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List of NFL annual sacks leaders

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| footer = Michael Strahan (left) and T. J. Watt (right) hold the official single-season record for sacks with 22.5.

| image1 = Michael Strahan 2022 (cropped).jpg

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| image2 = T.J. Watt (51653079007).jpg

| alt2 = T. J. Watt in Pittsburgh Steelers attire

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This is a list of National Football League (NFL) players who have led the regular season in sacks each year. Sacks became an official statistic in 1982 and sacks from years prior do not count towards a player's career total.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Michael David |title=Pre-1982 sack stats still unofficial, but now widely available |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/07/12/pre-1982-sack-stats-still-unofficial-but-now-widely-available/ |website=ProFootballTalk |access-date=May 30, 2023 |date=July 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530181347/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/07/12/pre-1982-sack-stats-still-unofficial-but-now-widely-available/ |url-status=live }} Michael Strahan of the New York Giants and T. J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers hold the official record with 22.5, which Strahan set during the 2001 season, and Watt matched during the 2021 season.{{cite web |title=NFL Sacks Single-Season Leaders (since 1960) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/sacks_single_season.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=November 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114020812/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/sacks_single_season.htm |url-status=live }}

The Deacon Jones Award was established by the NFL in 2013 to recognize the annual leader in sacks, named after the former defensive end Deacon Jones who led the league in sacks five times.{{cite web |title=Deacon Jones Award will honor future NFL sack leaders |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/deacon-jones-award-will-honor-future-nfl-sack-leaders-0ap1000000214112 |website=National Football League |date=January 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530220350/https://www.nfl.com/news/deacon-jones-award-will-honor-future-nfl-sack-leaders-0ap1000000214112 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2023}} Since 1982, there have only been two players who have led the league in sacks with two different teams, Jared Allen (2007 with the Chiefs and 2011 with the Vikings) and Kevin Greene (1994 with the Steelers and 1996 with the Panthers). The Chiefs and the Vikings have had the most players lead the NFL in sacks with four. Seven players have been the league leader in sacks twice, while T. J. Watt has led the league three times.

NFL annual sacks leaders

File:Jared Allen.jpg led the league in sacks in 2007 and 2011.]]

File:Al Baker 2014.jpg is the unofficial NFL record holder with 23 sacks during the 1978 NFL season.]]

File:Deacon Jones in 1971 Brady Bunch promo.jpg. Jones unofficially led the league in sacks five times.]]

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" border="1"

|+ Key

scope="col" style="width:75px" | Symbol

! scope="col" style="width:450px" | Meaning

scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| Leader

| The player who recorded the most sacks

scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | Sacks

| Total number of sacks

scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| GP

| Number of games played during the season

scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#FFFF99;" | {{dagger}}

| Pro Football Hall of Fame member

scope="row" style="text-align:center; background-color:#cfecec;" | ^

| Active player

scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#fbceb1;"| *

| Single-season record

scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | (#)

| Denotes the number of times a player appears in this list

Note that the sack totals from 1960 to 1981 are considered unofficial by the NFL.{{Cite web |title=Pre-1982 Sacks Added To Pro Football Reference |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/blog/2021/07/pre-1982-sacks-added-to-pro-football-reference/ |access-date=January 15, 2022 |website=Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120193014/https://www.sports-reference.com/blog/2021/07/pre-1982-sacks-added-to-pro-football-reference/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |title=Al 'Bubba' Baker on becoming unofficial single-season sack king: 'Tears just started running down my eyes' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/al-bubba-baker-on-becoming-unofficial-single-season-sack-king-tears-just-started |website=National Football League |access-date=July 2, 2024 |date=July 13, 2021 |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526161214/https://www.nfl.com/news/al-bubba-baker-on-becoming-unofficial-single-season-sack-king-tears-just-started |url-status=live }}

class="sortable wikitable"

|+ NFL annual sacks leaders by season

! scope=col | Season

! scope=col | Leader

! scope=col | Sacks

! scope=col | {{abbr|GP|Games played}}

! scope=col | Team

! scope=col class= "unsortable" | {{abbr|Refs|References}}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1960}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Gino|Marchetti|Gino Marchetti}}{{dagger}}

