# List of National Football League career passing yards leaders

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

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) 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) 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) 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. Tittle's career passing yards total in the NFL are 28,339.

## Playoff leaders

*Through start of Super Bowl LVII of 2022–23 NFL playoffs.* 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

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^ | 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^ | 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^ | Pittsburgh Steelers | 22,063 | 1959 |
| 23,877 | 1960 |
| 25,082 | 1961 |
| 26,768 | 1962–1963 |
| 1964–1967 (4 years) | Y. A. Tittle^ | New York Giants | 28,339 | 1964–1967 |
| 1968–1975 (8 years) | Johnny Unitas^ | 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^ | Minnesota Vikings | 41,801 | 1976 |
| 43,535 | 1977 |
| 47,003 | 1978–1994 |
| 1995–2006 (12 years) | Dan Marino^ | Miami Dolphins | 48,841 | 1995 |
| 51,636 | 1996 |
| 55,416 | 1997 |
| 58,913 | 1998 |
| 61,361 | 1999–2006 |
| 2007–2014 (8 years) | Brett Favre^ | 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^ | Denver Broncos | 71,940 | 2015–2017 |
| 2018–2020 (3 years) | Drew Brees | New Orleans Saints | 74,437 | 2018 |
| 77,416 | 2019 |
| 80,358 | 2020 |
| Since 2021 (5 years) | Tom Brady | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 84,520 | 2021 |
| 89,214 | 2022–2026 |

## Related pages

* List of National Football League career passing completions leaders
* List of National Football League career passing touchdowns leaders
* List of National Football League career quarterback wins leaders

* "NFL Passing Yards Career Leaders". *Pro-Football-Reference.com*. Sports Reference. Retrieved September 12, 2017.