In football, passing yards refers to the total distance in yards that a quarterback throws the ball forward to a receiver during a game. This statistic is crucial as it measures a quarterback’s effectiveness in advancing the ball through the air, contributing significantly to a team’s offensive success. Speaking of passing yards, who actually holds the record for most passing yards in an NFL game?
Norm Van Brocklin holds the NFL record for most passing yards in a single game, with 554 yards achieved in 1951. This remarkable feat remains unmatched over 70 years later.
Playing for the Los Angeles Rams, Van Brocklin accomplished this in just 41 attempts, completing 27 passes during a 55-14 victory against the New York Yanks. He threw four touchdown passes, all to Elroy Hirsch, and even managed a rushing touchdown despite finishing with minus three rushing yards.
Van Brocklin’s performance could have been even greater; one potential touchdown was stopped at the one-yard line, and he threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
This game surpassed the previous record of 468 yards set by Johnny Lujack two years earlier. Typically sharing quarterback duties with Bob Waterfield, Van Brocklin had this opportunity due to Waterfield’s injury. Ultimately, the Rams won the NFL championship that season, while the Yanks struggled to recover from this defeat.
This record remains unbeaten to this day. Many have come close, but none have managed to surpass it. Recently, Atlanta Falcons star Kirk Cousins made a strong attempt, too.
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Where Does Kirk Cousins Stand On The Most Passing Yards In An NFL Game List?
Kirk Cousins made history for the Falcons on a night honoring former star quarterback Matt Ryan. In the Falcons’ 36-30 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Thursday Night Football,” Cousins set a new team record for passing yards in a game previously held by Ryan.
Cousins delivered a stellar performance that undoubtedly impressed many, completing 42 of 58 passes for 509 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. This marked just the 25th 500-yard game in NFL history, making him the 22nd quarterback to achieve this milestone. Ryan, who threw for 503 yards in 2016, is part of this elite group.
Though it’s too early to predict Cousins’ impact on the franchise, his sharp execution, particularly with receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, impressed fans. Cousins effectively utilized play-action to exploit Tampa Bay’s defense, resulting in a well-distributed passing attack.
This game also marked Cousins’ third game-winning drive of the season, the most in the NFL. With 31 career game-winning drives, he ranks 20th all-time, tied with Drew Bledsoe, while only four active quarterbacks have more.
Although Cousins’ 509-yard game set a Falcons record, it fell short of Van Brocklin’s NFL record.
Below is the full list of the NFL’s 500-yard passers:
- Norm Van Brocklin, Los Angeles Rams: 554 yards (1951)
- Matt Schaub, Houston Texans: 527 yards (2012)
- Warren Moon, Houston Oilers: 527 yards (1990)
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: 525 yards (2021)
- Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: 522 yards (2014)
- Boomer Esiason, Arizona Cardinals: 522 yards (1996)
- Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins: 521 yards (1988)
- Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: 520 yards (2012)
- Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams: 517 yards (2019)
- Tom Brady, New England Patriots: 517 yards (2011)
- Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders: 513 yards (2016)
- Phil Simms, New York Giants: 513 yards (1985)
- Eli Manning, New York Giants: 510 yards (2012)
- Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: 510 yards (2006)
- Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons: 509 yards (2024)
- Vince Ferragamo, Los Angeles Rams: 509 yards (1982)
- Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: 506 yards (2017)
- Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: 506 yards (2013)
- Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: 505 yards (2015)
- Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants: 505 yards (1962)
- Elvis Grbac, Kansas City Chiefs: 504 yards (2000)
- Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: 503 yards (2016)
- Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: 503 yards (2015)
- Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: 503 yards (2009)
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: 502 yards (2020)