| style="background-color:#FBCEB1"| 11*

| 12

| Baltimore Colts

|{{cite web |title=NFL Sacks Year-by-Year Leaders (since 1960) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/sacks_year_by_year.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205152723/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/sacks_year_by_year.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Gino Marchetti Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MarcGi00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321111138/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MarcGi00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1961}}

| {{sortname|Gene|Lipscomb|Gene Lipscomb}}

| style="background-color:#FBCEB1"| 17.5*

| 14

| Pittsburgh Steelers

|{{cite web |title=Gene Lipscomb Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LipsGe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208224046/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LipsGe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1962}}

| {{sortname|Jim|Katcavage|Jim Katcavage}}

| 16

| 14

| New York Giants

|{{cite web |title=Jim Katcavage Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KatcJi00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404033531/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KatcJi00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1963}}

| {{sortname|Jim|Katcavage|Jim Katcavage}} (2)

| style="background-color:#FBCEB1"| 20.5*

| 14

| New York Giants

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|1964}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Deacon|Jones|Deacon Jones}}{{dagger}}

| style="background-color:#FBCEB1"| 22*

| 14

| Los Angeles Rams

|{{cite web |title=Deacon Jones Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneDe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321111132/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneDe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1965}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Deacon|Jones|Deacon Jones}}{{dagger}} (2)

| 19

| 14

| Los Angeles Rams

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|1966}}

| {{sortname|George|Andrie|George Andrie}}

| 18.5

| 14

| Dallas Cowboys

|{{cite web |title=George Andrie Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndrGe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404220350/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndrGe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1967}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Deacon|Jones|Deacon Jones}}{{dagger}} (3)

| 21.5

| 14

| Los Angeles Rams

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|1968}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Deacon|Jones|Deacon Jones}}{{dagger}} (4)

| 22

| 14

| Los Angeles Rams

|

scope=rowgroup rowspan=2 | {{NFL year|1969}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Carl|Eller|Carl Eller}}{{dagger}}

| rowspan=2| 15

| rowspan=2| 14

| Minnesota Vikings

|{{cite web |title=Carl Eller Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/ElleCa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405052008/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/ElleCa00.htm |url-status=live }}

style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Deacon|Jones|Deacon Jones}}{{dagger}} (5)

| Los Angeles Rams

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|1970}}

| {{sortname|Tony|Cline|Tony Cline}}

| 17.5

| 14

| Oakland Raiders

|{{cite web |title=Tony Cline Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClinTo20.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013172915/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClinTo20.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1971}}

| {{sortname|Cedrick|Hardman|Cedrick Hardman}}

| 18

| 14

| San Francisco 49ers

|{{cite web |title=Cedrick Hardman Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HardCe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512044337/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HardCe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1972}}

| {{sortname|Jack|Gregory|Jack Gregory (defensive end)}}

| 18.5

| 14

| New York Giants

|{{cite web |title=Jack Gregory Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregJa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327012351/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregJa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1973}}

| {{sortname|Bill|Stanfill|Bill Stanfill}}

| 18.5

| 14

| Miami Dolphins

|{{cite web |title=Bill Stanfill Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StanBi00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810121907/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StanBi00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=rowgroup rowspan=2 | {{NFL year|1974}}

| {{sortname|Fred|Dryer|Fred Dryer}}

| rowspan=2| 15

| rowspan=2| 14

| rowspan=2| Los Angeles Rams

|{{cite web |title=Fred Dryer Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DryeFr00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204111133/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DryeFr00.htm |url-status=live }}

style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Jack|Youngblood|Jack Youngblood}}{{dagger}}

|{{cite web |title=Jack Youngblood Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Y/YounJa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404140827/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Y/YounJa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1975}}

| {{sortname|John|Dutton|John Dutton (defensive lineman)}}

| 18

| 14

| Baltimore Colts

|{{cite web |title=John Dutton Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DuttJo00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315154117/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DuttJo00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1976}}

| {{sortname|Coy|Bacon|Coy Bacon}}

| 21.5

| 14

| Cincinnati Bengals

|{{cite web |title=Coy Bacon Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BacoCo00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110025308/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BacoCo00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1977}}

| {{sortname|Harvey|Martin|Harvey Martin}}

| 20

| 14

| Dallas Cowboys

|{{cite web |title=Harvey Martin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MartHa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201161354/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MartHa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1978}}

| {{sortname|Al|Baker|Al Baker}}

| style="background-color:#FBCEB1"| 23*

| 16

| Detroit Lions

|{{cite web |title=Al Baker Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BakeAl00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515130738/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BakeAl00.htm |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1979}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Jack|Youngblood|Jack Youngblood}}{{dagger}} (2)

| 20.5

| 16

| Los Angeles Rams

|

scope=rowgroup rowspan=2 | {{NFL year|1980}}

| {{sortname|Al|Baker|Al Baker}} (2)

| rowspan=2| 17.5

| rowspan=2| 15

| Detroit Lions

|

{{sortname|Gary|Johnson|Gary "Big Hands" Johnson}}

| San Diego Chargers

|{{cite web |title=Gary Johnson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnGa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409092430/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnGa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1981}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Joe|Klecko|Joe Klecko}}{{dagger}}

| 20.5

| 16

| New York Jets

|{{cite web |title=Joe Klecko Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KlecJo00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323025413/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KlecJo00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1982}}

| {{sortname|Doug|Martin|Doug Martin (defensive end)}}

| 11.5

| 9

| Minnesota Vikings

|{{cite web |title=Doug Martin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MartDo21.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629153918/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MartDo21.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1983}}

| {{sortname|Mark|Gastineau|Mark Gastineau}}

| 19

| 16

| New York Jets

|{{cite web |title=Mark Gastineau Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GastMa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405103515/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GastMa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1984}}

| {{sortname|Mark|Gastineau|Mark Gastineau}} (2)

| 22

| 16

| New York Jets

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|1985}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Richard|Dent|Richard Dent}}{{dagger}}

| 17

| 16

| Chicago Bears

|{{cite web |title=Richard Dent Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DentRi00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322135716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DentRi00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1986}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Lawrence|Taylor|Lawrence Taylor}}{{dagger}}

| 20.5

| 16

| New York Giants

|{{cite web |title=Lawrence Taylor Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaylLa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624224039/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaylLa00.htm |archive-date=June 24, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1987}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Reggie|White|Reggie White}}{{dagger}}

| 21

| 12

| Philadelphia Eagles

|{{cite web |title=Reggie White Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhitRe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321111122/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhitRe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1988}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Reggie|White|Reggie White}}{{dagger}} (2)

| 18

| 16

| Philadelphia Eagles

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|1989}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Chris|Doleman|Chris Doleman}}{{dagger}}

| 21

| 16

| Minnesota Vikings

|{{cite web |title=Chris Doleman Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DoleCh00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306203210/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DoleCh00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1990}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Derrick|Thomas|Derrick Thomas}}{{dagger}}

| 20

| 15

| Kansas City Chiefs

|{{cite web |title=Derrick Thomas Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomDe01.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530155033/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomDe01.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1991}}

| {{sortname|Pat|Swilling|Pat Swilling}}

| 17

| 16

| New Orleans Saints

|{{cite web |title=Pat Swilling Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwilPa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025092458/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwilPa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1992}}

| {{sortname|Clyde|Simmons|Clyde Simmons}}

| 19

| 16

| Philadelphia Eagles

|{{cite web |title=Clyde Simmons Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SimmCl00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525184317/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SimmCl00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1993}}

| {{sortname|Neil|Smith|Neil Smith (American football)}}

| 15

| 16

| Kansas City Chiefs

|{{cite web |title=Neil Smith Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitNe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514105623/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitNe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1994}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Kevin|Greene|Kevin Greene}}{{dagger}}

| 14

| 16

| Pittsburgh Steelers

|{{cite web |title=Kevin Greene Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeKe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519034808/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeKe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1995}}

| {{sortname|Bryce|Paup|Bryce Paup}}

| 17.5

| 15

| Buffalo Bills

|{{cite web |title=Bryce Paup Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaupBr00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207162704/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaupBr00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1996}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Kevin|Greene|Kevin Greene}}{{dagger}} (2)

| 14.5

| 16

| Carolina Panthers

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|1997}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|John|Randle|John Randle}}{{dagger}}

| 15.5

| 16

| Minnesota Vikings

|{{cite web |title=John Randle Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RandJo00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321111131/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RandJo00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1998}}

| {{sortname|Michael|Sinclair|Michael Sinclair (American football)|Michael Sinclair}}

| 16.5

| 16

| Seattle Seahawks

|{{cite web |title=Michael Sinclair Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SincMi00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101045530/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SincMi00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|1999}}

| {{sortname|Kevin|Carter|Kevin Carter (American football)}}

| 17

| 16

| St. Louis Rams

|{{cite web |title=Kevin Carter Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CartKe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209061614/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CartKe00.htm |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2000}}

| {{sortname|La'Roi|Glover|La'Roi Glover}}

| 17

| 16

| New Orleans Saints

|{{cite web |title=La'Roi Glover Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GlovLa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209101118/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GlovLa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2001}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Michael|Strahan|Michael Strahan}}{{dagger}}

| 22.5

| 16

| New York Giants

|{{cite web |title=Michael Strahan Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StraMi02.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119115903/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StraMi02.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2002}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Jason|Taylor|Jason Taylor (American football)}}{{dagger}}

| 18.5

| 16

| Miami Dolphins

|{{cite web |title=Jason Taylor Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaylJa03.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804234724/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaylJa03.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2003}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Michael|Strahan|Michael Strahan}}{{dagger}} (2)

| 18.5

| 16

| New York Giants

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|2004}}

| style="Background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Dwight|Freeney|Dwight Freeney}}{{dagger}}

| 16

| 16

| Indianapolis Colts

|{{cite web |title=Dwight Freeney Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDw00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516221734/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDw00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2005}}

| {{sortname|Derrick|Burgess|Derrick Burgess}}

| 16

| 16

| Oakland Raiders

|{{cite web |title=Derrick Burgess Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BurgDe99.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231194513/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BurgDe99.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2006}}

| {{sortname|Shawne|Merriman|Shawne Merriman}}

| 17

| 12

| San Diego Chargers

|{{cite web |title=Shawne Merriman Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MerrSh99.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315195831/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MerrSh99.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2007}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Jared|Allen|Jared Allen}}{{dagger}}

| 15.5

| 14

| Kansas City Chiefs

|{{cite web |title=Jared Allen Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleJa22.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306203203/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleJa22.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2008}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|DeMarcus|Ware|DeMarcus Ware}}{{dagger}}

| 20

| 16

| Dallas Cowboys

|{{cite web |title=DeMarcus Ware Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WareDe99.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123041249/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WareDe99.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2009}}

| {{sortname|Elvis|Dumervil|Elvis Dumervil}}

| 17

| 16

| Denver Broncos

|{{cite web |title=Elvis Dumervil Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DumeEl20.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527110331/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DumeEl20.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2010}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|DeMarcus|Ware|DeMarcus Ware}}{{dagger}} (2)

| 15.5

| 16

| Dallas Cowboys

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|2011}}

| style="background:#ff9;"| {{sortname|Jared|Allen|Jared Allen}}{{dagger}} (2)

| 22

| 16

| Minnesota Vikings

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|2012}}

| {{sortname|J. J.|Watt|J. J. Watt}}

| 20.5

| 16

| Houston Texans

|{{cite web |title=J.J. Watt Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattJ0.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516221709/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattJ0.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2013}}

| {{sortname|Robert|Mathis|Robert Mathis}}

| 19.5

| 16

| Indianapolis Colts

|{{cite web |title=Robert Mathis Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MathRo20.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105035209/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MathRo20.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2014}}

| {{sortname|Justin|Houston|Justin Houston}}

| 22

| 16

| Kansas City Chiefs

|{{cite web |title=Justin Houston Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousJu00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518074533/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousJu00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2015}}

| {{sortname|J. J.|Watt|J. J. Watt}} (2)

