Most Career Touchdowns by a Quarterback: Tom Brady holds the record for most career touchdowns by a quarterback with 649 passing touchdowns in the NFL.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Brady leads the all-time list with 649 career touchdown passes.
- The top 10 list includes both active and retired quarterbacks.
- Longevity and consistency are key factors in achieving high career touchdown numbers.
- Modern passing-friendly rules have contributed to increased touchdown totals.
The Elite Club: Quarterbacks with the Most Career Touchdown Passes
Quarterbacks are often judged by their ability to put points on the board, and there’s no better measure of this than career touchdown passes. Let’s explore the top 10 signal-callers who have excelled in this crucial statistic.
#1. Tom Brady – 649 Touchdown Passes
At the pinnacle of this list stands Tom Brady, whose 23-year career redefined excellence in the quarterback position. Brady’s remarkable total of 649 touchdown passes is a testament to his longevity, precision, and ability to perform at the highest level well into his 40s. His tenure with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw him consistently find the end zone, setting a benchmark that may stand for years to come.
#2. Drew Brees – 571 Touchdown Passes
Drew Brees, the former New Orleans Saints star, holds the second spot with 571 touchdown passes. Brees’s accuracy and ability to read defenses allowed him to rack up impressive numbers throughout his career. His partnership with head coach Sean Payton resulted in one of the most prolific passing offenses in NFL history.
3. Peyton Manning – 539 Touchdown Passes
Peyton Manning’s cerebral approach to the game helped him amass 539 touchdown passes during his time with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. Manning’s pre-snap adjustments and quick release made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, leading to consistent scoring production.
4. Brett Favre – 508 Touchdown Passes
The iron man of quarterbacks, Brett Favre, threw for 508 touchdowns in his career. Favre’s gunslinger mentality and durability allowed him to play for 20 seasons, primarily with the Green Bay Packers. His willingness to take risks often resulted in spectacular touchdown plays.
5. Aaron Rodgers – 475 Touchdown Passes
Aaron Rodgers, still active and playing for the New York Jets, has accumulated 475 touchdown passes to date. Known for his pinpoint accuracy and ability to extend plays, Rodgers has consistently been one of the most efficient passers in NFL history.
6. Philip Rivers – 421 Touchdown Passes
Philip Rivers finished his career with 421 touchdown passes, showcasing his durability and consistency over 17 seasons. Rivers’s unique throwing motion didn’t hinder his ability to find receivers in the end zone, particularly during his long tenure with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers.
7. Dan Marino – 420 Touchdown Passes
Dan Marino’s quick release and strong arm helped him throw 420 touchdown passes in an era less favorable to passers. Marino’s ability to put up these numbers in the 1980s and 1990s highlights his exceptional talent and foreshadowed the pass-heavy offenses of today.
8. Ben Roethlisberger – 418 Touchdown Passes
Ben Roethlisberger’s 418 touchdown passes came largely as a result of his ability to extend plays and his toughness in the pocket. “Big Ben” spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to multiple Super Bowl appearances while consistently finding the end zone.
9. Matt Ryan – 381 Touchdown Passes
Matt Ryan’s 381 touchdown passes demonstrate his consistency and ability to lead high-powered offenses. Ryan’s tenure with the Atlanta Falcons saw him develop into one of the league’s most reliable passers, with his numbers reflecting his growth as a quarterback.
10. Eli Manning – 366 Touchdown Passes
Rounding out the top 10 is Eli Manning with 366 touchdown passes. Manning’s career with the New York Giants was marked by clutch performances and two Super Bowl victories. His ability to perform under pressure contributed significantly to his impressive touchdown total.
The Evolution of Passing in the NFL
The impressive numbers put up by these quarterbacks reflect not only their individual skills but also the evolution of the NFL into a pass-first league. Rule changes favoring offensive players, particularly those protecting quarterbacks and receivers, have contributed to the inflation of passing statistics in recent decades.
However, it’s important to note that reaching these lofty touchdown totals requires more than just a favorable rulebook. Factors such as longevity, consistency, and adaptability all play crucial roles in a quarterback’s success in finding the end zone.
As the NFL continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see which current young quarterbacks might one day challenge these records. The bar has been set incredibly high, ensuring that any future contenders for the top spots on this list will truly have earned their place among the greatest to ever play the position.
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FAQs
Which QB Has the Most Receiving TDs?
Taysom Hill holds the record for the most career receiving touchdowns by a quarterback, with 9 touchdowns.
Who Has 500 Career Touchdowns?
Four quarterbacks have 500+ career touchdowns: Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539), and Brett Favre (508).
What is The Most TDs in a Game by a QB?
Peyton Manning holds the record for most touchdowns in a single game by a quarterback with 7 passing TDs.
Which QB Has the Most Rushing TDs?
Cam Newton holds the record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 75 in his NFL career.
Who is the Fastest QB to 400 TDS?
Aaron Rodgers was the fastest quarterback to reach 400 touchdown passes, achieving it in 193 games.
How Many QBs have 600 TDs?
Only one quarterback, Tom Brady, has reached 600 career touchdown passes in NFL history.