Raiders TE Brock Bowers breaks NFL mark that stood for 63 years

The Las Vegas Raiders have something to look forward to with rookie tight end Brock Bowers.

Bowers on Sunday surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka for the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end in NFL history.

The play happened when Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell escaped from New Orleans Saints pass-rusher Chase Young and found Bowers for 13 yards to Las Vegas’ 33-yard line with 3:02 remaining in the first half.

Ditka’s mark was 1,076 yards that was set in 1961 — a 63-year-old mark.

Earlier in the game, Bowers passed Amari Cooper (1,070) for the most receiving yards by a rookie in a season in franchise history.

But Bowers had to wait to make NFL history after picking up two receptions for eight yards in the first quarter.

Bowers can still set the mark for most receptions by a rookie in a single-season in NFL history. He needs just one more reception to pass Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua (105). He has four receptions at halftime.

The Raiders selected Bowers with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Georgia. The selection turned out to be a good one for the Raiders, as Bowers became the focal point especially after Davante Adams was traded to the New York Jets in October. 

He is the only NFL tight end who has over 1,000 yards this season.

The question remains for Bowers and the Raiders: Who will throw to him next season? The Raiders could draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft or sign a free agent.

For now, Bowers will savor the moment after breaking the mark that stood for many seasons.