Top 20 Series. There are many ways in which a player's success in the NFL is measured. One of the most obvious is a comparison of statistics. Each week during the NFL's regular season Profootballhof.com featured updated Top 20 lists for four main statistical categories.
Now, with the help from Elias Sports Bureau, we are rolling out our expanded season’s end lists so you can compare today’s stars with the greatest of all-time. | Return to Top 20 at the Start of 2012>>>
CAREER NOTES. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for 39 touchdown passes in 2011 which moved him into a tie with Hall of Famer John Elway for fifth all-time in touchdown passes.
Season at a glance: 2011 LEADER: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (46 TDs)
SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Tom Brady, New England Patriots (50 TDs in 2007)
Touchdown Passes (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
| 1 | Brett Favre | 508 |
| 2 | Dan Marino* | 420 |
| 3 | Peyton Manning | 399 |
| 4 | Fran Tarkenton* | 342 |
| 5T | Tom Brady | 300 |
| 5T | John Elway* | 300 |
| 7 | Warren Moon* | 291 |
| 8 | Johnny Unitas* | 290 |
| 9 | Drew Brees | 281 |
| 10 | Vinny Testaverde | 275 |
| 11 | Joe Montana* | 273 |
| 12 | Dave Krieg | 261 |
| 13 | Sonny Jurgensen* | 255 |
| 14 | Dan Fouts* | 254 |
| 15 | Drew Bledsoe | 251 |
| 16 | Boomer Esiason | 247 |
| 17 | John Hadl | 244 |
| 18 | Len Dawson* | 239 |
| 19 | Jim Kelly* | 237 |
| 20 | George Blanda* | 236 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau