GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Interceptions Thrown In Nfl History

The most interceptions thrown in NFL history is held by Brett Favre with 336 interceptions.

Highlights: Most Interceptions Thrown In Nfl History

  • Brett Favre holds the record for the most career interceptions thrown in NFL history with 336.
  • In 1962, George Blanda threw the most interceptions in a single season with 42.
  • Vinny Testaverde threw the most interceptions in his rookie year with 35 in 1988.
  • Jameis Winston holds the record for the most interceptions thrown in a season in the 2010s with 30.
  • Blanda, Layne, and Tarkenton are the only players to lead the NFL in interceptions four times.
  • In 1950, Jim Hardy held the record for most interceptions thrown in a game with 8.
  • Dan Marino is second on the list of most career interceptions thrown with 252.
  • Joe Namath is third on the list of most interceptions in a career with 220.
  • Peyton Manning has thrown the most interceptions in Super Bowl history with 2.
  • John Hadl holds the record for most interceptions thrown in his career without a Superbowl appearance with 268.
  • Ty Detmer holds the record for the highest percentage of passes intercepted in a season with 11.9% in 2001.
  • Among active players, Eli Manning has thrown the most interceptions with 244.
  • Drew Brees has thrown the second most interceptions among active players with 243.
  • Philip Rivers has thrown the third most interceptions among active players with 209.
  • Terry Bradshaw has thrown the most interceptions in Super Bowl history with 9.
  • Norm Snead, the first overall pick of the 1961 NFL Draft, threw an NFL-record 27 interceptions as a rookie.
  • In 2018, Ben Roethlisberger led the NFL with the most interceptions thrown in a single season with 16.
  • Jay Cutler led the NFL in 2009 with the most interceptions thrown in a single season with 26.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

In the high-stakes world of American football, quarterbacks play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of games. One statistic that often looms large in evaluating a quarterback’s performance is the number of interceptions they have thrown throughout their career. Interceptions can be costly mistakes that can turn the tide of a game in an instant. In this blog post, we will delve into the realm of NFL history to explore the quarterbacks who have thrown the most interceptions, examining the impact of these turnovers on both individual careers and team dynamics.

The Latest Most Interceptions Thrown In Nfl History Explained

Brett Favre holds the record for the most career interceptions thrown in NFL history with 336.

The statistic that Brett Favre holds the record for the most career interceptions thrown in NFL history with 336 is a reflection of his long and prolific career as a quarterback in the league. Interceptions occur when a pass is caught by a defensive player, resulting in a turnover of possession for the opposing team. While Favre was known for his aggressive playing style and willingness to take risks on the field, his high number of interceptions also demonstrates his longevity in the NFL and the sheer volume of pass attempts he made throughout his career. Despite this record, Favre is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, with multiple accolades including Super Bowl wins and league MVP awards.

In 1962, George Blanda threw the most interceptions in a single season with 42.

The statistic “In 1962, George Blanda threw the most interceptions in a single season with 42” signifies that American football quarterback George Blanda had the highest number of passes intercepted during a single season in 1962 compared to all other quarterbacks in the league. Interceptions occur when the opposing team catches a pass intended for an offensive player, and they can be detrimental to a team’s success as they often result in turnovers. Blanda’s 42 interceptions in one season set a record that highlights both his outstanding performance as a passer and the challenges he faced in protecting the ball and making successful plays during that particular year.

Vinny Testaverde threw the most interceptions in his rookie year with 35 in 1988.

The statistic “Vinny Testaverde threw the most interceptions in his rookie year with 35 in 1988” indicates that Vinny Testaverde, a quarterback in the NFL, had a challenging start to his professional career in 1988 by throwing the highest number of interceptions compared to other rookie quarterbacks. Interceptions are passes thrown by a quarterback that are caught by a defensive player, resulting in a turnover for the offense. In this case, Testaverde’s statistic highlights both his aggressive playing style and the difficulties encountered by many rookies as they adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Despite this early setback, Testaverde went on to have a long and successful career in the NFL, demonstrating resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.

Jameis Winston holds the record for the most interceptions thrown in a season in the 2010s with 30.

The statistic that Jameis Winston holds the record for the most interceptions thrown in a season in the 2010s with 30 means that Winston, a quarterback in the NFL, threw the highest number of interceptions in a single season from 2010 to 2019. Interceptions are turnovers that occur when the opposing team catches a pass thrown by the quarterback instead of the intended receiver, resulting in a change of possession. In this case, Winston’s 30 interceptions in a season highlight a significant number of mistakes in his decision-making and accuracy when passing the ball, which can be detrimental to his team’s performance and overall success on the field.

