Can You Identify These Single-Season NFL Record-Holders?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify These Single-Season NFL Record-Holders?
Image: Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

About This Quiz

It's the end of the regular season, and the final game is sure to bring plenty of action, especially for those teams fighting for a playoff spot. Of course, as much fun as it is to watch those teams go at it, there is as much delight in watching a player who's on the verge of breaking a single-season record. With one game left to accomplish a feat that will put them in the record books, can they do it? 

There is just something special about a record-setting season in the NFL. Maybe it's the hype that builds up to the moment the record is passed, maybe it's the player who keeps brushing off the record until he's only a few yards from breaking it, or maybe it's just the story we create in our minds to give meaning to the regular season as we wait for the playoffs to start, but every eye is glued to the television when the moment finally comes for a record to break. 

How well do you know the single-season record holders in the NFL? Do you know what these players accomplished and when they accomplished it? 

If you're up for the challenge, see if you can set your own personal record by getting a 40 out of 40 on this quiz! 

Drew Brees
Wiki Commons by US Navy
This quarterback is number one, two and three in passes completed on a season. Who is he?
Brett Favre
Drew Brees
Peyton Manning
Tom Brady
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2018, Drew Brees passed Peyton Manning for the most passing yards in a career. Even though he's 39, the veteran quarterback doesn't appear to be slowing down.

Advertisement

Matthew Stafford
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
In the 2012 season, this quarterback attempted 727 passes. Which quarterback is it?
Aaron Rodgers
Carson Palmer
Kurt Warner
Matthew Stafford
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Matthew Stafford attended college at the University of Georgia. After three seasons in Athens, Stafford entered the 2009 NFL draft and was taken by the Lions with the first-overall pick.

Advertisement

Peyton Manning
Wiki Commons by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth
Nicknamed "The Sheriff," who holds the single-season record for passing yards?
Peyton Manning
Dan Marino
Tom Brady
Aaron Rodgers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only five players have thrown for over 5,000 yards in a season. Dan Marino was the first to accomplish the feat in 1984, only his second year in the league.

Advertisement

Larry Johnson
Wiki Commons by Bryan Horowitz
This running back carried the ball 416 times in 2006. Who is he?
LaDainian Tomlinson
Adrian Peterson
Larry Johnson
Priest Holmes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larry Johnson rushed for over 2,000 yards in his senior season at Penn State. That year, he won the Maxwell Award, the Doak Walker Award, and the Walter Camp Award.

Advertisement

Eric Dickerson
Wiki Commons by Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young
Which Hall of Fame running back set the single-season rushing yards record?
Adrian Peterson
Marshall Faulk
Emmitt Smith
Eric Dickerson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eric Dickerson had a controversial career at SMU where he was accused of taking money to play for the school. After he left, the school received the death penalty and wasn't allowed to field a football team for a year.

Advertisement

LaDainian Tomlinson
Graham Bensinger via YouTube
Drafted out of TCU, who holds the NFL single-season record for rushing touchdowns?
Barry Sanders
Walter Payton
LaDainian Tomlinson
Emmitt Smith
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

LaDainian Tomlinson's NFL career was shortened by injuries. However, during his height, he was one of the greatest running backs to ever carry the football.

Advertisement

Kerry Collins
Wiki Commons by AJ Guel
This quarterback would get rid of his record for single-season fumbles if he could. Who is he?
Jake Delhomme
Kerry Collins
Jeff Garcia
Trent Dilfer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kerry Collins helped the Giants reach the Super Bowl in 2000. His team lost the championship to the Ravens, who had one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.

Advertisement

Peyton Manning 2
Wiki Commons by Capt. Darin Overstreet
This quarterback set the single-season passing touchdowns record while playing for the Broncos. Who is he?
Peyton Manning
John Elway
Paxton Lynch
Chad Kelly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory in the 2015-16 season. After winning his second title, Manning retired from the NFL.