| 17.5

| 16

| Houston Texans

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|2016}}

| {{sortname|Vic|Beasley|Vic Beasley}}

| 15.5

| 16

| Atlanta Falcons

|{{cite web |title=Vic Beasley Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BeasVi00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127153500/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BeasVi00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2017}}

| {{sortname|Chandler|Jones|Chandler Jones}}

| 17

| 16

| Arizona Cardinals

|{{cite web |title=Chandler Jones Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneCh03.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318214038/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneCh03.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2018}}

| {{sortname|Aaron|Donald|Aaron Donald}}

| 20.5

| 16

| Los Angeles Rams

|{{cite web |title=Aaron Donald Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DonaAa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521005656/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DonaAa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2019}}

| style="background:#cfecec;"| {{sortname|Shaquil|Barrett|Shaquil Barrett}}^

| 19.5

| 16

| Tampa Bay Buccaneers

|{{cite web |title=Shaquil Barrett Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BarrSh00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130201632/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BarrSh00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2020}}

| style="background:#cfecec;"| {{sortname|T. J.|Watt|T. J. Watt}}^

| 15

| 15

| Pittsburgh Steelers

|{{cite web |title=T.J. Watt Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattT0.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527214139/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattT0.htm |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2021}}

| style="background:#cfecec;"| {{sortname|T. J.|Watt|T. J. Watt}}^ (2)

| 22.5

| 15

| Pittsburgh Steelers

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|2022}}

| style="background:#cfecec;"| {{sortname|Nick|Bosa|Nick Bosa}}^

| 18.5

| 16

| San Francisco 49ers

|{{cite web |title=Nick Bosa Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BosaNi00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628012129/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BosaNi00.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en }}

scope=row | {{NFL year|2023}}

| style="background:#cfecec;"| {{sortname|T. J.|Watt|T. J. Watt}}^ (3)

| 19

| 17

| Pittsburgh Steelers

|

scope=row | {{NFL year|2024}}

| style="background:#cfecec;"| {{sortname|Trey|Hendrickson|Trey Hendrickson}}^

| 17.5

| 17

| Cincinnati Bengals

|{{cite web |title=Trey Hendrickson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HendTr00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 7, 2025 |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629230927/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HendTr00.htm |url-status=live }}

AFL annual sacks leaders

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" border="1"

|+ Key

scope="col" style="width:75px" | Symbol

! scope="col" style="width:450px" | Meaning

scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| Leader

| The player who recorded the most sacks

scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | Sacks

| Total number of sacks

scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| GP

| Number of games played during the season

scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#fbceb1;"| *

| Single-season record

scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | (#)

| Denotes the number of times a player appears in this list

class="sortable wikitable"

|+ AFL annual sacks leaders by season

! scope=col | Season

! scope=col | Leader

! scope=col | Sacks

! scope=col | {{abbr|GP|Games played}}

! scope=col | Team

! scope=col class= "unsortable" | {{abbr|Refs|References}}

scope=rowgroup rowspan=2 | 1960

| {{sortname|Mel|Branch|Mel Branch}}

| rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FBCEB1" | 10*

| 14

| Dallas Texans

|{{cite web |title=Mel Branch Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BranMe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928165955/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BranMe00.htm |url-status=live }}

{{sortname|Riley|Morris|Riley Morris}}

| 12

| Oakland Raiders

|{{cite web |title=Riley Morris Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MorrRi20.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420010648/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MorrRi20.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=rowgroup rowspan=2 | 1961

| {{sortname|Ed|Husmann|Ed Husmann}}

| rowspan=2 | 8

| rowspan=2 | 14

| Houston Oilers

|{{cite web |title=Ed Husmann Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HusmEd00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013080024/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HusmEd00.htm |url-status=live }}

