What Is The Nfl Single Season Sack Record?
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The National Football League’s (NFL) single season sack record is currently held by Michael Strahan, who recorded 22.5 sacks in the 2001 season.
Michael Strahan – 2001
In 2001, Michael Strahan set the NFL single season sack record with 22.5 sacks. This was an incredible feat, and it has stood for nearly 20 years. But what is the story behind this record-setting season?
22.5 sacks
The NFL single season sack record is currently held by Michael Strahan, who tallied 22.5 sacks in 2001. However, some have argued that this record should be asterisked due to the fact that the quarterback he sacked that year, Brett Favre, appeared to intentionally fall down when Strahan was close to sacking him late in the game. This would have given Strahan an extra half sack and likely cemented his place in history, but regardless of the controversy, his record still stands today.
Jared Allen – 2011
In 2011, Minnesota Vikings’ defensive end Jared Allen broke the NFL single season sack record with 22 sacks. This was a huge accomplishment as the previous record was held by Michael Strahan with 21.5 sacks in 2001. Allen’s record would stand for 5 years until it was broken by another defensive end, Chandler Jones, in 2016.
22 sacks
In 2011, Jared Allen sack the quarterback 22 times, the most in a single season in NFL history. Allen’s incredible season helped the Minnesota Vikings defense set an NFL record for fewest points allowed in a season.
DeMarcus Ware – 2008
In 2008, DeMarcus Ware set the NFL single season sack record with 20.5 sacks. He was a force to be reckoned with and helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to a divisional title.
20 sacks
In 2008, DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys set the NFL single season sack record with 20 sacks.
Mark Gastineau – 1984
In 1984, Mark Gastineau of the New York Jets set the NFL single season sack record with 22 sacks. This record stood for 19 years until it was broken by Michael Strahan of the New York Giants in 2001.
19.5 sacks
In 1984, Mark Gastineau recorded sacks in all 16 regular season games, compiling 19.5 total sacks. This was the first time any player had done this since sacks became an official statistic in 1982, and it remains the only time any player has accomplished the feat in a single season.
Derrick Thomas – 1990
Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs recorded 7 sacks in one game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 11, 1990. This is the most sacks in a single game by any player in NFL history.
20 sacks
Derrick Thomas set the NFL single season sack record in 1990 with 20 sacks. He was a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs and was a part of their “NASCAR” defense that also included Neil Smith, Dan Saleaumua, and Percy Snow.
