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. Quarterback Kerry Collins signed with the Indianapolis Colts just a few weeks before the 2011 season began. He started three games and threw for 481 yards. In doing so, Collins passed Hall of Famer Joe Montana to become tenth all-time in passing yards.
Season at a glance: 2011 LEADER: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (5,476 yards)
SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (5,476 yards)
Passing Yards (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
| 1 | Brett Favre | 71.838 |
| 2 | Dan Marino* | 61.381 |
| 3 | Peyton Manning | 54.828 |
| 4 | John Elway* | 51.475 |
| 5 | Warren Moon* | 49.325 |
| 6 | Fran Tarkenton* | 47.003 |
| 7 | Vinny Testaverde | 46,233 |
| 8 | Drew Bledsoe | 44,611 |
| 9 | Dan Fouts* | 43.040 |
| 10 | Kerry Collins | 40.922 |
| 11 | Drew Brees | 40,742 |
| 12 | Joe Montana* | 40,551 |
| 13 | Johnny Unitas* | 40.239 |
| 14 | Tom Brady | 39,979 |
| 15 | Dave Krieg | 38,147 |
| 16 | Boomer Esiason | 37,920 |
| 17 | Donovan McNabb | 37,276 |
| 18 | Jim Kelly* | 35,467 |
| 19 | Jim Everett | 34,837 |
| 20 | Jim Hart | 34,665 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau