List of NFL career sacks leaders

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This is a list of National Football League (NFL) players who have reached the 100-sack milestone.

The NFL began to keep track of sacks in 1982, with 43 players having reached the milestone in that time. Using unofficial record-keeping (dating back to 1960), an additional 21 players have finished with 100 or more career sacks, leading to a total of 64 players.

List of NFL players with 100 official career sacks

Bruce Smith has the most sacks in NFL history.[1]
Al Baker headshot in a Detroit Lions jersey
Al Baker is the unofficial single-season record holder with 23 sacks during the 1978 NFL season.[2]
Von Miller in a Denver Broncos jersey and no helmet.
Von Miller is the current leader in career sacks among active players.
Key
Symbol Meaning
Sacks The total number of sacks the player recorded
† Pro Football Hall of Fame member
^ The player is an active player

Updated through the 2023 NFL season.

Rank Pos. Player Seasons by team Sacks Refs
1 DE Bruce Smith† Buffalo Bills (1985–1999) 200.0 [1][3]
Washington Redskins (2000–2003)
2 DE Reggie White† Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1992) 198.0 [1][4]
Green Bay Packers (1993–1998)
Carolina Panthers (2000)
3 OLB/DE Kevin Greene† Los Angeles Rams (1985–1992) 160.0 [1][5]
Pittsburgh Steelers (1993–1995)
Carolina Panthers (1996, 1998–1999)
San Francisco 49ers (1997)
4 OLB/DE Julius Peppers† Carolina Panthers (2002–2009, 2017–2018) 159.5 [1][6]
Chicago Bears (2010–2013)
Green Bay Packers (2014–2016)
5 DE Chris Doleman† Minnesota Vikings (1985–1993, 1999) 150.5 [1][7]
Atlanta Falcons (1994–1995)
San Francisco 49ers (1996–1998)
6 DE Michael Strahan† New York Giants (1993–2007) 141.5 [1][8]
7 OLB/DE Jason Taylor† Miami Dolphins (1997–2007, 2009, 2011) 139.5 [1][9]
Washington Redskins (2008)
New York Jets (2010)
8 OLB/DE Terrell Suggs Baltimore Ravens (2003–2018) 139.0 [1][10]
Arizona Cardinals (2019)
Kansas City Chiefs (2019)
9 OLB/DE DeMarcus Ware† Dallas Cowboys (2005–2013) 138.5 [1][11]
Denver Broncos (2014–2016)
10 DE Richard Dent† Chicago Bears (1983–1993, 1995) 137.5 [1][12]
San Francisco 49ers (1994)
Indianapolis Colts (1996)
Philadelphia Eagles (1997)
DT John Randle† Minnesota Vikings (1990–2000) [1][13]
Seattle Seahawks (2001–2003)
12 DE Jared Allen Kansas City Chiefs (2004–2007) 136.0 [1][14]
Minnesota Vikings (2008–2013
Chicago Bears (2014–2015)
Carolina Panthers (2015)
13 OLB/DE John Abraham New York Jets (2000–2005) 133.5 [1][15]
Atlanta Falcons (2006–2012)
Arizona Cardinals (2013–2014)
14 DE Leslie O'Neal San Diego Chargers (1986–1995)
St. Louis Rams (1996–1997)
Kansas City Chiefs (1998–1999) 		132.5 [1][16]
OLB Lawrence Taylor† New York Giants (1981–1993) [1][17]
16 OLB/DE Rickey Jackson† New Orleans Saints (1981–1993)
San Francisco 49ers (1994–1995) 		128.0 [1][18]
17 OLB Derrick Thomas† Kansas City Chiefs (1989–1999) 126.5 [1][19]
18 OLB/DE Dwight Freeney† Indianapolis Colts (2002–2012)
San Diego Chargers (2013–2014)
Arizona Cardinals (2015)
Atlanta Falcons (2016)
Seattle Seahawks (2017)
Detroit Lions (2017) 		125.5 [1][20]
