List of National Football League career passing yards leaders
NFL lists |
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This is the top 50 National Football League players with the highest total career regular season passing yards.
Tom Brady holds the record with 84,520 passing yards, the most playoff yards with 13,049, and combined regular season and playoff passing yards with 97,569.
Regular season career passing yards leaders[]
^ | Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame |
* | Denotes player who is still active |
Through 2021 season.
Rank | Player | Team(s) by season | Yards | YPG |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tom Brady | New England Patriots (2000–2019) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2021) |
84,520 | 265.79 |
2 | Drew Brees | San Diego Chargers (2001–2005) New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) |
80,358 | 279.99 |
3 | Peyton Manning^ | Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011) Denver Broncos (2012–2015) |
71,940 | 270.45 |
4 | Brett Favre^ | Atlanta Falcons (1991) Green Bay Packers (1992–2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) |
71,838 | 237.87 |
5 | Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2021) | 64,088 | 257.38 |
6 | Philip Rivers | San Diego/L.A. Chargers (2004–2019) Indianapolis Colts (2020) |
63,440 | 260.00 |
7 | Dan Marino^ | Miami Dolphins (1983–1999) | 61,361 | 253.56 |
8 | Matt Ryan* | Atlanta Falcons (2008–present) | 59,735 | 269.08 |
9 | Eli Manning | New York Giants (2004–2019) | 57,023 | 241.62 |
10 | Aaron Rodgers* | Green Bay Packers (2005–present) | 55,360 | 259.91 |
11 | John Elway^ | Denver Broncos (1983–1998) | 51,475 | 219.98 |
12 | Matthew Stafford* | Detroit Lions (2009–2020) Los Angeles Rams (2021–present) |
49,995 | 274.70 |
13 | Warren Moon^ | Houston Oilers (1984–1993) Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996) Seattle Seahawks (1997–1998) Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2000) |
49,325 | 237.14 |
14 | Fran Tarkenton^ | Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966, 1972–1978) New York Giants (1967–1971) |
47,003 | 191.07 |
15 | Carson Palmer | Cincinnati Bengals (2003–2010) Oakland Raiders (2011–2012) Arizona Cardinals (2013–2017) |
46,247 | 254.10 |
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) |
46,233 | 198.42 |
17 | Drew Bledsoe | New England Patriots (1993–2001) Buffalo Bills (2002–2004) Dallas Cowboys (2005–2006) |
44,611 | 229.95 |
18 | Dan Fouts^ | San Diego Chargers (1973–1987) | 43,040 | 237.79 |
19 | Joe Flacco* | Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018) Denver Broncos (2019) New York Jets (2020,2021-present) Philadelphia Eagles (2021) |
41,269 | 231.85 |
20 | 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) |
40,922 | 206.68 |
21 | Joe Montana^ | San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992) Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) |
40,551 | 211.20 |
22 | Johnny Unitas^ | Baltimore Colts (1956–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) |
40,239 | 190.71 |
23 | Dave Krieg | Seattle Seahawks (1980–1991) Kansas City Chiefs (1992–1993) Detroit Lions (1994) Arizona Cardinals (1995) Chicago Bears (1996) Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) |
38,147 | 179.09 |
24 | Boomer Esiason | Cincinnati Bengals (1984-1992, 1997 ) New York Jets (1993–1995) Arizona Cardinals (1996) |
37,920 | 202.78 |
25 | Donovan McNabb | Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009) Washington Redskins (2010) Minnesota Vikings (2011) |
