Trey McBride Makes NFL History, Even as Cardinals Fall to Bucs
There were two big takeaways from the Arizona Cardinals’ 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday. One was expected - the loss officially knocked Arizona out of playoff contention.
The other? A piece of history was made, and it now lives in Canton.
Tight end Trey McBride didn’t just have another productive day; he etched his name into the NFL record books. With eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, McBride broke the league record for most receptions by a tight end in his first four seasons.
That mark was previously held by Jimmy Graham, who racked up 301 catches and 3,863 yards during his first four years in the NFL. McBride now sits at 309 receptions - and he’s still got five games left to play this season.
To be fair, McBride benefits from today’s 17-game schedule, while Graham played in the 16-game era. But even with that context, what McBride is doing is remarkable. He tied Graham’s record just a week earlier in the Cardinals’ loss to Jacksonville, when he caught nine passes for 79 yards - including a clutch four-yard grab from Jacoby Brissett in overtime.
Then came Sunday against Tampa Bay. On Arizona’s opening drive, Brissett found McBride for a seven-yard gain and a first down with just over nine minutes left in the first quarter. That catch officially pushed McBride past Graham and into the record books.
And the Hall of Fame took notice. After the final whistle, McBride’s game-worn jersey - still carrying the battle scars of the day, grass stains and sweat included - was collected and sent to Canton, where it’s now on display.
McBride’s season isn’t just about historical milestones - he’s dominating in the present, too. He currently leads the entire NFL in receptions with 88.
That’s not just among tight ends - that’s everyone. The next closest tight end on the list is Dallas Cowboys standout Jake Ferguson, who sits at No. 8 overall.
And there’s more history within reach. McBride is closing in on Travis Kelce’s record for most consecutive games by a tight end with at least five receptions.
Kelce’s mark stands at 15. McBride is one five-catch performance away from tying it.
It’s not just McBride who’s been earning Hall of Fame attention in Arizona, either. Jacoby Brissett’s jersey from the Cardinals’ Week 11 loss to the 49ers is also on display in Canton.
In that game, Brissett set a new single-game record with 47 completions. And in case you’re wondering why his jersey looks a little too clean - San Francisco didn’t sack him once.
So yes, the Cardinals may be out of the playoff race, but they’re still making noise - and history. Trey McBride’s rise has been one of the few bright spots in a tough season, and with five games still to go, he’s not done yet.