Blanda, Layne, and Tarkenton are the only players to lead the NFL in interceptions four times.

The statistic states that George Blanda, Dick “Night Train” Lane, and Fran Tarkenton are the only players in NFL history to have led the league in interceptions four times each. This implies that these three players demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency in intercepting passes throughout their careers. Interceptions are a crucial defensive statistic in football, as they directly impact the outcome of games by providing turnovers and opportunities for the intercepting team to score. By leading the league in interceptions multiple times, Blanda, Lane, and Tarkenton established themselves as outstanding playmakers on the defensive side of the ball and played a significant role in shaping the history of the NFL.

In 1950, Jim Hardy held the record for most interceptions thrown in a game with 8.

In 1950, Jim Hardy set a record for the most interceptions thrown in a single game with a total of 8 interceptions. This statistic reflects a notable individual performance within the context of American football, where interceptions occur when the opposing team’s defense catches or retrieves a pass thrown by the quarterback intended for their own team. Interceptions are considered a significant defensive play, as they disrupt offensive drives and can shift the momentum of a game. Hardy’s achievement in throwing 8 interceptions in a single game showcases both a rare occurrence and also likely signifies a challenging performance for his team during that particular game.

Dan Marino is second on the list of most career interceptions thrown with 252.

The statistic that Dan Marino is second on the list of most career interceptions thrown with 252 indicates that throughout his career as a professional football quarterback, Marino had the second-highest number of passes intercepted by opposing players. Interceptions occur when a player from the opposing team catches a pass intended for one of Marino’s teammates. While interceptions are generally considered a negative outcome for a quarterback as they result in a turnover, this statistic should be considered within the context of Marino’s overall performance, including his numerous achievements such as being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and holding various records for passing yards and touchdowns.

Joe Namath is third on the list of most interceptions in a career with 220.

The statistic stating that Joe Namath is ranked third on the list of most interceptions in a career with 220 indicates that during his tenure as a quarterback in the NFL, Namath threw a significant number of interceptions over the course of his career. Interceptions occur when a passing attempt by a quarterback is caught by a defensive player instead of the intended receiver, resulting in a turnover for the opposing team. While interceptions are a negative outcome for a quarterback, the statistic highlights both the longevity of Namath’s career and his aggressive playing style, as he took risks in attempting difficult passes which sometimes resulted in turnovers.

Peyton Manning has thrown the most interceptions in Super Bowl history with 2.

The statistic illustrating that Peyton Manning has thrown the most interceptions in Super Bowl history with 2 means that across his appearances in Super Bowl games, he has been intercepted by the opponent’s defense on two occasions. Interceptions occur when the opposing team’s player catches the football thrown by the quarterback instead of the intended receiver, resulting in a turnover for Manning’s team. This statistic highlights Manning’s vulnerability to turnovers in high-stakes championship games, which is a crucial aspect to consider when evaluating his performance and impact in Super Bowl competitions.

John Hadl holds the record for most interceptions thrown in his career without a Superbowl appearance with 268.

The statistic that John Hadl holds the record for most interceptions thrown in his career without a Superbowl appearance with 268 implies that despite his prolific passing abilities, he was not able to lead a team to the ultimate success of winning a Superbowl championship. This statistic sheds light on Hadl’s career as a quarterback in the NFL, showcasing a mix of both talent and shortcomings. While he may have accumulated impressive passing statistics, the large number of interceptions indicates a potential weakness in decision-making or execution under pressure, ultimately hindering his ability to guide a team to a Superbowl victory.

Ty Detmer holds the record for the highest percentage of passes intercepted in a season with 11.9% in 2001.

The statistic states that Ty Detmer holds the NFL record for the highest percentage of passes intercepted in a single season, with 11.9% of his passes being intercepted in the year 2001. This means that nearly 12% of Detmer’s pass attempts during that season were intercepted by the opposing team. This high interception rate suggests that Detmer struggled with accuracy and decision-making while throwing the football, leading to a significant number of turnovers for his team. Interceptions can be costly in football as they often result in the opposing team gaining possession of the ball, potentially leading to scoring opportunities against the team that committed the turnovers.

Among active players, Eli Manning has thrown the most interceptions with 244.

