Wikipedia

List of NFL career passing completions leaders

This is a list of the top 50 National Football League quarterbacks career regular season passing completions and attempts, of quarterback playoff completions and attempts by players with over 250 playoff completions, and combined career totals.

Tom Brady is the all-time leader in passing completions with 7,753 and passing attempts with 12,050. He also leads in playoff completions and attempts with 1,200 and 1,921, respectively.

Regular season completions leaders

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Bolded players indicate making their debut on list.

 
Tom Brady is the all-time leader in passing attempts and completions.
Legend
^ Pro Football Hall of Famer
* Active

Through Week 12 of 2024 season.

Rank Player Team(s) by season Completions Attempts Pct.
1 Tom Brady New England Patriots (2000–2019)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022) 		7,753 12,050 64.3%
2 Drew Brees San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)
New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) 		7,142 10,551 67.7%
3 Brett Favre^ Atlanta Falcons (1991)
Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) 		6,300 10,169 62%
4 Peyton Manning^ Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011)
Denver Broncos (2012–2015) 		6,125 9,380 65.3%
5 Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons (2008–2021)
Indianapolis Colts (2022) 		5,551 8,464 65.6%
6 Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2021) 5,440 8,443 64.4%
7 Philip Rivers San Diego/L.A. Chargers (2004–2019)
Indianapolis Colts (2020) 		5,277 8,134 64.9%
8 Aaron Rodgers* Green Bay Packers (2005–2022)
New York Jets (2023–present) 		5,242 8,041 65.2%
9 Matthew Stafford* Detroit Lions (2009–2020)
Los Angeles Rams (2021-present) 		5,090 8,034 63.4%
10 Dan Marino^ Miami Dolphins (1983–1998) 4,967 8,358 59.4%
11 Eli Manning New York Giants (2004–2019) 4,895 8,119 60.3%
12 John Elway^ Denver Broncos (1983–1998) 4,123 7,250 56.9%
13 Joe Flacco* Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018)
Denver Broncos (2019)
New York Jets (2020, 2021–2022)
Philadelphia Eagles (2021)
Cleveland Browns (2023)
Indianapolis Colts (2024–present) 		4,117 6,673 61.7%
14 Warren Moon^ Houston Oilers (1984–1993)
Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996)
Seattle Seahawks (1997–1998)
Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2000) 		3,988 6,823 58.4%
15 Carson Palmer Cincinnati Bengals (2003–2010)
Oakland Raiders (2011–2012)
Arizona Cardinals (2013–2017) 		3,941 6,307 62.5%
16 Drew Bledsoe New England Patriots (1993–2001)
Buffalo Bills (2002–2004)
Dallas Cowboys (2005–2006) 		3,839 6,717 57.2%
17 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) 		3,787 6,701 56.5%
18 Russell Wilson* Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021)
Denver Broncos (2022–2023)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present) 		3,762 5,814 64.7%
19 Derek Carr* Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014–2022)
New Orleans Saints (2023-present) 		3,721 5,717 65.1%
20 Kirk Cousins* Washington Redskins (2012–2017)
Minnesota Vikings (2018–2023)
Atlanta Falcons (2024-present) 		3,710 5,537 67%
21 Fran Tarkenton^ Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966, 1972–1978)
New York Giants (1967–1971) 		3,686 6,467 57%
22 Andy Dalton* Cincinnati Bengals (2011–2019)
Dallas Cowboys (2020)
Chicago Bears (2021)
New Orleans Saints (2022)
Carolina Panthers (2023-present) 		3,514 5,614 62.6%
23 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) 		3,487 6,261 55.7%
24 Joe Montana* San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992)
Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) 		3,409 5,391 63.2%
25 Dan Fouts^ San Diego Chargers (1973–1987) 3,297 5,604 58.8%
26 Alex Smith San Francisco 49ers (2005–2012)
Kansas City Chiefs (2013–2017)
Washington Football Team (2018–2020) 		3,250 5,193 62.6%
27 Matt Hasselbeck Green Bay Packers (1999–2000)
Seattle Seahawks (2001–2010)
Tennessee Titans (2011–2012)
Indianapolis Colts (2013–2015) 		3,222 5,330 60.5%
28 Donovan McNabb Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009)
Washington Redskins (2010)
Minnesota Vikings (2011) 		3,170 5,374 59%
29 Dave Krieg Seattle Seahawks (1980–1991)
Kansas City Chiefs (1992–1993)
Detroit Lions (1994)
Arizona Cardinals (1995)
Chicago Bears (1996)
Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) 		3,105 5,311 58.5%
30 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) 		3,072 5,060 60.7%
31 Ryan Tannehill Miami Dolphins (2012–2018)
Tennessee Titans (2019–2023) 		3,063 4,764 64.3%
32 Jay Cutler Denver Broncos (2006–2008)
Chicago Bears (2009–2016)
Miami Dolphins (2017) 		3,048 4,920 62%
33 Boomer Esiason Cincinnati Bengals (1984–1992, 1997)
New York Jets (1993–1995)
Arizona Cardinals (1996) 		2,969 5,205 57%
34 Troy Aikman^ Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) 2,898 4,715 61.5%
35 Jared Goff* Los Angeles Rams (2016–2020)
Detroit Lions (2021-present) 		2,880 4,413 65.3%
36 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) 		2,874 5,024 57.2%
Jim Kelly^ Buffalo Bills (1986–1996) 4,779 60.1%
38 Jim Everett Los Angeles Rams (1986–1993)
New Orleans Saints (1994–1996)
San Diego Chargers (1997) 		2,841 4,923 57.7%
39 Johnny Unitas^ Baltimore Colts (1956–1972)
San Diego Chargers (1973) 		2,830 5,186 54.6%
40 Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys (2003–2016) 2,829 4,335 65.3%
41 Dak Prescott* Dallas Cowboys (2016-present) 2,780 4,159 66.8%
42 Mark Brunell Green Bay Packers (1994)
Jacksonville Jaguars (1995–2003)
Washington Redskins (2004–2007)
New Orleans Saints (2008–2009)
New York Jets (2010–2011) 		2,761 4,640 59.5%
43 Steve McNair Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1995–2005)
Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007) 		2,733 4,544 60.1%
44 Cam Newton Carolina Panthers (2011–2019, 2021)
New England Patriots (2020) 		2,682 4,474 59.9%
45 Jon Kitna Seattle Seahawks (1997–2000)
Cincinnati Bengals (2001–2005)
Detroit Lions (2006–2008)
Dallas Cowboys (2009–2011, 2013) 		2,677 4,442 60.3%
46 Brad Johnson Minnesota Vikings (1994–1998), (2005–2006)
Washington Redskins (1999–2000)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2001–2004) 		2,668 4,324 61.7%
47 Steve Young^ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986)
San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) 		2,667 4,149 64.3%
48 Kurt Warner^ St. Louis Rams (1998–2003)
New York Giants (2004)
Arizona Cardinals (2005–2009) 		2,666 4,070 65.5%
49 Ken Anderson Cincinnati Bengals (1971–1986) 2,654 4,475 59.3%
50 Patrick Mahomes* Kansas City Chiefs (2017-present) 2,652 3,971 66.8%
Rank Player Team(s) by season Completions Attempts Pct.

Playoff leaders

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Through 2023 playoffs.[1] Based on at least 250 completions.

Rank Player Team(s) by season Completions Attempts Pct.
1 Tom Brady New England Patriots (2000–2019)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022) 		1,200 1,921 62.5%
2 Peyton Manning^ Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011)
Denver Broncos (2012–2015) 		649 1,027 63.2%
3 Aaron Rodgers* Green Bay Packers (2005–2022)
New York Jets (2023–present) 		501 774 64.7%
4 Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2021) 498 788 63.2%
5 Drew Brees San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)
New Orleans Saints (2006–2020) 		481 721 66.7%
Brett Favre^ Atlanta Falcons (1991)
Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) 		791 60.8%
7 Joe Montana^ San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992)
Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) 		460 734 62.7%
8 Patrick Mahomes* Kansas City Chiefs (2017–present) 456 672 67.9%
9 Dan Marino^ Miami Dolphins (1983–1999) 385 687 56.0%
10 John Elway^ Denver Broncos (1983–1998) 355 651 54.5%
11 Donovan McNabb Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009)
Washington Redskins (2010)
Minnesota Vikings (2011) 		341 577 59.1%
12 Jim Kelly^ Buffalo Bills (1986–1996) 322 545 59.1%
13 Troy Aikman^ Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) 320 502 63.7%
14 Kurt Warner^ St. Louis Rams (1998–2003)
New York Giants (2004)
Arizona Cardinals (2005–2009) 		307 462 66.5%
15 Steve Young^ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986)
San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) 		292 471 62.0%
16 Joe Flacco* Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018)
Denver Broncos (2019)
New York Jets (2020, 2021–2022)
Philadelphia Eagles (2021)
Cleveland Browns (2023)
Indianapolis Colts (2024–present) 		287 493 58.2%
17 Russell Wilson* Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021)
Denver Broncos (2022–2023)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present) 		275 451 61.0%
18 Terry Bradshaw^ Pittsburgh Steelers (1970–1983) 261 456 57.2%
19 Warren Moon^ Houston Oilers (1984–1993)
Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996)
Seattle Seahawks (1997–1998)
Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2000) 		259 403 64.3%

