In American football, passing, along with running (also referred to as rushing), is one of two primary methods to advance the ball, typically executed by the quarterback from behind the line of scrimmage, but any offensive player can attempt a pass provided they are behind the line.[2] A pass must move forward from the passer's hands to qualify as a passing play, whereas lateral or backward movements classify as running plays.[3] A player who catches a forward pass is called a receiver. A touchdown pass is a pass thrown from a passer to a receiver that results in a touchdown being scored.[4] The National Football League (NFL) records the number of touchdown passes made by players, a statistic also noted historically for the American Football League (AFL), which merged into the NFL in 1970 after operating from 1960 to 1969.[5]
Tom Brady holds the record for most passing touchdowns with 649, followed by Drew Brees with 571 and Peyton Manning with 539. Aaron Rodgers leads all active players with 490 career passing touchdowns. Brady also is the record holder for the most career playoff passing touchdowns with 88. He is followed by Joe Montana and Rodgers, with both tied at 45. Rodgers leads all active players in career playoff passing touchdowns. The longest career passing touchdown record holder was Fran Tarkenton, who held the record from 1975 to 1994.[6]
Regular season career passing touchdowns leaders
editSymbol | Meaning |
---|---|
TDs | Total passing touchdowns |
GP | Games played |
† | Pro Football Hall of Famer |
^ | Active |
Bolded player(s) indicate making their debut on list. Through Week 9 of 2024 season.
Playoff leaders
editBased on 15 TD passes minimum. Through 2023 playoffs.
Symbol | Meaning |
---|---|
TDs | Total passing touchdowns |
GP | Games played |
† | Pro Football Hall of Fame member |
^ | Active player |
Historical passing touchdowns leaders
editSixteen players are recognized as having held outright or tied the record as the NFL's career passing touchdowns leader.[70]
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ Hadl was traded during the 1974 season; he played six games for the Rams and eight for the Packers.
- ^ Blanda was traded during the 1950 season; he played one game for the Colts and eleven games for the Bears.
- ^ Tittle's 30 touchdown passes in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) aren't included in this total, as the NFL does not recognize statistics accumulated in the AAFC.[52][53][54]
- ^ Collins was traded during the 1998 season; he played four games for the Panthers and seven for the Saints.
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