NFL sack records: Most sacks in a game, season and career in NFL history

Dan Treacy

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NFL sack records: Most sacks in a game, season and career in NFL history image

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Quarterbacks may soak up most of the attention in the NFL, but there is no substitute for players who can get to the quarterback.

Even the greatest quarterbacks are bound to struggle when under heavy pressure from pass-rushers. While any defensive coach would tell you disruption and pressure can change a game, few players can upend a drive like a sack.

Throughout NFL history, a few pass-rushers have stood above the rest when it comes to taking down quarterbacks.

Here's a look at the NFL's single-season sack record, as well as top marks for career and an individual game. 

MORE: Tracking Myles Garrett's chase for NFL sack record

Who has the most sacks in a season in NFL history?

Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021) share the single-season sack record of 22.5.

Strahan's record is shrouded in some controversy, as some believe Brett Favre went down easily to give Strahan the record in the 2001 season finale. Watt matched the mark in a 17-game 2021 season but only played 15 games, making his total that much more remarkable.

Before Strahan, Mark Gastineau held the single-season sack record for 17 years.

MORE: Michael Strahan sack record controversy, explained

NFL single-season sack leaders

Official single-season sack leaders

14 players have recorded 20 official sacks in a season, led by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt's 22.5. Mark Gastineau, Jared Allen and Justin Houston trail close behind with exactly 22. 

Here's a look at every player with an official 20-sack season in NFL history.

RankPlayerSacksAgeSeasonTeam
1.Michael Strahan22.5302001Giants
 T.J. Watt22.5272021Steelers
3.Mark Gastineau22.0281984Jets
 Jared Allen22.0292011Vikings
 Justin Houston22.0252014Chiefs
6.Reggie White21.0251987Eagles
 Chris Doleman21.0281989Vikings
8.Lawrence Taylor20.5271986Giants
 J.J. Watt20.5232012Texans
 J.J. Watt20.5252014Texans
 Aaron Donald20.5272018Rams
12.Derrick Thomas20.0231990Chiefs
 DeMarcus Ware20.0262008Cowboys
 Myles Garrett20.0292025Browns

Unofficial single-season sack leaders

Sacks weren't recorded as an official stat until 1982, but some sites have gone back and accounted for sacks dating back as early as 1960. Any sack total from before 1982 is unofficial.

RankPlayerSacksAgeSeasonTeam
1.Al Baker23.0211978Lions
2.Michael Strahan22.5302001Giants
 T.J. Watt22.5272021Steelers
4.Mark Gastineau22.0281984Jets
 Jared Allen22.0292011Vikings
 Justin Houston22.0252014Chiefs
 Deacon Jones22.0251964Rams
 Deacon Jones22.0291968Rams
9.Coy Bacon21.5341976Bengals
 Deacon Jones21.5281967Rams
11.Reggie White21.0251987Eagles
 Chris Doleman21.0281989Vikings
13.Lawrence Taylor20.5271986Giants
 J.J. Watt20.5232012Texans
 J.J. Watt20.5252014Texans
 Aaron Donald20.5272018Rams
 Jim Katcavage20.5281963Giants
 Joe Klecko20.5271981Jets
19.Derrick Thomas20.0231990Chiefs
 DeMarcus Ware20.0262008Cowboys
 Myles Garrett20.0292025Browns
 Harvey Martin20.0261977Cowboys
 Mark Gastineau20.0251981Jets

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NFL sacks FAQs

When did sacks become an official stat?

Sacks became an official stat in 1982, meaning seasons prior to 1982 don't count toward official NFL records despite some outlets accounting for unofficial sacks prior to 1982 as best they can. 

What is the record for most sacks in a career?

Buffalo Bills legend Bruce Smith's 200 sacks are the all-time NFL record on both official and unofficial lists. Smith never recorded a 20-sack season, but he was a force on the Bills' defense for 15 years and spent a total of 19 seasons in the league. Smith recorded 13 double-digit sack seasons in his NFL career.

What is the record for most sacks in a game by a player?

Kansas City Chiefs legend Derrick Thomas holds the single-game sack record with seven against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 11, 1990. The historic performance was part of a 20-sack campaign for Thomas.

Only four other players have recorded six sacks in a game, most recently Khalil Mack in 2023.

MORE: Why did the Browns move to Cleveland?

What is the difference between official and unofficial sacks?

Official sacks are sacks that were recorded since 1982, when sacks first became an official NFL stat. Because sacks were not an official stat before 1982, there is no official record of sacks from 1981 and earlier; all sack totals from seasons before 1982 are unofficially compiled by other outlets. 

What team has the most sacks in a season in NFL history

The 1984 Chicago Bears still hold the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 72.

While the 1985 Bears' defense has a reputation as one of the greatest in NFL history, the 1984 team that was shut out in the NFC championship game knew how to get to the quarterback. Richard Dent, Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael all posted double-digit sack seasons, and 11 players recorded double-digit sacks. 

Which QB has been sacked the most times in a season?

No quarterback has been sacked more in one season than David Carr, who absorbed 76 sacks as a rookie for the Houston Texans in their inaugural season.

In hindsight, the record almost seemed inevitable, as Carr was a rookie playing behind an expansion franchise's offensive line. Carr was the No. 1 overall pick in 2002 but ultimately struggled to latch on as an NFL starter, and he would go on to lead the league in sacks taken two more times in his five seasons with the Texans.

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