The National Football League (NFL) has been one of the major attractions for fans since its inception. With its electric actions and high-octane performances, the NFL has made its way into the most popular sporting league in the world. In recent times, the NFL has switched things around and has gone on to have 17 games in the regular season. This means that there is room for one extra game for the athletes to add some more stats and records to their kitty.
Likewise, the league has been witnessing some of the incredible feats being achieved. With all the excitement and glitz still to come in the new season, here’s a look back at the top 5 all-time single-season NFL/AFL records.
5. Most Passing Touchdowns: Peyton Manning (2013)
Peyton Manning might have been an Indianapolis Colts legend, but he seemed to have gotten his mojo once he signed with the Denver Broncos. Playing in the 2013 season, Manning seemed unstoppable and became a nightmare for his opponents. He scored 55 passing touchdowns, which became one of the legendary all-time records in the NFL. Even after 11 long years, the feat remained untarnished, and will, in all probability, remain so for a long time.
As a matter of fact, breaking the record will be a task for a modern quarterback. Even with 17 games at his disposal, it would require a gargantuan effort of 3.23 touchdowns per game to level the incredible feat.
Also Read: 5 NFL Records That Still Remain Unbroke
4. Most Passing Interceptions: George Blanda (1962)
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Well, if Peyton Manning’s record seemed like an impossible feat to achieve, wait till you hear about George Blanda. Donning the jersey of Houston Oilers, Blanda accumulated a record breaking 42 interceptions in one single season. In order to break or even equal this record, an athlete will have to secure at least 2.5 interceptions on an average per game.
The only athlete to ever come close to achieving this feat was Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Vinny Testaverde in 1988. Testaverde ended with 35 interceptions, 7 less than the all-time record.
3. Most Rushing Yards: Eric Dickerson (1984)
Dickerson was always known for his incredible dashes on the field. Competing for the Los Angeles Rams, Dickerson impressed in his rookie season by running 1808 yards. Keeping up the good work in the subsequent season, Dickerson had one of the best breakout seasons where he ran 2105 yards. Averaging a thumping 131.6 yards per game, Dickerson’s feat still remains as one of the most impressive records in NFL history.
At the time, Dickerson became only the second NFL athlete to run 2000 yards in a single season, the other being O.J. Simpson in 1973. Although there have been six more inductees to the prestigious club until now, none of them have been able to break the number of yards run by Dickerson in 1984.
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2. Most Rushing Touchdowns: LaDainian Tomlinson (2006)
The NFL saw a surge of attacking play during the beginning of the twentieth century. With teams aiming for as many touchdowns as possible, Priest Holmes initially recorded a whopping 27 rushing touchdowns back in 2023. However, that did not stand as an exclusive one, as Shaun Alexander, too, tied the number a couple of years later.
However, it was not until 2006 that LaDainian Tomlinson broke the record with 28, which has stayed put until the present day. Although things are quite unpredictable, looking at how the teams have refrained from running a lot in recent times, it does look like the feat will remain untouched for a long time.
1. Most Defensive Interceptions: Dick Lane (1952)
Dick Lane holds the record of 14 defensive interceptions from way back when he was a rookie. Donning the colors of the Los Angeles Rams, Lane’s incredible feat holds strong to this date, even after 70 years. Adding further caveat to his embellished career, Lane is a seven-time Pro Bowler. Back in 1974, the legendary athlete was given the ultimate honor by inducting him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Thus, with all the incredible accomplishments standing tall, the new season will come with the hope of some old records being broken. And of course, some brand new records in the uncharted NFL territories will be made to fascinate the ever-growing number of the NFL audience.
Also Read: 5 Interesting NFL Records Of All Time
