NEW ORLEANS — Rookie tight end Brock Bowers, playing for the Raiders, had not established any specific statistical objectives for his inaugural season. He mentioned feeling uncertain about the transition from college football to the NFL. However, this uncertainty did not prevent him from making his mark; during the Raiders’ 25-10 triumph over the New Orleans Saints, he shattered a long-standing record that had stood for 63 years.

In a standout performance, Bowers accumulated seven receptions for 77 yards, bringing his season total to an impressive 108 catches for 1,144 yards after just 16 games. This achievement allowed him to break the previous record set by Mike Ditka in 1961 for rookie tight ends, which was 1,067 receiving yards. Additionally, Bowers surpassed Puka Nacua’s record of 105 receptions established in 2023 for rookies across all positions. He also broke Darren Waller’s franchise record for most receptions in a season, which was 107.

“Honestly, I’m a bit taken aback,” Bowers remarked. “I don’t tend to set numerical goals for myself; instead, I focus on seeking ways to contribute to the team. My main responsibility is to secure the ball when it comes my way.” Bowers, who was chosen 13th overall from the University of Georgia, is a formidable 6-foot-3, 243-pound athlete. He achieved the milestone that eclipsed Ditka’s record with a 13-yard completion late in the second quarter.

Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell praised Bowers, stating, “He’s incredibly impressive. He plays like a seasoned veteran out there. I know firsthand how challenging it is to navigate the league as a rookie, making his record-breaking performance even more remarkable.” O’Connell added that he believes Bowers will continue to strive for excellence and push his limits.

Though Bowers admitted he didn’t have extensive knowledge of Ditka or his accomplishments, he recognized Ditka primarily as the coach of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears, a team that resonated far beyond his birth date. Bowers enjoyed a successful college career, highlighted by national championships with the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Over 40 games, he tallied 2,538 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns before declaring for the 2024 NFL draft, where he became the top tight end selected.

With his impressive achievements, Bowers has now broken an NFL record that has spanned over five decades, previously held by the inaugural tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame—Ditka himself. Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce noted his early recognition of Bowers’ potential, stating, “From the moment he arrived, I knew he was something special, and he demonstrated that again today. He seeks no spotlight; all he desires is victory and to enjoy the moment. Observing his demeanor in wins reveals the genuine Brock Bowers—he’s a fierce competitor and a true professional. It’s remarkable to think about just how good he can become.”