The statistic that “Among active players, Eli Manning has thrown the most interceptions with 244” means that Eli Manning, a quarterback in the NFL, has thrown the highest number of interceptions compared to all other current players in the league. Interceptions occur when the opposing team catches a pass intended for the offense, resulting in a turnover. This statistic highlights Manning’s propensity to take risks with his passes, which can sometimes result in turnovers and negatively impact the team’s performance. It also reflects his longevity in the league, as accumulating such a high number of interceptions requires a significant amount of playing time.

Drew Brees has thrown the second most interceptions among active players with 243.

The statistic that Drew Brees has thrown the second most interceptions among active NFL players with 243 indicates that he has been less careful with his passes compared to other active quarterbacks. Interceptions are generally considered a negative statistic as they result in turnovers and potential scoring opportunities for the opposing team. While Brees is known for his prolific passing and high number of career touchdowns, this statistic sheds light on a potential weakness in his game in terms of decision-making and protecting the football. Despite this, Brees’ success on the field cannot be solely defined by his interception count, as his overall performance and achievements are also noteworthy.

Philip Rivers has thrown the third most interceptions among active players with 209.

The statistic that Philip Rivers has thrown the third most interceptions among active players with 209 indicates that he has the third highest number of passes intercepted among current NFL quarterbacks. This suggests that Rivers has been relatively prone to turnovers throughout his career, which can impact his team’s ability to score and win games. Interceptions occur when a quarterback throws a pass that is caught by a defensive player, resulting in a change of possession. While interceptions are a common occurrence in football, having a high number can signal issues with decision-making, accuracy, or pressure management. Teams with quarterbacks who have high interception rates often face challenges in maintaining offensive momentum and minimizing costly mistakes.

Terry Bradshaw has thrown the most interceptions in Super Bowl history with 9.

The statistic that Terry Bradshaw has thrown the most interceptions in Super Bowl history with 9 highlights Bradshaw’s performance in the grand stage of the Super Bowl. Interceptions in football signify mistakes or errors in decision-making by the quarterback, and throwing the most interceptions in Super Bowl history indicates the challenges and pressures that Bradshaw faced during those high-stakes games. While Bradshaw is a Hall of Fame quarterback known for his success and Super Bowl victories with the Pittsburgh Steelers, this statistic sheds light on a less favorable aspect of his Super Bowl performances and serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in sports competitions.

Norm Snead, the first overall pick of the 1961 NFL Draft, threw an NFL-record 27 interceptions as a rookie.

The statistic that Norm Snead, the first overall pick of the 1961 NFL Draft, threw an NFL-record 27 interceptions as a rookie indicates that Snead had a challenging start to his professional football career. This high number of interceptions suggests that he struggled with decision-making, accuracy, and potentially adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game in his first season. While throwing interceptions is a common occurrence for rookie quarterbacks who are adjusting to the higher level of competition, setting an NFL record for interceptions in a single season highlights the difficulties that Snead faced early on in his career. This statistic likely had a significant impact on his reputation and may have influenced the trajectory of his career moving forward.

In 2018, Ben Roethlisberger led the NFL with the most interceptions thrown in a single season with 16.

In 2018, Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, led the NFL by throwing the most interceptions in a single season with a total of 16. This statistic indicates that Roethlisberger struggled in protecting the football during that particular season, as interceptions can have a significant impact on a team’s performance by giving the opposing team possession of the ball. This high number of interceptions suggests potential issues with decision-making, accuracy, or pressure faced by Roethlisberger during games in 2018. It serves as a clear measure of his performance in that season and highlights an area where he may have needed to improve his play.

Jay Cutler led the NFL in 2009 with the most interceptions thrown in a single season with 26.

The statistic indicates that Jay Cutler, a quarterback in the NFL during the 2009 season, threw the highest number of interceptions among all players that year, with a total of 26 interceptions. Interceptions in football occur when the opposing team’s player catches a pass thrown by the quarterback intended for a receiver on the same team. This statistic reflects Cutler’s struggles with decision-making, accuracy, and possibly pressure during his passing attempts in that particular season. While Cutler’s statistics in interceptions may have been high, it is important to consider the context in which they occurred, such as the team’s offensive strategy, the quality of his receivers, and the level of competition faced throughout the season.

Conclusion

After delving into the statistics and exploring the history of interceptions thrown in the NFL, it is clear that this aspect of the game has played a significant role in shaping the outcomes of countless matches. The top leaders in interceptions thrown showcase a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, each leaving their mark on the sport with their feats on the field. As fans continue to witness the intensity and unpredictability of NFL games, interceptions will remain a captivating element that adds excitement and drama to every match.

References

0. – https://www.www.nfl.com

1. – https://www.www.sportingnews.com

2. – https://www.www.pro-football-reference.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!