Historical passing completions leaders

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Nine players are recognised as having held the record as the NFL's career pass completions leader.[2] The longest record holder was Fran Tarkenton who held the record for 20 years.

 
"Slinging Sammy" Baugh, the Texas Christian U. star was rated as one of the greatest of his generation.
 
Y A Tittle retired as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, and games played
 
Johnny Unitas won an NFL title in the 1950s and a Super Bowl in the 1970s.
 
Fran Tarkenton about to throw a forward pass (1965)
 
Brett Favre had held the record from 2006 to 2018, when it was broken by Drew Brees. He had also held the record for career pass attempts from 2008 to 2020.
Reign Player Team(s) while leader Career completions Season
1932–1940
(9 years)		 Arnie Herber^
[3]		 Green Bay Packers 37 1932
87 1933
129 1934
169 1935
246 1936
293 1937
315 1938
372 1939
410 1940
1941–1959
(19 years)		 Sammy Baugh^
[4]		 Washington Redskins 414 1941
546 1942
670 1943
761 1944
889 1945
976 1946
1,186 1947
1,371 1948
1,516 1949
1,606 1950
1,673 1951
1,693 1952–1959
1960–1968
(9 years)		 Y. A. Tittle^
[5]		 San Francisco 49ers (1960)
New York Giants (1961–1964)		 1,696 1960
1,859 1961
2,059 1962
2,280 1963
2,427 1964–1968
1969–1974
(6 years)		 Johnny Unitas^
[6]		 Baltimore Colts (1969–1972)
San Diego Chargers (1973)		 2,450 1969
2,616 1970
2,708 1971
2,796 1972
2,830 1973–1974
1975–1994
(20 years)		 Fran Tarkenton^
[7]		 Minnesota Vikings 2,931 1975
3,186 1976
3,341 1977
3,686 1978–1994
1995–2005
(11 years)		 Dan Marino^
[8]		 Miami Dolphins 3,913 1995
4,134 1996
4,453 1997
4,763 1998
4,967 1999–2005
2006–2017
(12 years)		 Brett Favre^
[9]		 Green Bay Packers (2006–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010)		 5,021 2006
5,377 2007
5,720 2008
6,083 2009
6,300 2010–2017
2018–2020
(3 years)		 Drew Brees
[10]		 New Orleans Saints 6,586 2018
6,867 2019
7,142 2020
Since 2021
(4 years)		 Tom Brady
[11]		 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7,263 2021
7,753 2022–2024

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.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "NFL Passes Completed Career Playoffs Leaders". ProFootballReference.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
  2. ^ "NFL Passes Completed Career Leaders". PFR. Archived from the original on November 3, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  3. ^ "Arnie Herber stats". Pro football reference.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  4. ^ "Sammy Baugh stats". Pro football reference.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  5. ^ "Y.A. Tittle". NFL.com. National Football League. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
  6. ^ "Johnny Unitas stats". Pro football reference.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  7. ^ "Fran Tarkenton stats". Pro football reference.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  8. ^ "Dan Marino stats". Pro football reference.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  9. ^ "Brett Favre stats". Pro football reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  10. ^ "Drew Brees stats". PFRef.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2018.
  11. ^ "Tom Brady stats". PFRef.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
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