025.
Deebo Samuel — San Francisco 49ers
A diverse offensive weapon,Deebo Samuelhas the skill set to play wide receiver or running back on any given down. Drafted in the second round bySan Franciscoin 2019, Samuel’s best season came in 2021, hauling 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. That year, Samuel led the league in average yards per catch (18.2). Built like a tailback with the hands of a receiver, Deebo is among the best at making defenders miss tackles. He possesses a fearless toughness to go over the middle and can take a short slant route to the end zone if defenders don’t corral him.
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In his five-year career, Samuel has scored 19 receiving touchdowns and 19 rushing touchdowns, proving his diverse talents, which have been described as a “Swiss Army Knife.” Samuel’s teams have made the playoffs in four out of five seasons, including two crushing Super Bowl losses to the Kansas City Chiefs. Whether playing with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo or Brock Purdy, Samuel remains one of the most versatile NFL players whose talents are not limited to playing receiver alone. Samuel can play multiple positions well, necessitating his presence on the field at all times.
Amon-Ra St. Brown — Detroit Lions
Drafted in the 4th round by theDetroit Lions,Amon-Ra St. Brownis a bona fide stud. With an unmatched toughness and work ethic instilled by his father, two-time Mr. Universe winner John Brown, St. Brown has helped restore the roar to a Lions organization mired in mediocrity for decades. After catching 90 balls during his rookie season, Saint (as his coaches call him) exploded in year 2, starting all 16 games and grabbing 106 balls for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns. In 2023, Saint made All-Pro for the first time after catching 119 balls for 1,515 yards and 10 TDs.
Inthe Netflix sports documentary,Saint’s toughness is portrayed after he tears an oblique muscle completely off the bone early in the 2023 season. Missing only a single game, St. Brown had a monster return game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team the Lions rematched and defeated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Thanks to Saint’s production and leadership, the Lions made it to the NFC Championship in 2023-24 but lost to the 49ers after blowing a halftime lead. In the 2024 off-season, the Lions extended Saint’s contract for four years, $120 million, solidifying his spot as one of the most valuable receivers in the NFL.
