New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas broke the NFL record for receptions in a season, but still defends his title aggressively. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

NFL poll sparks fight between Michael Thomas and DeVante Parker

By Blake Harper | Last updated 5/19/20

What started as an innocent Instagram poll to stave off boredom quickly transformed into a full-fledged flame war between Michael Thomas and DeVante Parker, as the two got into it over their skills and placement in the NFL wide receiver hierarchy.

It all began when NFL on Fox's Instagram asked followers : "Which is tougher? A. Make a catch while guarded by Stephon Gilmore" or "B. Break up a pass while guarding Michael Thomas."

Parker answered 'A', which did not sit well with Thomas.

"For you, yes," Thomas replied. "Go run some numbers up. Then you can talk. I lapped you and you been in the league longer than me, first-rounder."

Thomas' trash talk did not go unnoticed by the Dolphins wide receiver, who responded: "Got some hard feeling there brotha??? Let me get targeted 300 times a game."

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Which is tougher to do?

A post shared by NFL on FOX (@nflonfox) on May 18, 2020 at 2:00pm PDT

Parker is referring to the fact that Thomas was the most targeted wide receiver in the NFL last season, implying that a large part of his success is only due to how many passes are thrown his way. Of course, the Saints receiver did not take that kind of talk lying down.

"In other words, you weak," Thomas wrote. "They don't even put your name in the same sentence as me. Remember that!" He responded a second time with: "You still not going to do nothing. It took you six years and 17 weeks to have a good game. GTFOH. Blame your parents, not no QB."

While Thomas has established quickly established himself as an elite wide-out after being drafted by New Orleans in the second round of the 2016 draft, Parker took a bit more time to break out. Despite being drafted in the first round of the 2014 draft, Parker didn't have a top-level season until last year.

After that, the war of words died down a bit, with Parker throwing in a quick "Quit crying bra" before Thomas got the last word in, writing, "You can't even get a seat at the table."

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