List of National Football League career passing completions leaders

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This is a list of the top 50 National Football League quarterbacks career total regular season passing completions.

Tom Brady is the all-time leader in passing completions (7,200) and passing attempts (11,230).

Regular season completions leaders[]

Tom Brady is the all-time leader in passing attempts and completions.
Key
^ Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
* Denotes player who is still active

Through Week 16 of 2021 season.

Rank Player Team(s) by season Completions Attempts Pct.
1 Tom Brady* New England Patriots (2000–2019)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–present) 		7,200 11,230 64.11
2 Drew Brees San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)
New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) 		7,142 10,551 67.69
3 Brett Favre^ Atlanta Falcons (1991)
Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) 		6,300 10,169 61.95
4 Peyton Manning^ Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011)
Denver Broncos (2012–2015) 		6,125 9,380 65.30
5 Ben Roethlisberger* Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–present) 5,386 8,353 64.48
6 Philip Rivers San Diego/L.A. Chargers (2004–2019)
Indianapolis Colts (2020) 		5,277 8,134 64.88
7 Matt Ryan* Atlanta Falcons (2008–present) 5,209 7,947 65.55
8 Dan Marino^ Miami Dolphins (1983–1998) 4,967 8,358 59.43
9 Eli Manning New York Giants (2004–2019) 4,895 8,119 60.29
10 Aaron Rodgers* Green Bay Packers (2005–present) 4,608 7,062 65.25
11 Matthew Stafford* Detroit Lions (2009–2020)
L.A. Rams (2021–present) 		4,255 6,758 62.96
12 John Elway^ Denver Broncos (1983–1998) 4,123 7,250 56.87
13 Warren Moon^ Houston Oilers (1984–1993)
Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996)
Seattle Seahawks (1997–1998)
Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2000) 		3,988 6,823 58.45
14 Carson Palmer Cincinnati Bengals (2003–2010)
Oakland Raiders (2011–2012)
Arizona Cardinals (2013–2017) 		3,941 6,307 62.49
15 Drew Bledsoe New England Patriots (1993–2001)
Buffalo Bills (2002–2004)
Dallas Cowboys (2005–2006) 		3,839 6,717 57.15
16 Vinny Testaverde Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1987–1992)
Cleveland Browns (1993–1995)
Baltimore Ravens (1996–1997)
New York Jets (1998–2003, 2005)
Dallas Cowboys (2004)
New England Patriots (2006)
Carolina Panthers (2007) 		3,787 6,701 56.51
17 Joe Flacco* Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018)
Denver Broncos (2019)
New York Jets (2020, 2021-present)
Philadelphia Eagles (2021) 		3,768 6,105 61.72
18 Fran Tarkenton^ Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966, 1972–1978)
New York Giants (1967–1971) 		3,686 6,467 57.00
19 Kerry Collins Carolina Panthers (1995–1998)[a]
New Orleans Saints (1998)
New York Giants (1999–2003)
Oakland Raiders (2004–2005)
Tennessee Titans (2006–2010)
Indianapolis Colts (2011) 		3,487 6,261 55.69
20 Joe Montana^ San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992)
Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) 		3,409 5,391 63.24
21 Dan Fouts^ San Diego Chargers (1973–1987) 3,297 5,604 58.83
22 Alex Smith San Francisco 49ers (2005–2012)
Kansas City Chiefs (2013–2017)
Washington Redskins/Football Team (2018–2020) 		3,250 5,193 62.58
23 Matt Hasselbeck Green Bay Packers (1999–2000)
Seattle Seahawks (2001–2010)
Tennessee Titans (2011–2012)
Indianapolis Colts (2013−2015) 		3,222 5,330 60.45
24 Donovan McNabb Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009)
Washington Redskins (2010)
Minnesota Vikings (2011) 		3,170 5,374 58.99
25 Dave Krieg Seattle Seahawks (1980–1991)
Kansas City Chiefs (1992–1993)
Detroit Lions (1994)
Arizona Cardinals (1995)
Chicago Bears (1996)
Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) 		3,105 5,311 58.47
26 Ryan Fitzpatrick* St. Louis Rams (2005–2006)
Cincinnati Bengals (2007–2008)
Buffalo Bills (2009–2012)
Tennessee Titans (2013)
Houston Texans (2014)
New York Jets (2015–2016)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017–2018)
Miami Dolphins (2019–2020)
Washington Football Team (2021–present) 		3,072 5,060 60.71
27 Andy Dalton* Cincinnati Bengals (2011-2019)
Dallas Cowboys (2020)
Chicago Bears (2021-present) 		3,071 4,935 62.23
28 Jay Cutler Denver Broncos (2006–2008)
Chicago Bears (2009–2016)
Miami Dolphins (2017) 		3,048 4,920 61.95
29 Russell Wilson* Seattle Seahawks (2012-present) 3,044 4,680 65.04
30 Boomer Esiason Cincinnati Bengals (1984–1992, 1997)
New York Jets (1993–1995)
Arizona Cardinals (1996) 		2,969 5,205 57.04
31 Troy Aikman^ Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) 2,898 4,715 61.46
32 Steve DeBerg San Francisco 49ers (1978–1980)
Denver Broncos (1981–1983)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1984–1987, 1992–1993)[b]
Kansas City Chiefs (1988–1991)
Miami Dolphins (1993)
Atlanta Falcons (1998) 		2,874 5,024 57.21
Jim Kelly^ Buffalo Bills (1986–1996) 4,779 60.14
34 Derek Carr* Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014-present) 2,852 4,389 64.98
35 Jim Everett Los Angeles Rams (1986–1993)
New Orleans Saints (1994–1996)
San Diego Chargers (1997) 		2,841 4,923 57.71
36 Johnny Unitas* Baltimore Colts (1956–1972)
San Diego Chargers (1973) 		2,830 5,186 54.57
37 Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys (2003–2016) 2,829 4,335 65.26
38 Kirk Cousins* Washington Redskins (2012-2017)
Minnesota Vikings (2018-present) 		2,811 4,201 66.91
39 Mark Brunell Green Bay Packers (1994)
Jacksonville Jaguars (1995–2003)
Washington Redskins (2004–2007)
New Orleans Saints (2008–2009)
New York Jets (2010–2011) 		2,761 4,640 59.50
40 Steve McNair Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1995–2005)
Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007) 		2,733 4,544 60.15
41 Cam Newton* Carolina Panthers (2011-2019, 2021-present) 2,682 4,474 59.95
42 Jon Kitna Seattle Seahawks (1997–2000)
Cincinnati Bengals (2001–2005)
Detroit Lions (2006–2008)
Dallas Cowboys (2009–2011, 2013) 		2,677 4,442 60.27
43 Brad Johnson Minnesota Vikings (1994–1998), (2005–2006)
Washington Redskins (1999–2000)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2001–2004) 		2,668 4,324 61.70
44 Steve Young^ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986)
San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) 		2,667 4,149 64.28
45 Ryan Tannehill* Miami Dolphins (2012-2018)
Tennessee Titans (2019-present) 		2,666 4,159 64.10
Kurt Warner^ St. Louis Rams (1998–2003)
New York Giants (2004)
Arizona Cardinals (2005–2009) 		4,070 65.50
47 Ken Anderson Cincinnati Bengals (1971–1986) 2,654 4,475 59.31
48 Jim Hart St. Louis Cardinals (1966–1983)
Washington Redskins (1984) 		2,593 5,076 51.08
49 Phil Simms New York Giants (1979-1993) 2,576 4,647 55.43
50 Rich Gannon Minnesota Vikings (1987–1992)
Washington Redskins (1993)
Kansas City Chiefs (1995–1998)
Oakland Raiders (1999–2004) 		2,533 4,206 60.22