37,276 | 223.21 |
26 | Russell Wilson* | Seattle Seahawks (2012-present) | 37,059 | 234.55 |
27 | Matt Hasselbeck | Green Bay Packers (1998–2000) Seattle Seahawks (2001–2010) Tennessee Titans (2011–2012) Indianapolis Colts (2013–2015) |
36,638 | 175.30 |
28 | Alex Smith | San Francisco 49ers (2005–2012) Kansas City Chiefs (2013–2017) Washington Redskins/Football Team (2018–2020) |
35,650 | 204.89 |
29 | Jim Kelly^ | Buffalo Bills (1986-1996) | 35,467 | 221.67 |
30 | Andy Dalton* | Cincinnati Bengals (2011-2019) Dallas Cowboys (2020) Chicago Bears (2021-present) |
35,278 | 232.09 |
31 | Jay Cutler | Denver Broncos (2006–2008) Chicago Bears (2009–2016) Miami Dolphins (2017) |
35,133 | 229.63 |
32 | 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) |
34,990 | 210.78 |
33 | Jim Everett | Los Angeles Rams (1986–1993) New Orleans Saints (1994–1996) San Diego Chargers (1997) |
34,837 | 220.49 |
34 | Jim Hart | St. Louis Cardinals (1966–1983) Washington Redskins (1984) |
34,665 | 172.46 |
35 | 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) |
34,241 | 166.22 |
36 | Tony Romo | Dallas Cowboys (2003–2016) | 34,183 | 219.12 |
37 | John Hadl | San Diego Chargers (1962–1972) Los Angeles Rams (1973–1974)[c] Green Bay Packers (1974–1975) Houston Oilers (1976–1977) |
33,503 | 149.57 |
38 | Phil Simms | New York Giants (1979–1993) | 33,462 | 204.04 |
39 | Steve Young^ | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986) San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) |
33,124 | 196.00 |
40 | Troy Aikman^ | Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) | 32,942 | 199.65 |
41 | Ken Anderson | Cincinnati Bengals (1971–1986) | 32,838 | 171.03 |
42 | Kirk Cousins* | Washington Redskins (2012-2017) Minnesota Vikings (2018-present) |
32,593 | 260.74 |
43 | Cam Newton* | Carolina Panthers (2011-2019, 2021-present) New England Patriots (2020) |
32,382 | 221.79 |
44 | Kurt Warner^ | St. Louis Rams (1998–2003) New York Giants (2004) Arizona Cardinals (2005–2009) |
32,344 | 260.84 |
45 | Sonny Jurgensen^ | Philadelphia Eagles (1957–1963) Washington Redskins (1964–1974) |
32,224 | 147.82 |
46 | Mark Brunell | Green Bay Packers (1993–1994) Jacksonville Jaguars (1995–2003) Washington Redskins (2004–2006) New Orleans Saints (2008–2009) New York Jets (2010–2011) |
32,072 | 166.18 |
47 | Derek Carr* | Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014-present) | 31,700 | 249.61 |
48 | John Brodie | San Francisco 49ers (1957-1973) | 31,548 | 156.96 |
49 | Steve McNair | Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1995–2005) Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007) |
31,304 | 194.43 |
50 | Norm Snead | Washington Redskins (1961–1963) Philadelphia Eagles (1964–1970) Minnesota Vikings (1971) New York Giants (1972–1974, 1976) San Francisco 49ers (1974–1975) |
30,797 | 173.02 |
Note: Y. A. Tittle passed for 33,070 yards in his professional career, which would place him in 40th on this list, but 4,731 of those yards came in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), which the NFL does not recognise statistics and records from as of 2021.[1][2] Thus, Tittle's career passing yards total in the NFL stands at 28,339.[3]
Active player not in top 50 but with at least 30,000 passing yards[]
Through 2021 season; includes ranking.
1 | Ryan Tannehill | 30,729 (51st) |
Playoff leaders[]
Through 2021–22 NFL playoffs.[4] Here is a list of the top 25 NFL players with the most postseason passing yards.
Rank | Player | Team(s) by season | Yards | YPG |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tom Brady | New England Patriots (2000–2019) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2021) |
13,049 | 277.64 |
2 | Peyton Manning^ | Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011) Denver Broncos (2012–2015) |
7,339 | 271.81 |
3 | Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2021) | 5,972 | 259.65 |
4 | Aaron Rodgers* | Green Bay Packers (2005–present) | 5,894 | 267.91 |
5 | Brett Favre^ | Atlanta Falcons (1991) Green Bay Packers (1992–2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) |
5,855 | 243.96 |
6 | Joe Montana^ | San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992) Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) |
5,772 | 250.96 |
7 | Drew Brees | San Diego Chargers (2001–2005) New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) |
5,366 | 298.11 |
8 | John Elway^ | Denver Broncos (1983–1998) | 4,964 | 225.64 |
9 | Dan Marino^ | Miami Dolphins (1983–1999) | 4,510 | 250.56 |
10 | Kurt Warner^ | St. Louis Rams (1998–2003) New York Giants (2004) Arizona Cardinals (2005–2009) |
3,952 | 304.00 |
11 | Jim Kelly^ | Buffalo Bills (1986–1996) | 3,863 | 227.24 |
12 | Troy Aikman^ | Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) | 3,849 | 240.56 |
13 | Terry Bradshaw^ | Pittsburgh Steelers (1970–1983) | 3,833 | 201.74 |
14 | Russell Wilson* | Seattle Seahawks (2012–present) | 3,786 | 236.63 |
15 | Donovan McNabb | Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009) Washington Redskins (2010) Minnesota Vikings (2011) |
3,752 | 234.50 |
16 | Patrick Mahomes* | Kansas City Chiefs (2018-present) | 3,381 | 307.36 |
17 | Steve Young^ | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986) San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) |
3,326 | 151.18 |
18 | Joe Flacco* | Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018) Denver Broncos (2019) New York Jets (2020, 2021–present) Philadelphia Eagles (2021) |
3,223 | 214.87 |
19 | Philip Rivers | San Diego/L.A. Chargers (2004–2019) Indianapolis Colts (2020) |
2,965 | 247.08 |
20 | Warren Moon^ | Houston Oilers (1984–2003) Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996) Seattle Seahawks (1997–1998) Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2000) |
2,870 | 287.00 |
21 | Roger Staubach^ | Dallas Cowboys (1969–1979) | 2,817 | 140.85 |
22 | Eli Manning | New York Giants (2004–2019) | 2,815 | 234.58 |
23 | Matt Hasselbeck | Green Bay Packers (1998–2000) Seattle Seahawks (2001–2010) Tennessee Titans (2011–2012) Indianapolis Colts (2013–2015) |
2,741 | 249.18 |
24 | Matt Ryan* | Atlanta Falcons (2008–present) | 2,672 | 267.20 |
25 | Ken Stabler^ | Oakland Raiders (1970–1979) Houston Oilers (1980–1981) New Orleans Saints (1982–1984) |
2,641 | 203.15 |
Players with the most career passing yards including playoff games[]
Through 2021 playoffs. At least 55,000 passing yards.
Rank | Player | Team(s) by season | Yards |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tom Brady | New England Patriots (2000–2019) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–present) |
97,569 |
2 | Drew Brees | San Diego Chargers (2001–2005) New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) |
85,724 |
3 | Peyton Manning^ | Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011) Denver Broncos (2012–2015) |
79,279 |
4 | Brett Favre^ | Atlanta Falcons (1991) Green Bay Packers (1992–2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) |
77,693 |
5 | Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2021) | 70,060 |
6 | Philip Rivers | San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2004–2019) Indianapolis Colts (2020) |
66,405 |
7 | Dan Marino^ | Miami Dolphins (1983–1999) | 65,871 |
8 | Matt Ryan* | Atlanta Falcons (2008–present) | 62,407 |
9 | Aaron Rodgers* | Green Bay Packers (2005-present) | 61,254 |
10 | Eli Manning | New York Giants (2004–2019) | 59,838 |
11 | John Elway^ | Denver Broncos (1983–1998) | 56,439 |
Historical passing yards leaders[]
Eleven players are recognized as having held the record as the NFL's career passing yardage leader. The longest record holder was Fran Tarkenton who held the record for 19 years.
