Wikipedia

List of National Football League career passing yards leaders

Wikimedia list article

This list shows the top 50 National Football League quarterbacks with the most career regular season passing yards, the top 25 NFL playoff passing yards leaders, and the timeline of regular season record holders.

Tom Brady holds the regular season record with 89,214 passing yards. He also holds the playoff record, with 13,400 yards. Both of these combine to 102,614 yards.

Regular season career passing yards leaders

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Tom Brady is the all-time regular season career passing yards leader with 89,214 and all-time playoff passing yards leader with 13,400.
Key
^ Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
* Denotes player who is still active

Through 2022 season.

Rank Player Team(s) by season Yards GP YPG
1 Tom Brady New England Patriots (2000–2019)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022) 		89,214 335 266.3
2 Drew Brees San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)
New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) 		80,358 287 280.0
3 Peyton Manning^ Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011)
Denver Broncos (2012–2015) 		71,940 266 270.5
4 Brett Favre^ Atlanta Falcons (1991)
Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) 		71,838 302 237.9
5 Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2021) 64,088 249 257.4
6 Philip Rivers San Diego/L.A. Chargers (2004–2019)
Indianapolis Colts (2020) 		63,440 244 260.0
7 Matt Ryan* Atlanta Falcons (2008–2021)
Indianapolis Colts (2022–present) 		62,792 234 268.3
8 Dan Marino^ Miami Dolphins (1983–1999) 61,361 242 253.6
9 Aaron Rodgers* Green Bay Packers (2005–present) 59,055 230 256.8
10 Eli Manning New York Giants (2004–2019) 57,023 236 241.6
11 Matthew Stafford* Detroit Lions (2009–2020)
Los Angeles Rams (2021–present) 		52,082 191 272.7
12 John Elway^ Denver Broncos (1983–1998) 51,475 234 220.0
13 Warren Moon^ Houston Oilers (1984–1993)
Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996)
Seattle Seahawks (1997–1998)
Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2000) 		49,325 208 237.1
14 Fran Tarkenton^ Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966, 1972–1978)
New York Giants (1967–1971) 		47,003 246 191.1
15 Carson Palmer Cincinnati Bengals (2003–2010)
Oakland Raiders (2011–2012)
Arizona Cardinals (2013–2017) 		46,247 182 254.1
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) 		46,233 233 198.4
17 Drew Bledsoe New England Patriots (1993–2001)
Buffalo Bills (2002–2004)
Dallas Cowboys (2005–2006) 		44,611 194 230.0
18 Dan Fouts^ San Diego Chargers (1973–1987) 43,040 181 237.8
19 Joe Flacco* Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018)
Denver Broncos (2019)
New York Jets (2020, 2021–present)
Philadelphia Eagles (2021) 		42,320 183 231.3
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) 		40,922 198 206.7
21 Russell Wilson* Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021)
Denver Broncos (2022–present) 		40,583 173 234.6
22 Joe Montana^ San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992)
Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) 		40,551 192 211.2
23 Johnny Unitas^ Baltimore Colts (1956–1972)
San Diego Chargers (1973) 		40,239 211 190.7
24 Andy Dalton* Cincinnati Bengals (2011–2019)
Dallas Cowboys (2020)
Chicago Bears (2021)
New Orleans Saints (2022–present) 		38,150 166 229.8
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) 		38,147 213 179.1
26 Boomer Esiason Cincinnati Bengals (1984–1992, 1997)
New York Jets (1993–1995)
Arizona Cardinals (1996) 		37,920 187 202.8
27 Donovan McNabb Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009)
Washington Redskins (2010)
Minnesota Vikings (2011) 		37,276 167 223.2
28 Kirk Cousins* Washington Redskins (2012–2017)
Minnesota Vikings (2018–present) 		37,140 142 261.5
29 Matt Hasselbeck Green Bay Packers (1999–2000)
Seattle Seahawks (2001–2010)
Tennessee Titans (2011–2012)
Indianapolis Colts (2013–2015) 		36,638 209 175.3
30 Alex Smith San Francisco 49ers (2005–2012)
Kansas City Chiefs (2013–2017)
Washington Redskins/Football Team (2018), (2020) 		35,650 174 204.9
31 Jim Kelly^ Buffalo Bills (1986–1996) 35,467 160 221.7
32 Derek Carr* Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014–present) 35,222 142 248.0
33 Jay Cutler Denver Broncos (2006–2008)
Chicago Bears (2009–2016)
Miami Dolphins (2017) 		35,133 153 229.6
34 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) 		34,990 166 210.8
34 Jim Everett Los Angeles Rams (1986–1993)
New Orleans Saints (1994–1996)
San Diego Chargers (1997) 		34,837 158 220.5
36 Jim Hart St. Louis Cardinals (1966–1983)
Washington Redskins (1984) 		34,665 201 172.5
37 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) 		34,241 206 166.2
38 Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys (2003–2016) 34,183 156 219.1
39 John Hadl San Diego Chargers (1962–1972)
Los Angeles Rams (1973–1974)[c]
Green Bay Packers (1974–1975)
Houston Oilers (1976–1977) 		33,503 224 149.6
40 Phil Simms New York Giants (1979–1993) 33,462 164 204.0
41 Ryan Tannehill* Miami Dolphins (2012–2018)
Tennessee Titans (2019–present) 		33,265 145 229.4
42 Steve Young^ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986)
San Francisco 49ers (1987–1997) 		33,124 169 196.0
43 Troy Aikman^ Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) 32,942 165 199.6
44 Ken Anderson Cincinnati Bengals (1971–1986) 32,838 192 171.0
45 Cam Newton Carolina Panthers (2011–2019, 2021)
New England Patriots (2020) 		32,382 148 218.8
46 Kurt Warner^ St. Louis Rams (1998–2003)
New York Giants (2004)
Arizona Cardinals (2005–2009) 		32,344 124 260.8
47 Sonny Jurgensen^ Philadelphia Eagles (1957–1963)
Washington Redskins (1964–1974) 		32,224 218 147.8
48 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) 		32,072 193 166.2
49 John Brodie San Francisco 49ers (1957–1973) 31,548 201 157.0
50 Steve McNair Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1995–2005)
Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007) 		31,304 161 194.4

Note: Y. A. Tittle passed for 33,070 yards in his career. That would put him 43rd on this list. But, 4,731 of those yards came in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). The NFL does not recognize statistics and records from the AAFC to date.[1][2] Tittle's career passing yards total in the NFL are 28,339.[3]

Playoff leaders

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Through start of Super Bowl LVII of 2022–23 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 (2020–2022) 		13,400 279.2
2 Peyton Manning^ Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011)
Denver Broncos (2012–2015) 		7,339 271.8
3 Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2021) 5,972 259.7
4 Aaron Rodgers* Green Bay Packers (2005–present) 5,894 267.9
5 Brett Favre^ Atlanta Falcons (1991)
Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) 		5,855 244.0
6 Joe Montana^ San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992)
Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) 		5,772 251.0
7 Drew Brees San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)
New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) 		5,366 298.1
8 John Elway^ Denver Broncos (1983–1998) 4,964 225.6
9 Dan Marino^ Miami Dolphins (1983–1999) 4,510 250.6
10 Kurt Warner^ St. Louis Rams (1998–2003)
New York Giants (2004)
Arizona Cardinals (2005–2009) 		3,952 304.00
11 Patrick Mahomes* Kansas City Chiefs (2017–present) 3,902 300.15
12 Jim Kelly^ Buffalo Bills (1986–1996) 3,863 227.2
13 Troy Aikman^ Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) 3,849 240.6
14 Terry Bradshaw^ Pittsburgh Steelers (1970–1983) 3,833 201.7
15 Russell Wilson* Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021)
Denver Broncos (2022–present) 		3,786 236.6
16 Donovan McNabb Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009)
Washington Redskins (2010)
Minnesota Vikings (2011) 		3,752 234.5
17 Steve Young^ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986)
San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) 		3,326 151.2
18 Joe Flacco* Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018)
Denver Broncos (2019)
New York Jets (2020, 2021–present)
Philadelphia Eagles (2021) 		3,223 214.9
19 Philip Rivers San Diego/L.A. Chargers (2004–2019)
Indianapolis Colts (2020) 		2,965 247.1
20 Warren Moon^ Houston Oilers (1984–2003)
Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996)
Seattle Seahawks (1997–1998)
Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2000) 		2,870 287.0
21 Roger Staubach^ Dallas Cowboys (1969–1979) 2,817 140.9
22 Eli Manning New York Giants (2004–2019) 2,815 234.6
23 Matt Hasselbeck Green Bay Packers (1998–2000)
Seattle Seahawks (2001–2010)
Tennessee Titans (2011–2012)
Indianapolis Colts (2013–2015) 		2,741 249.2
24 Matt Ryan* Atlanta Falcons (2008–2021)
Indianapolis Colts (2022–present) 		2,672 267.2
25 Ken Stabler^ Oakland Raiders (1970–1979)
Houston Oilers (1980–1981)
New Orleans Saints (1982–1984) 		2,641 203.2

Historical passing yards leaders

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Eleven players are recognised as having held the record as the NFL's career passing yards leader. The longest record holder was Fran Tarkenton. He held the record for nineteen 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
(4 years)		 Tom Brady
[14] 		Tampa Bay Buccaneers 84,520 2021
89,214 2022–2024
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Notes

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  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.
  3. ↑ Hadl was traded during the 1974 season; he played six games for the Rams and eight for the Packers.

References

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  • "NFL Passing Yards Career Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
  1. ↑ Pavlick, Ed (1980). "Pro Football Records Should Include the AAFC" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. 2 (7). Professional Football Researchers Association. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
  2. ↑ Roberts, Jerry (2015). Pass Receiving in Early Pro Football: A History to the 1960s (illustrated ed.). McFarland. p. 137. ISBN 978-0786499465. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Y.A. Tittle". NFL.com. National Football League. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
  4. ↑ "NFL Passing Yards Career Playoffs Leaders". ProFootballReference.com. Retrieved 2022-01-16.
  5. ↑ "Arnie Herber stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Sammy Baugh stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Bobby Layne stats". NFL.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Johnny Unitas stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Fran Tarkenton stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Dan Marino stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Brett Favre stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Peyton Manning stats". PFRef.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Drew Brees stats". PFRef.com. Retrieved 2018-12-23.
  14. ↑ "Tom Brady stats". PFRef.com. Retrieved 2021-09-27.
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