Who Holds the Most NFL Records?
Contents
See which NFL player holds the most records in this comprehensive list.
Introduction
In the National Football League, there are a number of players who hold records for various statistical categories. Some of these records are for single-game performances, while others are for career achievements. Here is a look at some of the players who hold the most NFL records.
Peyton Manning holds the record for most career passing yards (71,940), most career touchdown passes (539), and most career wins (200). He is also the only player in NFL history to have won five MVP awards.
Jerry Rice is the league’s all-time leader in receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and touchdown catches (197). He is widely considered to be the greatest wide receiver in NFL history.
Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, with 18,355 yards. He also holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in a career, with 164.
Lawrence Taylor is considered one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. He holds the record for most sacks in a season (20.5) and is second on the all-time sacks list (138.5).
Walter Payton is second on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, with 16,726 yards. He also holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in a career (110). Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Most Passing Yards in a Career
Peyton Manning currently holds the record for the most passing yards in an NFL career, with 71,940 yards. He is closely followed by Brett Favre, with 71,838 career passing yards. Drew Brees is in third place with 70,445 career passing yards.
Most Rushing Yards in a Career
Emmitt Smith – 18,355
This former Dallas Cowboys running back is the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing yards with 18,355. He also holds the record for most rushing yards in a single season with 1,773 in 1995. Smith played for the Cowboys from 1990 to 2002 and then spent two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before retiring in 2004.
Most Receiving Yards in a Career
Jerry Rice is the NFL’s all-time leader in receiving yards, with 22,895. He’s also the only player in league history to surpass the 20,000-yard mark.
Rice played for 20 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks, amassing 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Most Sacks in a Career
Reggie White, defensive end who played for the Philadelphia Eagles (1985-1992), Green Bay Packers (1993-1998), and Carolina Panthers (2000), holds the record for the most sacks in an NFL career with 198.
Most Interceptions in a Career
Most Interceptions in a Career
1. Paul Krause – 81
2. Emlen Tunnell – 79
3. Rod Woodson – 71
4. Night Train Lane – 68
5. Ken Riley – 65
6. Dick LeBeau – 62
7. Lester Hayes – 57
8. Dave Brown – 56
9. Bailey Johnson – 55
10.Jerry Rice – 50
Most Touchdowns in a Career
1. Jerry Rice – 208
2. Emmitt Smith – 175
3. LaDainian Tomlinson – 162
4. Randy Moss – 156
5. Terrell Owens – 153
6. Marvin Harrison – 143
7. Lenny Moore – 139
8. Steve Largent – 137
9-10. Cris Carter / Tim Brown – 134
Most Field Goals in a Career
The most field goals in a career is held by Adam Vinatieri, who has made 599 field goals over his 24-year career.
Conclusion
Peyton Manning currently holds the most NFL records with 186. Other notable players who hold a significant number of records include Jerry Rice (130), Brett Favre (128), Jimmie Johnson (108), and Emmitt Smith (105).
