Sixty-three years after Mike Ditka set an NFL record for receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,076), Brock Bowers has surpassed the Pro Football Hall of Famer with a new benchmark of 1,144 yards (and counting) for rookie tight ends.
"It's pretty awesome," Bowers said after the game. "It's always been a childhood goal to play in the NFL, obviously. Then to come in here and be able to catch as many balls as I did and get as many yards as I did, it's pretty shocking to me. It's pretty cool."
The rookie from Napa, California, entered Sunday's game against the Saints needing 10 yards to move past Ditka. He recorded two catches for eight yards on the Raiders' first two plays from scrimmage and then pulled in the record-breaking reception for a 13-yard gain in the second quarter.
"Like I said from day one, he was special when he walked in the door and he was special again today," Antonio Pierce said.
"He's a competitor," the head coach added. "He's a true pro. It's scary how good this kid can be."
It wasn't just Ditka's record that Bowers shattered in the road win over the Saints. With his fifth catch of the day, Bowers broke the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie of any position, set by Puka Nacua in 2023 (105).
Later in the game on a third-down play in the fourth quarter, Bowers hauled in another 13-yard catch to break the Raiders' single-season receptions record set by Darren Waller in 2020 (107).
"I try not to put goals like numbers and stuff," Bowers said when asked how he envisioned his rookie season would go. "I just try to ask myself, 'How can I help the team in the best way that I can?' Just catching the ball when it comes to me, that's kind of what I try to think of. I mean, if you're setting numbers goals – I had no clue what to expect coming from college to the NFL, so just trying to help the team."
Help the team he did as Bowers ended the day with a team-high seven catches for 77 yards. His final five receptions all gained 10+ yards.
Of all the superlatives that might come to mind about Bowers, it's his consistency that stands out most to quarterback Aidan O'Connell.
"Normally when you see a player who's consistent throughout the week, you can rely on them in the games," O'Connell said. "He's very routine. I see him having breakfast around the same time every day. Just sticking to his routine and working hard to make sure his body feels right, his mind is right. We ask tight ends to do a lot. I think tight end is one of the hardest positions to play. You've got to learn a lot in the run game and the pass game. Super proud of him. I really can't say enough good things about the guy."
While Bowers will head back to Las Vegas atop the NFL history books, it's the 25-10 victory that made his record-setting day even sweeter.
"The wins are huge," he said. "The vibes are way better. We worked so hard throughout the whole offseason and during camp and throughout the season, I feel like we've been due. So, it's been good."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 31-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (33) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (45) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (80) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 39-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) goes for a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with tackle DJ Glaze (71) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the bench during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) on the bench during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) and defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) and Head Coach Antonio Pierce during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates with tight end Brock Bowers (89) after making an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates with quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) after making an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) and safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53), safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Carnell Williams in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
The Las Vegas Raiders in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and Head Coach Antonio Pierce in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
