Ricky Proehl
Ricky Proehl (born March 7, 1968) is a former American football wide receiver who enjoyed a 17-year career in the National Football League (NFL), appearing in 244 games and accumulating 669 receptions for 8,878 yards and 54 touchdowns.[1] Drafted in the third round (58th overall) by the Phoenix Cardinals in the 1990 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest University, where he set school records for career receptions (188), receiving yards (2,949), and receiving touchdowns (25), Proehl began his professional tenure with the Cardinals from 1990 to 1994 before moving to the Seattle Seahawks (1995–1996), Chicago Bears (1997), St. Louis Rams (1998–2002), Carolina Panthers (2003–2005), and finally the Indianapolis Colts in 2006.[1][2][3] Proehl's career highlights include winning two Super Bowl championships—as a key contributor to the Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf" offense en route to their Super Bowl XXXIV victory in 2000, highlighted by a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the NFC Championship Game, and later with the Colts in Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season.[1][4] He also participated in two other Super Bowls, representing the Rams in a loss in XXXVI (2002) and the Panthers in a loss in XXXVIII (2004), making him one of the few players to appear in four Super Bowls across three different teams.[1] Known for his reliability as a slot receiver and postseason performer, Proehl posted career highs of 80 receptions and 1,253 yards in 1997 with the Bears, earning praise for his precise route-running and clutch contributions despite never being selected to a Pro Bowl.[1][5] After retiring following the 2006 season, Proehl transitioned into coaching, serving as the wide receivers coach for the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2016, where he helped develop talents like Steve Smith Sr..[6] He stepped away from the role in 2017 to focus on his family's athletic pursuits, including supporting his sons in college football, and has since operated Proehlific Park, a fitness and training facility in Greensboro, North Carolina.[7][8] Inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, Proehl remains celebrated for his longevity and impact in professional football, embodying the archetype of the dependable, championship-caliber veteran.[9]Early Life and Education
Early Life
Richard Scott Proehl was born on March 7, 1968, in The Bronx, New York.[10] His family relocated to Hillsborough, New Jersey, where he spent his formative years in a suburban environment that fostered community involvement in youth activities.[10] Growing up in this setting, Proehl's childhood was marked by the influences of his family's longstanding passion for football, as they were lifelong New York Giants season ticket holders, which exposed him to the sport from an early age.[11] Proehl began playing football at the age of eight, developing an initial interest through local youth programs and family outings to games, which shaped his enthusiasm before organized school sports.[12] As he transitioned to high school, Proehl channeled his early football experiences into more structured athletic endeavors.[10]High School Career
Ricky Proehl attended Hillsborough High School in Hillsborough, New Jersey, where he graduated in 1986.[10] As a youth, he demonstrated early interest in football through standout performances in the town's local sports leagues.[13] During his high school career, Proehl excelled as a wide receiver on the football team, also starring in baseball.[8] In his senior year, he recorded 42 receptions for over 900 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, achievements that contributed to setting multiple school records.[8] Over his entire high school tenure, Proehl amassed school records of 2,949 receiving yards and 25 touchdown receptions, while achieving 50 or more catches in each of his final three seasons.[13] Proehl's impressive performances drew attention from several colleges during the recruitment process, ultimately leading him to commit to Wake Forest University under coach Al Groh.[10]College Career
Wake Forest Career
Ricky Proehl enrolled at Wake Forest University in 1986 and played football for the Demon Deacons through the 1989 season, competing as a wide receiver in the Atlantic Coast Conference.[3] Recruited from high school by Demon Deacons head coach Al Groh, Proehl quickly adapted to college-level play. As a freshman in 1986, he appeared in every game, gaining valuable experience in the team's offensive schemes.[10] In his sophomore year of 1987, under new head coach Bill Dooley, Proehl emerged as a reliable option in the passing game, contributing to Wake Forest's efforts against ACC rivals like Clemson and North Carolina. His role expanded as he became a consistent target for quarterbacks, helping to stretch defenses in key matchups.[10] During his junior season in 1988, Proehl solidified his position within the offense, playing a central part in the Demon Deacons' aerial attack while facing formidable opponents such as Georgia Tech and Virginia.[10] Proehl's senior year in 1989 represented the pinnacle of his college development, where he served as the primary wide receiver and leader in the passing offense, navigating a challenging schedule that included games against Maryland and NC State despite the team's overall struggles.[10]College Statistics and Records
During his four seasons at Wake Forest University from 1986 to 1989, Ricky Proehl established himself as one of the most productive wide receivers in Demon Deacons history, amassing career totals of 188 receptions for 2,949 receiving yards and 25 receiving touchdowns.[2] These figures include school records for most career receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a wide receiver, while his 188 receptions rank in the top five all-time at Wake Forest, as does his career receiving average of 15.7 yards per catch.[9] Proehl's performance improved steadily across his college career, with his senior year marking a breakout season that significantly boosted Wake Forest's passing attack. The following table summarizes his year-by-year receiving statistics:| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Yards per Reception | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 11 | 18 | 263 | 14.6 | 0 |
| 1987 | 11 | 54 | 788 | 14.6 | 6 |
| 1988 | 11 | 51 | 845 | 16.6 | 8 |
| 1989 | 11 | 65 | 1,053 | 16.2 | 11 |
| Career | 44 | 188 | 2,949 | 15.7 | 25 |
Professional Career
Arizona Cardinals
Ricky Proehl was selected by the Phoenix Cardinals in the third round, 58th overall, of the 1990 NFL Draft, following a standout college career at Wake Forest where he amassed over 2,000 receiving yards.[15] As a rookie in 1990, Proehl quickly established himself as a key contributor in the Cardinals' passing attack, recording 56 receptions for 802 yards and four touchdowns, which set a franchise rookie record for receptions and made him the first Cardinals rookie to lead the team in that category since 1950.[16] His performance earned him a spot on the NFL's All-Rookie Team, highlighting his reliable hands and route-running ability amid a 5-11 season for the team.[15] Proehl's role expanded steadily over the next four seasons, as he became one of the Cardinals' most consistent wide receivers during a period of team struggles, including back-to-back 2-14 finishes in 1991 and 1992. In 1993, he achieved career highs with the Cardinals, catching 65 passes for 877 yards and seven touchdowns, providing a bright spot in an offense led by quarterback Jim Hart and later Steve Beuerlein. The following year, in 1994—the Cardinals' inaugural season in Arizona—Proehl maintained his productivity with 51 receptions for 651 yards and five scores, often serving as a primary target despite the team's 5-11 record.[15][17] After the 1994 season, with Proehl entering the final year of his rookie contract and the Cardinals seeking to rebuild their roster, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on April 3, 1995, in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick (No. 106 overall).[18][19] This move marked the end of his initial NFL tenure, during which he appeared in 80 games for the Cardinals, totaling 287 receptions for 3,840 yards and 21 touchdowns.[15]Seattle Seahawks
Proehl was traded from the Arizona Cardinals to the Seattle Seahawks on April 3, 1995, in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick (No. 106 overall, used to select offensive tackle Melvin Hayes).[18] With the Seahawks, Proehl spent the 1995 and 1996 seasons primarily as a rotational wide receiver and backup, starting just seven games across the two years while adapting to a new offensive system after his foundational experience in Arizona. In 1995, he appeared in eight games, catching five passes for 29 yards. His role expanded slightly in 1996, where he played all 16 games, recording 23 receptions for 309 yards and two touchdowns, including a 56-yard score that highlighted his deep-threat potential in limited opportunities. These contributions added depth to Seattle's passing game but did not feature him as a primary target.[15][10]| Year | Team | Games | Starts | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs | Longest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | SEA | 8 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 5.8 | 0 | 9 |
| 1996 | SEA | 16 | 7 | 23 | 309 | 13.4 | 2 | 56 |
Chicago Bears
Entering free agency after the 1996 season, Proehl signed with the Chicago Bears in 1997 on a one-year deal, where he emerged as a key component of the offense under head coach Dave Wannstedt. That year marked his breakout as a starter, leading the team in receptions with 58 for 753 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in 15 games played. Proehl's reliable hands and route-running provided a consistent outlet for quarterback Erik Kramer, helping to stretch defenses and support the Bears' ground-oriented attack amid a 4-12 season. Notable performances included a 78-yard touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers and multiple multi-catch games that underscored his veteran presence.[15][10]| Year | Team | Games | Starts | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs | Longest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | CHI | 15 | 15 | 58 | 753 | 13.0 | 7 | 78 |
St. Louis Rams
Ricky Proehl signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent in 1998, reuniting with offensive coordinator Jerry Rhome from his time with the Arizona Cardinals and joining under head coach Dick Vermeil.[21] This move positioned him as a veteran wide receiver in an offense that evolved into the "Greatest Show on Turf" by 1999, featuring quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and rookie Torry Holt, where Proehl provided reliable possession receiving and route-running to complement the explosive playmakers.[21][22] During the 1999 season, Proehl emerged as a clutch performer in the Rams' 13-3 campaign, culminating in his iconic 30-yard touchdown reception from Warner in the NFC Championship Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a one-handed, over-the-shoulder catch with 4:44 remaining that secured an 11-6 victory and propelled the team to Super Bowl XXXIV.[21][23] In 2000 and 2001, he continued as a key rotational receiver in the high-scoring offense, contributing to back-to-back NFC titles with consistent catches that supported the Rams' record-setting production, including multiple games where his veteran presence stabilized drives.[9][21] Proehl played a supporting role in the Rams' Super Bowl XXXIV victory over the Tennessee Titans in January 2000, helping anchor the receiving corps in the 23-16 win that capped the franchise's turnaround.[9] The following year, he remained integral to the offense during the 14-2 regular season, aiding the Rams' return to Super Bowl XXXVI despite the eventual loss to the New England Patriots, marking the peak of the "Greatest Show on Turf" dynasty.[21] Proehl departed the Rams after the 2002 season, having amassed 267 receptions for 3,391 yards and 20 touchdowns over five years with the team.[15]Carolina Panthers
Proehl signed with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in March 2003 to a three-year contract, bringing veteran experience to the wide receiver position.[24] He quickly became a key slot receiver for Carolina under head coach John Fox.[5] Over the next three seasons (2003–2005), Proehl appeared in 64 regular-season games for the Panthers, recording 116 receptions for 1,823 yards and 12 touchdowns while serving as a mentor to younger receivers like Steve Smith.[15] In his debut season with Carolina, Proehl played a pivotal role in the team's improbable run to Super Bowl XXXVIII, starting as a 1-15 underdog club that won 14 of its final 15 games to reach the NFL championship.[25] During the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots on February 1, 2004, he caught a crucial 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Delhomme with 1:08 remaining to tie the score at 29-29, though the Panthers ultimately fell 32-29 on a last-second field goal.[25][26] His performance exemplified his clutch reliability in high-stakes moments, having previously appeared in two Super Bowls with the Rams. Proehl's veteran presence provided consistent leadership on and off the field, helping stabilize the offense amid injuries and transitions.[25] Proehl retired following the 2005 season.Indianapolis Colts