19 OLB/DE Von Miller^ Denver Broncos (2011–2021)
Los Angeles Rams (2021)
Buffalo Bills (2022–present) 		123.5 [1][21]
20 OLB/DE Robert Mathis Indianapolis Colts (2003–2016) 123.0 [1][22]
21 DE Simeon Rice Arizona Cardinals (1996–2000)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2001–2006)
Denver Broncos (2007)
Indianapolis Colts (2007) 		122.0 [1][23]
22 DE Clyde Simmons Philadelphia Eagles (1986–1993)
Arizona Cardinals (1994–1995)
Jacksonville Jaguars (1996–1997)
Cincinnati Bengals (1998)
Chicago Bears (1999–2000) 		121.5 [1][24]
23 DE Cameron Jordan^ New Orleans Saints (2011–present) 117.5 [1][25]
24 DE J. J. Watt Houston Texans (2011–2020)
Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022) 		114.5 [1][26]
25 DE Sean Jones Los Angeles Raiders (1984–1987)
Houston Oilers (1988–1993)
Green Bay Packers (1994–1996) 		113.0 [1][27]
26 OLB/DE Chandler Jones New England Patriots (2012–2015)
Arizona Cardinals (2016–2021)
Las Vegas Raiders (2022–2023) 		112.0 [1][28]
OLB Justin Houston^ Kansas City Chiefs (2011–2018)
Indianapolis Colts (2019–2020)
Baltimore Ravens (2021–2022)
Carolina Panthers (2023)
Miami Dolphins (2023) 		[1][29]
28 DT Aaron Donald St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2014–2023) 111.0 [1][30]
29 DE Greg Townsend Los Angeles / Oakland Raiders (1983–1993, 1997)
Philadelphia Eagles (1994) 		109.5 [1][31]
30 OLB/DE Pat Swilling New Orleans Saints (1986–1992)
Detroit Lions (1993–1994)
Oakland Raiders (1995–1998) 		107.5 [1][32]
31 DE Trace Armstrong Chicago Bears (1989–1994)
Miami Dolphins (1995–2000)
Oakland Raiders (2001–2003) 		106.0 [1][33]
32 OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil Denver Broncos (2006–2012)
Baltimore Ravens (2013–2016)
San Francisco 49ers (2017) 		105.5 [1][34]
DE Calais Campbell^ Arizona Cardinals (2008–2016)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2017–2019)
Baltimore Ravens (2020–2022)
Atlanta Falcons (2023) 		[1][35]
34 DE Kevin Carter St. Louis Rams (1995–2000)
Tennessee Titans (2001–2004)
Miami Dolphins (2005–2006)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007–2008) 		104.5 [1][36]
DE Neil Smith Kansas City Chiefs (1988–1996)
Denver Broncos (1997–1999)
San Diego Chargers (2000) 		[1][37]
36 DE Jim Jeffcoat Dallas Cowboys (1983–1994)
Buffalo Bills (1995–1997) 		102.5 [1][38]
37 OLB/DE Robert Quinn St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2011–2017)
Miami Dolphins (2018)
Dallas Cowboys (2019)
Chicago Bears (2020–2022)
Philadelphia Eagles (2022) 		102.0 [1][39]
38 OLB/DE Khalil Mack^ Oakland Raiders (2014–2017)
Chicago Bears (2018–2021)
Los Angeles Chargers (2022–present) 		101.5 [1][40]
39 DE William Fuller Houston Oilers (1986–1993)
Philadelphia Eagles (1994–1996)
San Diego Chargers (1997–1998) 		100.5 [1][41]
OLB/DE Charles Haley† San Francisco 49ers (1986–1991, 1998–1999)
Dallas Cowboys (1992–1996) 		[1][42]
OLB/DE Cameron Wake Miami Dolphins (2009–2018)
Tennessee Titans (2019) 		[1][43]
42 DE Carlos Dunlap Cincinnati Bengals (2010–2020)
Seattle Seahawks (2020–2021)
Kansas City Chiefs (2022) 		100.0 [1][44]
OLB Andre Tippett† New England Patriots (1982–1993) [1][45]