Advertisement

LaDainian​ Tomlinson 2
Wiki Commons by Phil Konstantin
In 2006, this running back scored 186 points, an NFL record. Who is he?
Priest Holmes
Shaun Alexander
LaDainian​ Tomlinson
Terrell Davis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

LaDainian Tomlinson was the NFL rushing touchdowns leader three separate years. In his best season, he scored 31 touchdowns from scrimmage.

Advertisement

David Carr
NFL / USA All Sports via YouTube
This quarterback questioned his offensive line when he was sacked 76 times in 2002. Who is he?
David Carr
JaMarcus Russell
Eli Manning
Tim Couch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Selected by the Texans, David Carr was the first pick in the 2002 NFL draft. Carr spent only five seasons with the team before he was released.

Advertisement

O.J. Simpson
Wiki Commons by Gerald Johnson
A former Heisman Trophy winner, who holds the single-season record for rushing yards per game?
Walter Payton
O.J. Simpson
Barry Sanders
Tony Dorsett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

O.J. Simpson started a career in Hollywood after leaving the NFL. His post-NFL life has been shrouded with controversy, particularly relating to the death of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson.

Advertisement

Marvin Harrison
Wiki Commons by Djmunden
Playing beside Peyton Manning, who holds the single-season receptions record?
Julio Jones
Antonio Brown
Jerry Rice
Marvin Harrison
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2002, Marvin Harrison caught 143 passes for 1,722 yards. The next closest players are Julio Jones and Antonio Brown, who both caught 136 passes in 2015.

Advertisement

Dave Zastudil
Wiki Commons by Jeffrey Beall
Drafted out of Ohio in 2002, who set the single-season record for punt yards in a season?
Dave Zastudil
Sammy Baugh
Reggie Roby
Pat McAfee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dave Zastudil left Ohio University in 2002 and entered the NFL draft. He was one of only two punters to be taken in the draft when he was selected in the fourth round.

Advertisement

Calvin Johnson
Wiki Commons by Kevind810
Nicknamed "Megatron," which receiver has the most receiving yards in a season?
Jerry Rice
Calvin Johnson
Randy Moss
Terrell Owens
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not wanting to return to a losing team, Calvin Johnson retired from the NFL in 2015. The NFL legend was still at the height of his career when he retired, catching 88 passes for 1,214 yards during the 2015 season.

Advertisement

George Blanda
NFL Films via YouTube
This quarterback with the most interceptions in a season should have run it a few more times. Who is he?
Brett Favre
Norm Snead
John Hadl
George Blanda
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Blanda's 26 seasons in the NFL is the most in league history. Aside from being a quarterback, Blanda also was a placekicker, particularly in the latter part of his career.

Advertisement

Darren Sproles
Wiki Commons by Jeffrey Beall
Which running back caught passes and ran the ball for the most all-purpose yards in a season?
Barry Sanders
Jerry Rice
Darren Sproles
Tim Brown
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At 5 ft 6 in, Darren Sproles has had to use his speed to make a name for himself in the NFL. He's done well, racking up nearly 20,000 all-purpose yards throughout his career.

Advertisement

Dick Lane
Wiki Commons by Detroit Lions \ NFL
A record set in 1952, who has the most interceptions in a season?
Emmitt Thomas
Dick Lane
Lester Hayes
Ronde Barber
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dick Lane was elected to seven Pro Bowls throughout his career. His first Pro Bowl selection came in 1954, and his final selection was in 1962.

Advertisement

MarTay Jenkins
NFL / FOX / wa52lz via YouTube
This return specialist had 2,186 kickoff return yards in 2000. Who is he?
Lynn Swan
Fulton Walker
Desmond Howard
MarTay Jenkins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

MarTay Jenkins had a very short career in the NFL. Other than making the practice squad for various teams, he only played from 1999 until 2002 for the Arizona Cardinals.

Advertisement

Darren Sharper
Wiki Commons by Tulane Public Relations
A safety who led the league in interceptions twice, who has the most interception​ return yards in a season?
Darren Sharper
Charles Woodson
Ronnie Lott
Champ Bailey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Darren Sharper knew how to score touchdowns even though he played defense. During his career, he scored 13 defensive touchdowns, tied for an NFL record.

