Who Has the NFL Sack Record?

The National Football League (NFL) sack record is currently held by defensive end Reggie White, who recorded 198 sacks during his career.

Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan is a former American football defensive end who played his entire 15-year career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He holds the NFL’s single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks in 2001, and led the league in sacks for four consecutive seasons.

22.5 sacks in 2001

In 2001, Michael Strahan had a career-high 22.5 sacks, which is the current NFL record. He was a member of the New York Giants from 1993 to 2007, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

20.5 sacks in 2003

In 2003, Michael Strahan had one of the most impressive seasons by a defensive player in NFL history. He set the record for most sacks in a season with 20.5, and helped lead the New York Giants to a Super Bowl victory.

Strahan’s remarkable 2003 season was the culmination of a long and successful career. He was drafted by the Giants in 1993, and quickly became one of the best defensive players in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl seven times, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2001.

Strahan retired after the 2007 season, and his 20.5 sacks in 2003 still stands as the NFL record.

Jared Allen

As of the 2019 NFL season, Jared Allen holds the record for the most career sacks with 136. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers over his 12-year career. Allen was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL sacks leader four times.

22 sacks in 2007

In 2007, Allen had a career-high 22 sacks, leading the NFL and setting a new Minnesota Vikings franchise record. He also forced six fumbles and had 64 tackles. For his efforts, he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Pro First Team.

21 sacks in 2011

In 2011, Allen had a career-high 21 sacks, leading the NFL, and was voted first-team All-Pro for the third consecutive season. He also forced six fumbles and recovered three.

DeMarcus Ware

DeMarcus Ware is a former American football outside linebacker and defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons. He played college football at Troy University, and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He holds the Cowboys’ franchise record for career sacks, and is also the all-time leader in sacks for the Denver Broncos.

20 sacks in 2008

DeMarcus Ware had 20 sacks in 2008, which was the most in the NFL that year. He is a 9-time Pro Bowler and was elected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s.

19.5 sacks in 2010

In 2010, DeMarcus Ware had 19.5 sacks for the Dallas Cowboys, which is tied for the 8th most in a season in NFL history.

Since joining the Cowboys in 2005, Ware has been one of the most dominant and feared pass rushers in the NFL. He is a 6-time Pro Bowler and 4-time First Team All-Pro. In addition to his 19.5 sacks in 2010, he has had double digit sack totals in 2006 (11.5), 2008 (20), and 2009 (15).

Ware currently has 117 career sacks, which puts him 21st all time. He is just 30 years old and should continue to rack up sacks for years to come.

Jason Taylor

Jason Taylor is a retired American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fifteen seasons. He holds the NFL record for the most sacks in a career with 139.5.

18.5 sacks in 2002

In 2002, Jason Taylor had 18.5 sacks for the Miami Dolphins, which is the most in a single season in NFL history. He is also the only player to have three seasons with at least 16 sacks, and he did it in 2000, 2002, and 2006.

17.5 sacks in 2006

In 2006, Jason Taylor had 17.5 sacks, the most in a single season in NFL history.