Playoff leaders[]

Through end of 2020 playoffs.[1] At least 250 completions.

Rank Player Team(s) by season Completions Attempts Pct. (in 100ths)
1 Tom Brady* New England Patriots (2000–2019)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–present) 		1,106 1,764 62.7
2 Peyton Manning^ Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011)
Denver Broncos (2012–2015) 		649 1,027 63.19
3 Drew Brees San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)
New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) 		481 721 66.71
Brett Favre^ Atlanta Falcons (1991)
Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) 		791 60.81
Aaron Rodgers* Green Bay Packers (2005–present) 745 64.56
6 Ben Roethlisberger* Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–present) 469 724 64.78
7 Joe Montana^ San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992)
Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) 		460 734 62.67
8 Dan Marino^ Miami Dolphins (1983–1999) 385 687 56.04
9 John Elway^ Denver Broncos (1983–1998) 355 651 54.53
10 Donovan McNabb Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009)
Washington Redskins (2010)
Minnesota Vikings (2011) 		341 577 59.1
11 Jim Kelly^ Buffalo Bills (1986–1996) 322 545 59.08
12 Troy Aikman^ Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) 320 502 63.75
13 Kurt Warner^ St. Louis Rams (1998–2003)
New York Giants (2004)
Arizona Cardinals (2005–2009) 		307 462 66.45
14 Steve Young^ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986)
San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) 		292 471 62
15 Russell Wilson* Seattle Seahawks (2012–present) 275 451 60.98
16 Terry Bradshaw^ Pittsburgh Steelers (1970–1983) 261 456 57.24
17 Warren Moon^ Houston Oilers (1984–1993)
Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996)
Seattle Seahawks (1997–1998)
Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2000) 		259 403 64.27
18 Joe Flacco* Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018)
Denver Broncos (2019)
New York Jets (2020)
Philadelphia Eagles (2021–present) 		253 447 56.6