Advertisement

Peyton Manning 3
Wiki Commons by Jeffrey Beall
Which quarterback threw six touchdowns for the defense in 2001, setting an NFL record for pick-six touchdowns?
Tom Brady
Trent Dilfer
Peyton Manning
Troy Aikman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peyton Manning would set numerous NFL records by the time of his retirement, including passing touchdowns in a career. However, if he could take back the touchdowns he threw to the defense, he would.

Advertisement

Drew Brees 2
Wiki Commons by Ian Ransley
Often criticized for playing in a dome, who has the highest completion percentage in a single season?
Matt Ryan
Case Keenum
Philip Rivers
Drew Brees
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drew Brees, who plays for the Saints, was originally drafted by the Chargers. However, Brees injured his shoulder in 2005 and had to undergo surgery, so the Chargers decided to part ways with the quarterback.

Advertisement

Michael Vick
Wiki Commons by SRA Moses Ross
One of the most electric rushing quarterback to ever play, who holds the NFL single-season record for rushing yards per attempt?
Robert Griffin III
Ryan Tannehill​
Michael Vick
Aaron Rodgers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After being drafted by the Falcons, Michael Vick missed part of his NFL career because of prison time served for his part in a dogfighting​ scandal. Luckily, when he was released from prison, the Eagles took a chance on Vick, and he enjoyed some late-career success with the team.

Advertisement

Randy Moss
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Who set a record by catching 23 touchdown passes from Tom Brady in 2007?
Wes Welker
Randy Moss
Julian Edelman
Rob Gronkowski
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Patriots finished the 2007 regular season with an undefeated record. After reaching the Super Bowl, the Patriots lost to the Giants, keeping them away from becoming the first 19-0 team in NFL history.

Advertisement

Devin Hester
Wiki Commons by Jauerback
This player had six non-offensive touchdowns in two different seasons. Who is he?
Devin Hester
Deion Sanders
Dante Hall
Gale Sayers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Devin Hester was one of the greatest return men in NFL history. Strangely, he was drafted as a cornerback but later became a wide receiver after having success as a return man.

Advertisement

Desmond Howard
Wiki Commons by Maize & Blue Nation
This return specialist​ has the most return yards in a season where he also won Super Bowl MVP. Who is he?
Jacoby Jones
Desmond Howard
Randall Cobb
Dante Hall
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI 35-21. Brett Favre was the star of the Packers, but Desmond Howard shined the biggest in the Super Bowl.

Advertisement

David Akers
Wiki Commons by Kevin Burkett
While playing for the 49ers, who made the most field goals in a season?
David Akers
Matt Prater
Tom Dempsey
Jason Elam
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Akers kicked a 63-yard field goal in 2012 while playing for the 49ers. That was tied for an NFL record until Matt Prater beat it in 2013.

Advertisement

Michael Strahan
Wiki Commons by Stephen Luke
Half a sack ahead of the next closest player, who holds the single-season record for sacks?
Reggie White
Kevin Greene
Bruce Smith
Michael Strahan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Strahan became a television personality after leaving the NFL. He's been both a football analyst for Fox and a host on Good Morning America.

Advertisement

Drew Brees 3
Wiki Commons by Ian Ransley
Drafted out of Purdue, who holds the NFL single-season record for total offensive yards?
Tom Brady
Peyton Manning
Drew Brees
Brett Favre
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At only 6ft, Drew Brees was overlooked coming out of college. He was the second quarterback taken but wasn't selected until the second round.

Advertisement

James Wilder
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
As a member of the Buccaneers in 1984, who touched the ball more than any player in a single season?
Emmitt Smith
Marshall Faulk
James Wilder
Walter Payton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only his fourth season in the league, James Wilder made a Pro Bowl in 1984. It was the only season he was given the honor.

Advertisement

Matt Prater
Wiki Commons by Jeffrey Beall
After playing for five different teams in two seasons, this single-season extra points leader finally found a place on the Broncos roster. Who is he?
Graham Gano
Matt Prater
Jay Feely
Justin Tucker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2013, Matt Prater kicked a 64-yard field goal, the longest field goal in NFL history. He also set the Detroit Lions' record by kicking a 59-yard field goal in 2016.