Reign | Player | Team(s) while leader | Career passing yards | Season(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1932–1942 (11 years) |
Arnie Herber^ [5] |
Green Bay Packers | 639 | 1932 |
1,295 | 1933 | |||
2,094 | 1934 | |||
2,823 | 1935 | |||
4,062 | 1936 | |||
4,746 | 1937 | |||
5,082 | 1938 | |||
6,189 | 1939 | |||
6,749 | 1940–1942 | |||
1943–1958 (16 years) |
Sammy Baugh^ [6] |
Washington Redskins | 8,379 | 1943 |
9,228 | 1944 | |||
10,897 | 1945 | |||
12,060 | 1946 | |||
14,998 | 1947 | |||
17,597 | 1948 | |||
19,500 | 1949 | |||
20,630 | 1950 | |||
21,734 | 1951 | |||
21,886 | 1952–1958 | |||
1959–1963 (5 years) |
Bobby Layne^ [7] |
Pittsburgh Steelers | 22,063 | 1959 |
23,877 | 1960 | |||
25,082 | 1961 | |||
26,768 | 1962–1963 | |||
1964–1967 (4 years) |
Y. A. Tittle^ [3] |
New York Giants | 28,339 | 1964–1967 |
1968–1975 (8 years) |
Johnny Unitas^ [8] |
Baltimore Colts (1968–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) |
33,160 | 1968 |
35,502 | 1969 | |||
37,715 | 1970 | |||
38,657 | 1971 | |||
39,768 | 1972 | |||
40,239 | 1973–1975 | |||
1976–1994 (19 years) |
Fran Tarkenton^ [9] |
Minnesota Vikings | 41,801 | 1976 |
43,535 | 1977 | |||
47,003 | 1978–1994 | |||
1995–2006 (12 years) |
Dan Marino^ [10] |
Miami Dolphins | 48,841 | 1995 |
51,636 | 1996 | |||
55,416 | 1997 | |||
58,913 | 1998 | |||
61,361 | 1999–2006 | |||
2007–2014 (8 years) |
Brett Favre^ [11] |
Green Bay Packers (2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) |
61,655 | 2007 |
65,127 | 2008 | |||
69,329 | 2009 | |||
71,838 | 2010–2014 | |||
2015–2017 (3 years) |
Peyton Manning^ [12] |
Denver Broncos | 71,940 | 2015–2017 |
2018–2020 (3 years) |
Drew Brees [13] |
New Orleans Saints | 74,437 | 2018 |
77,416 | 2019 | |||
80,358 | 2020 | |||
Since 2021 | Tom Brady [14] |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 84,520 | 2021 |
Notes[]
- ^ Collins was traded during the 1998 season; he played four games for the Panthers and seven for the Saints.
- ^ DeBerg was cut during the 1993 season; he played three games for the Buccaneers and five for the Dolphins.
- ^ Hadl was traded during the 1974 season; he played six games for the Rams and eight for the Packers.
See also[]
- Most wins by a starting quarterback (NFL)
- List of National Football League career passing touchdowns leaders
- List of National Football League career passing completions leaders
- List of gridiron football quarterbacks passing statistics
- List of National Football League records (individual)
- List of National Football League annual passing yards leaders
References[]
- General
- "NFL Passing Yards Career Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
- Footnotes
- ^ Pavlick, Ed (1980). "Pro Football Records Should Include the AAFC" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association. 2 (7). Retrieved September 12, 2017.
- ^ Roberts, Jerry (2015). Pass Receiving in Early Pro Football: A History to the 1960s (illustrated ed.). McFarland. p. 137. ISBN 978-0786499465. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
- ^ a b "Y.A. Tittle". NFL.com. National Football League. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
- ^ "NFL Passing Yards Career Playoffs Leaders". ProFootballReference.com. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
- ^ "Arnie Herber stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Sammy Baugh stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Bobby Layne stats". NFL.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Johnny Unitas stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Fran Tarkenton stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Dan Marino stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Brett Favre stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Peyton Manning stats". PFRef.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Drew Brees stats". PFRef.com. Retrieved December 23, 2018.
- ^ "Tom Brady stats". PFRef.com. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- National Football League records and achievements
- American football quarterbacks
- National Football League lists