Most completions and attempts, including playoff games[]

Bold indicates player active; minimum 6K completions/10K attempts.

1 Tom Brady 8,306 12,994 63.93
2 Drew Brees 7,623 11,272 67.63
3 Brett Favre 6,781 10,960 61.87
4 Peyton Manning 6,774 10,407 65.09

Historical passing completions leaders[]

Nine players are recognised as having held the record as the NFL's career pass completions leader.[2] The longest record holder was Fran Tarkenton who held the record for 20 years.

"Slinging Sammy" Baugh, the Texas Christian U. star was rated as one of the greatest of his generation.
Y A Tittle retired as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, and games played
Johnny Unitas won an NFL title in the 1950s and a Super Bowl in the 1970s.
Fran Tarkenton about to throw a forward pass (1965)
Brett Favre had held the record from 2006 to 2018, when it was broken by Drew Brees. He had also held the record for career pass attempts from 2008 to 2020.
Reign Player Team(s) while leader Career completions Season
1932–1940
(9 years)		 Arnie Herber^
[3]		 Green Bay Packers 37 1932
87 1933
129 1934
169 1935
246 1936
293 1937
315 1938
372 1939
410 1940
1941–1959
(19 years)		 Sammy Baugh^
[4]		 Washington Redskins 414 1941
546 1942
670 1943
761 1944
889 1945
976 1946
1,186 1947
1,371 1948
1,516 1949
1,606 1950
1,673 1951
1,693 1952–1959
1960–1968
(9 years)		 Y. A. Tittle^
[5]		 San Francisco 49ers (1960)
New York Giants (1961–1964)		 1,696 1960
1,859 1961
2,059 1962
2,280 1963
2,427 1964–1968
1969–1974
(6 years)		 Johnny Unitas^
[6]		 Baltimore Colts (1969–1972)
San Diego Chargers (1973)		 2,450 1969
2,616 1970
2,708 1971
2,796 1972
2,830 1973–1974
1975–1994
(20 years)		 Fran Tarkenton^
[7]		 Minnesota Vikings 2,931 1975
3,186 1976
3,341 1977
3,686 1978–1994
1995–2005
(11 years)		 Dan Marino^
[8]		 Miami Dolphins 3,913 1995
4,134 1996
4,453 1997
4,763 1998
4,967 1999–2005
2006–2017
(12 years)		 Brett Favre^
[9]		 Green Bay Packers (2006–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010)		 5,021 2006
5,377 2007
5,720 2008
6,083 2009
6,300 2010–2017
2018–2020
(4 years)		 Drew Brees
[10]		 New Orleans Saints 6,586 2018
6,867 2019
7,142 2020
Since 2021 Tom Brady
[11]		 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7,200 2021

Notes[]

  1. ^ Collins was traded during the 1998 season; he played four games for the Panthers and seven for the Saints.
  2. ^ DeBerg was cut during the 1993 season; he played three games for the Buccaneers and five for the Dolphins.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "NFL Passes Completed Career Playoffs Leaders". ProFootballReference.com. Retrieved 2020-02-03.
  2. ^ "NFL Passes Completed Career Leaders". PFR.
  3. ^ "Arnie Herber stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  4. ^ "Sammy Baugh stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  5. ^ "Y.A. Tittle". NFL.com. National Football League. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
  6. ^ "Johnny Unitas stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  7. ^ "Fran Tarkenton stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  8. ^ "Dan Marino stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  9. ^ "Brett Favre stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  10. ^ "Drew Brees stats". PFRef.com. Retrieved 2018-12-23.
  11. ^ "Tom Brady stats". PFRef.com. Retrieved 2021-12-12.
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