Advertisement

Wes Chandler
NFL / Tim Dirks via YouTube
This receiver led the league in receiving yards and touchdowns in 1982 on his way to setting the single-season receiving yards per game record. Who is he?
Jerry Rice
Randy Moss
Terrell Owens
Wes Chandler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wes Chandler retired in the middle of the 1988 season due to lingering injuries. He went on to coach several professional and collegiate teams, particularly as a wide receivers coach.

Advertisement

Danny Reece
NFL Films / Bucs Nation via YouTube
Near the end of his career, who had the most punt returns in a single season?
Danny Reece
Ray Guy
Pat McAfee
Reggie Roby
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Danny Reece was selected out of Southern California in the third round of the 1976 NFL draft. He only played five seasons in the NFL, all with the Buccaneers.

Advertisement

Dwayne Rudd
NFL / CBS / Ramen Robbie via YouTube
Part of the 1998 Minnesota defense, who had the most fumble return yards in a season?
Dwayne Rudd
Chris Doleman
Jared Allen
Dwight Freeney
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dwayne Rudd is most remembered for removing his helmet prematurely in the 2002 season opener when he was playing for the Browns in a game against the Chiefs. The Browns had the game in the bag when Rudd took his helmet off on the field prior to the game ending, giving the Chiefs the chance to win the game on a field goal, which they did.

Advertisement

Matthew Stafford 2
Wiki Commons by A Healthier Michigan
Which quarterback famously led his team back eight times in one season?
Johnny Unitas
Steve Young
Matthew Stafford
Joe Montana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Matthew Stafford played his first professional game in the season opener of his rookie season against the Saints. In the game, he threw three interceptions and no touchdowns.

Advertisement

Jack Christiansen
Wiki Commons by Bowman
Playing for the Lions in 1952, which player averaged the most yards per punt return in a season?
Deion Sanders
Jack Christiansen
Brian Mitchell
Dante Hall
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though he played before the Super Bowl era, Jack Christiansen won three NFL championships with the Lions. One of those championships came in 1952, his second year in the league.

Advertisement

Hardy Nickerson
Wiki Commons by Jeffrey Beall
Part of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, who has the most solo tackles in a single season?
Ray Lewis
Brian Urlacher
Mike Ditka
Hardy Nickerson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hardy Nickerson's change from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense when he joined the Buccaneers in 1993 changed his career. Playing in the 4-3 defense, Nickerson was elected to five Pro Bowls.

Advertisement

Randall Cunningham
Wiki Commons by Justvikings
This quarterback had a long NFL career despite having the most sacked yards lost in a single season. Who is he?
Troy Aikman
Jim McMahon
Kurt Warner
Randall Cunningham
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Randall Cunningham initially retired from the NFL at the end of the 1995 season. However, after missing a single season in 1996, he returned in 1997 to play for the Vikings.

Advertisement

Calvin Johnson 2
Wiki Commons by Going Pro: Calvin Johnson
A first-round draft pick out of Georgia Tech, which player had the most yards per touch in a single season?
Randy Moss
Terrell Owens
Calvin Johnson
Torry Holt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Calvin Johnson passed 11,000 receiving yards for his career in only 127 games. He hit that mark faster than any other receiver in NFL history.

Advertisement

J.J. Watt
Wiki Commons by Eyton Z
A dominant defensive lineman, which player holds the record for tackles for a loss in a season?
J.J. Watt
Kevin Greene
Michael Strahan
Reggie White
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

J.J. Watt led the league in sacks twice in his NFL career. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times.

Advertisement

Michael Lewis
Wiki Commons by John Pavliga
Undrafted out of college, who became a return specialist where he set the NFL record for combined punt and kickoff return yards in a season?
Eric Metcalf
Michael Lewis
Dante Hall
Billy Johnson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Instead of going to college, Michael Lewis played in various other professional football leagues including the PIFL and the AFL. He finally made the Saints main roster in 2001.

Advertisement

You Got:
/40
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison