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.
Here, thanks to the help of Elias Sports Bureau, is an expanded look at Top 20 leaders in multiple NFL statistical categories. Check out where today’s stars compare to NFL greats at the start of the 2013 NFL Season. | Return to Top 20 at the Start of 2013>>>
CAREER NOTES. New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees had a career year as he led the league in passing yards (5,177) and touchdowns (43) for the fourth time in his career, tying Brett Favre and Hall of Famers Len Dawson and Steve Young for the most seasons leading the league in touchdown passes. Brees also threw a touchdown in 54 consecutive games, snapping Johnny Unitas’ “unbreakable record.” He currently ranks sixth all-time in TD passes.
2012 LEADER: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (43 TDs)
SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Tom Brady, New England Patriots (50 TDs in 2007)
Touchdown Passes (at start of 2013 NFL Season)
| 1 | Brett Favre | 508 |
| 2 | Peyton Manning | 436 |
| 3 | Dan Marino* | 420 |
| 4 | Fran Tarkenton* | 342 |
| 5 | Tom Brady | 334 |
| 6 | Drew Brees | 324 |
| 7 | John Elway* | 300 |
| 8 | Warren Moon* | 291 |
| 9 | Johnny Unitas* | 290 |
| 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 |
| 19T | Jim Kelly* | 237 |
| 19T | George Blanda* | 236 |
| * Pro Football Hall of Fame member Bold - players active during 2012 season Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau |