“I said from Day 1, he was special when he walked in the door and he was special again today,” were Raiders’ HC Antonio Pierce’s words as his signing Brock Bowers registered his name in the NFL record book. The franchise was happy after drafting him in the first round (13th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft. They even signed a 4-year $18.1 million fully guaranteed contract with the rookie. He didn’t disappoint the fans and showed why he was being treated so well.

With 7 receptions in the week 17 game against the Saints, which they won 25-10, Bowers cruised ahead of Rams’ WR Puka Nacua’s 2023 record (105) for most single-season rookie receptions. His tally stands at 108 receptions in his rookie season in 2024. Rookie’s Raiders predecessor, Darren Waller, who played for them till 2022 and retired in June this year, congratulated him. He shared an IG story and wrote, “Congrats💯 Only the beginning for you.” That’s right.

Brock Bowers broke another record, standing for more than 6 decades. Mike Ditka set the NFL record in 1961 for most single-season receiving yards by a rookie with 1,076 yards for the Chicago Bears. After recording 77 yards against the Saints, Bowers now has 108 receptions for 1,145 receiving yards in 16 games (15 as starting TE). That’s a historic achievement.

His best performance came in the week 11 matchup against the Dolphins. The rookie had 13 receptions in 126 yards, but the Raiders lost the game. Such has been their story. After week 17, they now have a 4-12 win-loss record. Despite this, Bowers has been phenomenal. A superstar has arrived!

The team is happy that he would play 3 more seasons for them. For Antonio Pierce, he would be keen to make some changes in the offseason. And the rookie would be a key part of their plans going forward.

Antonio Pierce praised Brock Bowers following week 17 win

Speaking in the post-game conference, the Raiders HC warned all other 31 NFL teams with his praise and said, “(Brock Bowers) doesn’t want no attention. All he cares about is winning and smiling. He can break records but just watch him after victories. That’s the true Brock Bowers because he’s a competitor. He’s a true pro and like I’ve said, it’s scary how good this kid’s gonna be.” That’s some choice words. It would certainly raise the rookie stakes in the football world.

Even the rookie tight end was excited after breaking the record. After the game, Bowers said, “It’s always been a childhood goal to play in the NFL, obviously, and to come in here and to catch as many balls as I did and get as many years as I did, it’s pretty shocking to me. It’s pretty cool.” He would be happy. His team failed in the season, but fans wonder how much more he would have achieved if they were performing well.

The 2-time John Mackey Award winner was always a special talent. And now that he showed in on the gridiron, the rival defenses would be prepared for him. However, he will have enough time to bond together with his teammates as the season gets over in a week.