NFL Sack Leaders: Most Sack All Time, Team, & Active Players
Most Sacks All-Time (since 1982)
When it comes to defending the quarterback, few plays are as impactful as the sack. It stops drives, causes fumbles, and can swing momentum. Over the decades, a handful of greats have cemented their legacies by routinely burying QBs.
Who has the most sacks in NFL history?
Bruce Smith played for the Buffalo Bills and Washington from 1985-2003 racking up a total of 200 sacks.
Rank | Player | Sacks | Years Active |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Bruce Smith | 200 | |
2 | Reggie White | 198 | |
3 | Kevin Greene | 160 | |
4 | Julius Peppers | 159.5 | |
5 | Chris Doleman | 150.5 | |
6 | Michael Strahan | 141.5 | |
7 | Jason Taylor | 139.5 | |
8 | Terrell Suggs | 139 | |
9 | DeMarcus Ware | 138.5 | |
10 | John Randle | 137.5 | |
11 | Richard Dent | 137.5 | |
12 | Jared Allen | 136 | |
13 | John Abraham | 133 | |
14 | Leslie O’Neal | 132.5 | |
15 | Lawrence Taylor | 132.5 | |
16 | Rickey Jackson | 128 | |
17 | Derrick Thomas | 126.5 | |
18 | Dwight Freeney | 125.5 | |
19 | Von Miller | 123.5 | |
20 | Robert Mathis | 123 |
Consistently beating offensive linemen requires a rare blend of athleticism, technique, and relentlessness. The players atop the sack ranks exemplify these qualities at the highest level.
It’s worth noting that sacks began being official calculated in 1982 while an unofficial list dates back to 1960 . Check the unofficial list dating back to 1960- HERE.
Most Sacks All-Time Among Active Players
While the retired legends cast long shadows, today’s stars continue adding to the record books with each jarring takedown.
Who has the most sacks as an active player?
Von Miller currently leads all active NFL Players in sacks with 123 sacks as of the 2023-24 season. He ranks 19th on the all-time list of sack leaders.
Rank | Player | Sacks | Years Active |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Von Miller | 123.5 | |
2 | Cameron Jordan | 117.5 | |
3 | Calais Campbell | 105.5 | |
4 | Khalil Mack | 101.5 | |
5 | T.J. Watt | 96.5 | |
6 | Myles Garrett | 88.5 | |
7 | Danielle Hunter | 87.5 | |
8 | Cameron Heyward | 80.5 | |
9 | Chris Jones | 75.5 | |
10 | Brandon Graham | 73.0 | |
11 | Joey Bosa | 67.0 | |
12 | Matthew Judon | 66.5 | |
13 | Preston Smith | 66 | |
14 | DeForest Buckner | 61 | |
15 | Za’Darius Smith | 60 | |
16 | Trey Hendrickson | 59.5 | |
17 | Shaquil Barrett | 59 | |
18 | Denico Autry | 59 | |
19 | DeMarcus Lawrence | 58.5 | |
20 | Haason Reddick | 58 |
At their peak, the active leaders are as disruptive as anyone before them. With seasons still remaining, they have an opportunity to climb even higher up the prestigious ranks.
Sacking the quarterback is an art form, one that leaves lasting impressions on games, seasons, and careers. Whether looking at the all-time greats or today’s tormentors, these sackmasters have etched their names in NFL lore.
Most Sacks All Time by NFL Team
Which NFL Team Has the Most Sacks of All Time?
The Los Angeles Rams have the most sacks by a team, with 2,954 sacks.
Rank | Team | Sacks |
---|---|---|
1 | Los Angles Rams | 2,594 |
2 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2,887 |
3 | Philadelphia Eagles | 2,868 |
4 | Chicago Bears | 2,859 |
5 | New York Giants | 2,740 |
6 | San Francisco 49ers | 2,732 |
7 | Washington Commanders | 2,678 |
8 | Green Bay Packers | 2,677 |
9 | Detroit Lions | 2,650 |
10 | Dallas Cowboys | 2,544 |
11 | Arizona Cardinals | 2,536 |
12 | Indianapolis Colts | 2,517 |
13 | Las Vegas Raiders | 2,471 |
14 | Minnesota Vikings | 2,398 |
15 | Denver Broncos | 2,393 |
16 | New England Patriots | 2,372 |
17 | Los Angeles Chargers | 2,342 |
18 | Tennessee Titans | 2,341 |
19 | Cleveland Browns | 2,335 |
20 | Kansas City Chiefs | 2,316 |
21 | Buffalo Bills | 2,253 |
22 | New Orleans Saints | 2,203 |
23 | New York Jets | 2,140 |
24 | Miami Dolphins | 2,061 |
25 | Cincinnati Bengals | 1,880 |