After retiring following the 2005 season with the Carolina Panthers, wide receiver Ricky Proehl returned to action in late 2006 when the Indianapolis Colts signed him on November 29 to bolster their receiving corps amid injuries to players like Brandon Stokley.[27] Leveraging his experience from the Super Bowl XXXIV-winning St. Louis Rams squad, Proehl provided veteran depth behind a talented group that included Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Proehl's role with the Colts was limited due to the team's strong depth chart at wide receiver, as he appeared in only two regular-season games during the 2006 campaign. In those contests—a 44-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 10 and a 34-31 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 18—he recorded three receptions for 30 yards total, serving primarily as a reliable third or fourth option in the passing game.[28] Proehl remained with the Colts through the postseason, dressing for all four playoff games, including Super Bowl XLI, where Indianapolis defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17 to claim the franchise's first world championship since 1971. Although he did not record any receptions in the playoffs, his presence offered leadership and stability to a young receiving unit during the team's successful run. Following the Super Bowl victory, Proehl announced his retirement on February 5, 2007, ending a 17-year professional career that spanned six teams.NFL Career Statistics
Regular Season Statistics
Ricky Proehl amassed 669 receptions for 8,878 yards and 54 touchdowns over 17 NFL seasons from 1990 to 2006.[15] The following table details his regular season receiving statistics year by year, including games played (G), games started (GS), receptions (Rec), receiving yards (Yds), yards per reception (Y/R), touchdowns (TD), and fumbles (Fmb).[15]| Year | Team | G | GS | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD | Fmb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Phoenix Cardinals | 16 | 2 | 56 | 802 | 14.3 | 4 | 0 |
| 1991 | Phoenix Cardinals | 16 | 16 | 55 | 766 | 13.9 | 2 | 0 |
| 1992 | Phoenix Cardinals | 16 | 15 | 60 | 744 | 12.4 | 3 | 5 |
| 1993 | Phoenix Cardinals | 16 | 16 | 65 | 877 | 13.5 | 7 | 1 |
| 1994 | Arizona Cardinals | 16 | 16 | 51 | 651 | 12.8 | 5 | 2 |
| 1995 | Seattle Seahawks | 8 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 5.8 | 0 | 0 |
| 1996 | Seattle Seahawks | 16 | 7 | 23 | 309 | 13.4 | 2 | 0 |
| 1997 | Chicago Bears | 15 | 10 | 58 | 753 | 13.0 | 7 | 2 |
| 1998 | St. Louis Rams | 16 | 11 | 60 | 771 | 12.9 | 3 | 0 |
| 1999 | St. Louis Rams | 15 | 2 | 33 | 349 | 10.6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000 | St. Louis Rams | 12 | 4 | 31 | 441 | 14.2 | 4 | 0 |
| 2001 | St. Louis Rams | 16 | 2 | 40 | 563 | 14.1 | 5 | 0 |
| 2002 | St. Louis Rams | 16 | 2 | 43 | 466 | 10.8 | 4 | 0 |
| 2003 | Carolina Panthers | 16 | 2 | 27 | 389 | 14.4 | 4 | 0 |
| 2004 | Carolina Panthers | 16 | 3 | 34 | 497 | 14.6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | Carolina Panthers | 16 | 0 | 25 | 441 | 17.6 | 4 | 0 |
| 2006 | Indianapolis Colts | 2 | 1 | 3 | 30 | 10.0 | 0 | 0 |
Postseason Statistics
Proehl appeared in 14 NFL postseason games over five seasons, compiling 23 receptions for 363 receiving yards and four touchdowns.[29] His playoff contributions spanned multiple teams, with notable performances in high-stakes contests that advanced his squads to the Super Bowl.[15] One of Proehl's most iconic playoff moments came in the 1999 NFC Championship Game on January 23, 2000, when the St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11–6. Proehl hauled in a 30-yard game-winning touchdown pass from Kurt Warner with 4:42 remaining, securing the Rams' first Super Bowl appearance in over a decade; in that game, he finished with six receptions for 100 yards and the score.[30][31] Proehl participated in four Super Bowls, twice as a winner—Super Bowl XXXIV with the Rams and Super Bowl XLI with the Colts—though he recorded no statistics in the latter after joining Indianapolis late in the 2006 regular season.[15] His active Super Bowl receiving lines were as follows:| Super Bowl | Date | Team | Opponent | Result | Receptions | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXXIV | 2000-01-30 | STL | TEN | W 23–16 | 1 | 11 | 0 |
| XXXVI | 2002-02-03 | STL | NWE | L 17–20 | 3 | 71 | 1 |
| XXXVIII | 2004-02-01 | CAR | NWE | L 29–32 | 4 | 71 | 1 |