Who Has the Most Sacks in NFL History?
A look at the NFL sack leaders reveals a who’s who of defensive greats, including one active player who could soon take over the top spot.
Introduction
When it comes to sacks, there are a few NFL greats that top the list. These are the sack leaders in NFL history.
1. Bruce Smith – 200
2. Reggie White – 198
3. Kevin Greene – 160
4. Chris Doleman – 150.5
5. Michael Strahan – 141.5
6. Julius Peppers – 143
7. Jason Taylor – 139.5
8. Andre Tippett – 100
Michael Strahan
Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is the NFL’s all-time sack leader with 22.5 sacks in the 2001 season.
Deacon Jones
Deacon Jones is a retired American football defensive end who played for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
Jones is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, and was ranked number 13 on The Sporting News’ list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. He was also ranked number 6 on NFL Network’s “Top 10 Pass Rushers of All Time” in 2009.
Reggie White
Reggie White, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, is the NFL’s all-time leader in sacks with 198. White was a 13-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006.
Bruce Smith
With 200 career sacks, Bruce Smith is the NFL’s all-time leader in sacks. A defensive end who played for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins, Smith was a first-team All-Pro eight times and a Pro Bowler 11 times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Conclusion
The player with the most sacks in NFL history is Bruce Smith, with 200 sacks. Smith played for the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Redskins, and was a first-round draft pick in 1985. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
