Top 20 - Passing yards

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>>>

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CAREER NOTES. After being sidelined in 2011 due to injury, Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning didn’t miss a beat in 2012 as he registered single-season franchise bests in passing yards (4,659), touchdown passes (37) and passer rating (105.8). Manning now has 12 seasons in which he has passed for 4,000 yards, extending his NFL record. 

2012 LEADER: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (5,177 yards)

SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (5,476 yards) 

Passer Yards (at start of 2013 NFL Season)

1 Brett Favre 71,838
2 Dan Marino* 61,361
3 Peyton Manning 59,487
4 John Elway* 51,475
5 Warren Moon* 49,325
6 Fran Tarkenton* 47,003
7 Vinny Testaverde 46,233
8 Drew Brees 45,919
9 Tom Brady 44,806
10 Drew Bledsoe 44,611
11 Dan Fouts* 43,040
12 Kerry Collins 40,922
13 Joe Montana* 40,551
14 Johnny Unitas* 40,239
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
Bold - players active during 2012 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau