In the rich and century-long history of the National Football League, records have been set that defy the passage of time and the evolution of the game. These feats, achieved by legends of the sport, often seem unattainable.
From the astonishing 22,895 receiving yards amassed by Jerry Rice to the 297 consecutive starts by the indomitable Brett Favre, these milestones stand out for their impressive numbers and the stories of dedication behind them.
In a sport where competition is fierce and professional careers are often short-lived, these records stand as monuments to individual and collective greatness. Check out some of the most renowned and remarkable ones…
Jerry Rice’s career receiving yards (22,895 yards)
- Current record: 22,895 yards
- Record holder: Jerry Rice
- Set: 1985–2004
Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to the side while running during the game against the Chicago Bears in 2000. (Source: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport)
Why is it unbreakable? Jerry Rice is considered the best wide receiver in NFL history, and his receiving yard record is simply astounding. Setting this mark of 22,895 yards requires not only a high level of technical and physical skill but also a consistency that few players achieve.
He played for 20 seasons and was a key part of the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive system, as well as other teams like the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. His longevity in the league, ability to stay healthy, and continued elite performance are the pillars of this record. The second-place holder in this category is Larry Fitzgerald with 17,492 yards, a significant difference that shows how difficult it will be to surpass this milestone.
Emmitt Smith’s career rushing yards (18,355 yards)
- Current record: 18,355 yards
- Record holder: Emmitt Smith
- Set: 1990–2004
Running back Emmitt Smith #22 of the Florida Gators walks on the field during a game against theVanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 14,1989. (Source: Allen Dean Steele/Getty Images)
Why is it unbreakable? Emmitt Smith, one of the best running backs in NFL history, set a record of 18,355 rushing yards during his career, a mark that few consider achievable today. To break this record, a running back would need to stay healthy and relevant for at least 15 or 16 seasons, something that’s increasingly difficult due to the nature of the position.
In the modern era, running backs tend to have shorter careers due to the high physical impact and team rotations. The evolution of the game and the preference for passing over running has also reduced the opportunities for a running back to accumulate such a high yardage total.
Tom Brady’s career passing touchdowns (649 touchdowns)
- Current record: 649 touchdowns
- Record holder: Tom Brady
- Set: 2000–2022
Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter during Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Why is it unbreakable? Tom Brady’s record of 649 passing touchdowns combines longevity and excellence. He played for 23 seasons in the NFL, allowing him to accumulate impressive numbers throughout his career, playing until he was 45 years old.
Maintaining such a high level of play for so long is exceptional. His longevity is a key factor: few quarterbacks manage to play at an elite level for more than 20 years, and even fewer remain productive into their 40s. Despite the talent of other quarterbacks in the NFL, Brady’s ability to achieve this record over such a long period makes it nearly impossible to break.
The Patriots’ 2007 regular season (16-0)
- Current record: 16-0
- Record holder: New England Patriots
- Set: 2007
Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots gestures during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on September 23, 2007. (Source: Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Why is it unbreakable? The 2007 New England Patriots accomplished something only a few teams have managed: a perfect regular season, finishing 16-0. This record not only reflects a team’s ability to win every game but also their consistency, mental toughness, and flawless execution throughout an entire season.
Although the talent level in the modern era is higher than ever, it’s still extremely difficult for a team to win every game in a 16-game regular season due to the unpredictability of games, injuries, and fierce competition.
Most sacks in a single season (22.5)
- Current record: 22.5 sacks
- Record holder: Michael Strahan
- Set: 2001
Michael Strahan #92 of the New York Giants celebraters after sacking Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second period of the NFC Divisional playoff game in 2001. (Source: Ezra Shaw/ALLSPORT)
Why is it unbreakable? Michael Strahan, one of the greatest pass rushers in history, set this record in 2001, when the passing game wasn’t as protected as it is today. To reach this record, a player needs a rare combination of physical skills, instinct, and opportunity.
Today, quarterbacks receive more protection due to league rules, making it harder for a player to pressure them with the same intensity that he did. Additionally, offensive and defensive tactics have become more sophisticated, making a 22.5-sack record a monumental task.
Most career field goals (2,383 points)
- Current record: 2,383 points
- Record holder: Morten Andersen
- Set: 1982–2007
Kicker Morten Anderson celebrates his record breaking field goal against the Carolina Panthers on December 24, 2006. (Source: Marc Serota/Getty Images)
Why is it unbreakable? Morten Andersen, one of the NFL’s most successful kickers, accumulated 2,383 points over his career. To surpass this record, a kicker would need to maintain an impressive success rate over an extremely long career.
Kickers don’t usually have long careers due to fluctuations in demand and competition for positions. Additionally, the frequency with which kickers attempt field goals has decreased, making it even harder to reach this mark.
Dick Lane’s 14 interceptions in a single season (1952)
- Current record: 14 interceptions
- Record holder: Dick Lane
- Set: 1952
Dick Lane (Source: @DrakeRiggs_)
Why is it unbreakable? The NFL single-season interception record, set by Dick “Night Train” Lane in 1952, is one of the most remarkable and enduring milestones in the history of football. With 14 interceptions achieved in just 12 games, he set an almost unreachable standard, even in the modern era of the sport, where seasons are longer, and offensive strategies are more complex.
What makes this achievement so special is the context in which it was accomplished. In the 1950s, the game was much more focused on running plays than passing, which meant opportunities for defenders to intercept the ball were considerably more limited.
Brett Favre’s consecutive starts (297 games)
- Current record: 297 consecutive games
- Record holder: Brett Favre
- Set: 1992–2010
Brett Favre #4 of the Green Bay Packers readies to throw against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter on October 9, 2005. (Source: Harry How/Getty Images)
Why is it unbreakable? Brett Favre’s durability was one of his greatest strengths throughout his career. By maintaining a record of 297 consecutive games, he demonstrated impressive physical and mental resilience, overcoming countless injuries. In NFL football, players face a high risk of injury, making this record incredibly difficult to break. Staying healthy for so many years and continuing to play at the level that Favre did for almost 20 seasons is an accomplishment that few players could achieve.
Most touchdowns in a single game (7)
- Current record: 7 touchdowns
- Record holder: Sid Luckman, Adrian Burk, George Blanda, Y.A. Tittle, Joe Kapp, Peyton Manning and Nick Foles.
- Set: 1943, 1954, 1961, 1962, 1969, 2013 and 2013.
Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after throwing his fourth touchdown during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on December 22, 2013. (Source: Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Why is it unbreakable? The NFL record for touchdown passes in a single game, currently set at 7, is shared by several quarterbacks throughout history, each achieving this feat in different eras of football. This number has stood as the maximum since Sid Luckman of the Chicago Bears accomplished it for the first time in 1943.
Since then, players like Adrian Burk (1954), George Blanda (1961), Y.A. Tittle (1962), Joe Kapp (1969), Peyton Manning (2013), Nick Foles (2013) and Drew Brees (2015) have matched this milestone. Achieving 7 touchdown passes in a single game requires a unique combination of circumstances: a quarterback performing at their peak, an exceptionally efficient offense, and, in some cases, a vulnerable opposing defense.
Each of these games where the record was reached has its own remarkable story. For instance, Peyton Manning threw 7 touchdown passes during the 2013 season opener, when the Denver Broncos defeated the Baltimore Ravens, delivering one of the most dominant performances of his career.