Unofficial sacks

In 2000, John Turney and Nick Webster, members of the Pro Football Researchers Association, conducted extensive research to create a more complete record of sacks in the NFL. After examining the play-by-play records of every NFL team as well as game film at NFL films they compiled a list of players with 100 sacks beginning in 1960. By including the unofficial sack/dump records from 1960 to 1981, the following players also qualify as members of the 100-Sack Club.[46][47]

Additionally, LBs Lawrence Taylor and Rickey Jackson played their rookie seasons in 1981, which was the last season that sacks were not officially tracked. Taylor had 9.5 and Jackson had 8.0 sacks that season, which would increase their totals to 142.0 and 136.0 sacks, respectively. These sacks would place Taylor at 9th and Jackson tied at 16th (with Jared Allen) on the unofficial sack list.

Unofficial and Official Ranks are based on the top 250 from Pro-Football-Reference.com.[1]
Key
Symbol Meaning
Sacks The total number of sacks the player recorded
† Pro Football Hall of Fame member

Updated through the 2023 NFL season.

Unofficial
rank 		Official
rank 		Pos. Player Seasons by team Unofficial
sack total[46][1] 		Official
sack total 		Refs
3 Z— DE Deacon Jones† Los Angeles Rams (1961–1971)
San Diego Chargers (1972–1973)
Washington Redskins (1974) 		173.5 Z— [48]
6 DE Jack Youngblood† Los Angeles Rams (1971–1984) 151.5 24.0 [49]
8 DT Alan Page† Minnesota Vikings (1967–1978)
Chicago Bears (1978–1981) 		148.5 Z— [50]
T18 DE Carl Eller† Minnesota Vikings (1964–1978)
Seattle Seahawks (1979) 		133.5 [51]
21 T121 DE Al Baker Detroit Lions (1978–1982)
St. Louis Cardinals (1983–1986)
Cleveland Browns (1987, 1989–1990)
Minnesota Vikings (1988) 		131.0 65.5 [52]
T22 Z— DE/DT Coy Bacon Los Angeles Rams (1968–1972)
San Diego Chargers (1973–1975)
Cincinnati Bengals (1976–1977)
Washington Redskins (1978–1981) 		130.5 Z— [53]
DE Jim Marshall Cleveland Browns (1960)
Minnesota Vikings (1961–1979) 		[54]
24 DE Claude Humphrey† Atlanta Falcons (1968–1978)
Philadelphia Eagles (1979–1981) 		130.0 [55]
29 DE Cedrick Hardman San Francisco 49ers (1970–1979)
Oakland Raiders (1980–1981) 		122.5 [56]
33 T44 DE Jacob Green Seattle Seahawks (1980–1992)
San Francisco 49ers (1992) 		115.5 97.5 [57]
35 Z— DE Harvey Martin Dallas Cowboys (1973–1983) 114.0 10.0 [58]
T37 DE Lyle Alzado Denver Broncos (1971–1978)
Cleveland Browns (1979–1981)
Los Angeles Raiders (1982–1985) 		112.0 23.0 [59]
T40 T199 DT Randy White† Dallas Cowboys (1975–1988) 111.0 52.0 [60]
T43 T92 DE Mark Gastineau New York Jets (1979–1988) 107.5 74.0 [61]
T45 Z— DE Jack Gregory Cleveland Browns (1967–1971, 1979)
New York Giants (1972–1978) 		106.0 Z— [62]
T165 DE Too Tall Jones Dallas Cowboys (1974–1978, 1980–1989) 57.5 [63]
50 Z— DE Elvin Bethea† Houston Oilers (1968–1983) 105.0 1.0 [64]
53 T45 DE Dexter Manley Washington Redskins (1981–1989)
Phoenix Cardinals (1990)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1991) 		103.5 97.5 [65]
T54 Z— DE Fred Dryer New York Giants (1969–1971)
Los Angeles Rams (1972–1981) 		103.0 Z— [66]
DE Tony McGee Chicago Bears (1971–1973)
New England Patriots (1974–1981)
Washington Redskins (1982–1984) 		21.0 [67]
T62 DT Alex Karras† Detroit Lions (1958–1962, 1964–1970) 100.0 Z— [68]

See also

References

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  2. ^ "NFL Sacks Single-Season Leaders (since 1960)". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  3. ^ "Bruce Smith stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  4. ^ "Reggie White stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  5. ^ "Kevin Greene stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  6. ^ "Julius Peppers stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  7. ^ "Chris Doleman stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  8. ^ "Michael Strahan stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
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  12. ^ "Richard Dent stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  13. ^ "John Randle stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
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  33. ^ "Trace Armstrong stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  34. ^ "Elvis Dumervil stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 27, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
  35. ^ "Calais Campbell stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
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  38. ^ "Jim Jeffcoat stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  39. ^ "Robert Quinn Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 4, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  40. ^ "Khalil Mack stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  41. ^ "William Fuller stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 21, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  42. ^ "Charles Haley stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 5, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  43. ^ "Cameron Wake stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  44. ^ "Carlos Dunlap stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  45. ^ "Andre Tippett stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 16, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
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  49. ^ "Jack Youngblood stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  50. ^ "Alan Page stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  51. ^ "Carl Eller stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  52. ^ "Al Baker stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  53. ^ "Coy Bacon stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  54. ^ "Jim Marshall stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  55. ^ "Claude Humphrey stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  56. ^ "Cedrick Hardman stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  57. ^ "Jacob Green stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  58. ^ "Harvey Martin stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  59. ^ "Lyle Alzado stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  60. ^ "Randy White stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
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  66. ^ "Fred Dryer stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
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  68. ^ "Alex Karras stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
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