{{sortname|Ron|Nery|Ron Nery}}

| San Diego Chargers

|{{cite web |title=Ron Nery Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NeryRo20.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822181648/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NeryRo20.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | 1962

| {{sortname|Ed|Husmann|Ed Husmann}} (2)

| 10

| 14

| Houston Oilers

|

scope=row | 1963

| {{sortname|Larry|Eisenhauer|Larry Eisenhauer}}

| 8

| 14

| Boston Patriots

|{{cite web |title=Larry Eisenhauer Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EiseLa00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923092807/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EiseLa00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | 1964

| {{sortname|Tom|Sestak|Tom Sestak}}

| style="background-color:#FBCEB1"| 15.5*

| 14

| Buffalo Bills

|{{cite web |title=Tom Sestak Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SestTo00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311090704/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SestTo00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | 1965

| {{sortname|Larry|Eisenhauer|Larry Eisenhauer}} (2)

| 9.5

| 14

| Boston Patriots

|

scope=row | 1966

| {{sortname|Verlon|Biggs|Verlon Biggs}}

| 12.5

| 14

| New York Jets

|{{cite web |title=Verlon Biggs Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BiggVe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415142451/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BiggVe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | 1967

| {{sortname|Ike|Lassiter|Ike Lassiter}}

| style="background-color:#FBCEB1"| 17*

| 14

| Oakland Raiders

|{{cite web |title=Ike Lassiter Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LassIk00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923191551/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LassIk00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | 1968

| {{sortname|Gerry|Philbin|Gerry Philbin}}

| 14

| 14

| New York Jets

|{{cite web |title=Gerry Philbin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PhilGe00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007155540/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PhilGe00.htm |url-status=live }}

scope=row | 1969

| {{sortname|Steve|DeLong|Steve DeLong}}

| 15.5

| 14

| San Diego Chargers

|{{cite web |title=Steve DeLong Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeLoSt00.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212175433/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeLoSt00.htm |url-status=live }}

Most seasons leading the league

class="wikitable sortable"

|+

! scope=col | Count

! scope=col | Player

! scope=col | Seasons

! scope=col | Team(s)

! scope=col class= "unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|References}}

scope=row | 5

| {{sortname|Deacon|Jones|Deacon Jones}}

| {{NFL year|1964}}, {{NFL year|1965}}, {{NFL year|1967}}, {{NFL year|1968}}, {{NFL year|1969}}

| Los Angeles Rams

|

scope=row | 3

| {{sortname|T. J.|Watt|T. J. Watt}}

| {{NFL year|2020}}, {{NFL year|2021}}, {{NFL year|2023}}

| Pittsburgh Steelers

|

scope=rowgroup rowspan=10| 2

| {{sortname|Jared|Allen|Jared Allen}}

| {{NFL year|2007}}, {{NFL year|2011}}

| Kansas City Chiefs / Minnesota Vikings

|

{{sortname|Al|Baker|Al Baker}}

| {{NFL year|1978}}, {{NFL year|1980}}

| Detroit Lions

|

{{sortname|Mark|Gastineau|Mark Gastineau}}

| {{NFL year|1983}}, {{NFL year|1984}}

| New York Jets

|

{{sortname|Kevin|Greene|Kevin Greene}}

| {{NFL year|1994}}, {{NFL year|1998}}

| Pittsburgh Steelers / Carolina Panthers

|

{{sortname|Jim|Katcavage|Jim Katcavage}}

| {{NFL year|1962}}, {{NFL year|1963}}

| New York Giants

|

{{sortname|Michael|Strahan|Michael Strahan}}

| {{NFL year|2001}}, {{NFL year|2003}}

| New York Giants

|

{{sortname|DeMarcus|Ware|DeMarcus Ware}}

| {{NFL year|2008}}, {{NFL year|2010}}

| Dallas Cowboys

|

{{sortname|J. J.|Watt|J. J. Watt}}

| {{NFL year|2012}}, {{NFL year|2015}}

| Houston Texans

|

{{sortname|Reggie|White|Reggie White}}

| {{NFL year|1987}}, {{NFL year|1988}}

| Philadelphia Eagles

|

{{sortname|Jack|Youngblood|Jack Youngblood}}

| {{NFL year|1974}}, {{NFL year|1979}}

| Los Angeles Rams

|

See also

References

{{reflist}}

{{NFL sack leaders}}

{{NFL records}}

{{NFL Honors}}

Sacks