Peyton Manning's record-breaking career featured a new high for touchdown passes, surpassing Brett Favre’s record, who had himself topped Dan Marino’s mark eight years prior. Let’s walk through the timeline: Marino retired in 1999 with 420 career touchdowns. Favre broke this record in 2007, setting a high of 509 by 2010. However, Manning overtook him in 2014, marking another historic moment in football history. While impressive, this achievement doesn't make the list of the NFL’s most unbeatable records. Let's dive into some truly iconic and almost unmatchable feats.
NFL's Greatest Unbreakable Records: Legendary Feats That Stand the Test of Time
NFL • 9 Oct, 2024 • 56,715 Views • ⭐ 5.0
Written by Shivani Chourasia


Derrick Thomas: Seven Sacks in a Single Game

In 1990, Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs delivered an extraordinary performance, recording seven sacks in a game against the Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Dave Krieg. This impressive feat has stood firm for over two decades. Only three players have come close—getting within 1.5 sacks of this total—and Thomas himself almost repeated the achievement with six sacks in 1998 against the Oakland Raiders. Other notable mentions include Osi Umenyiora’s six sacks for the New York Giants in 2007 and Aldon Smith’s 5.5 sacks for the 49ers in 2012. Though sacks weren’t an official NFL statistic until 1982, stories suggest that Norman "Wild Man" Willey may have set an unofficial record with 17 sacks in 1952.
Marvin Harrison: 143 Receptions in the 2002 Season

In 2002, Marvin Harrison of the Indianapolis Colts redefined what was possible in receiving, catching 143 passes that year. The next closest player was Hines Ward, with 31 fewer catches. Harrison’s season remains a benchmark for NFL receivers and a testament to his extraordinary skills.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 26 Consecutive Losses (1976-1977)

The Buccaneers’ unfortunate streak of 26 straight losses during their inaugural seasons of 1976 and 1977 is nearly impossible to imagine happening today, given modern-day free agency and salary caps that promote parity across teams. Their struggle was marked not just by their performance but also by their iconic orange uniforms and the wit of their coach, John McKay, who humorously quipped, “We didn’t block, but we made up for it by not tackling.”
George Blanda: 26 NFL Seasons

Blanda’s career is a story of longevity unmatched in NFL history. He and John Carney (1988-2010) are the only players to span four different decades. Starting as a quarterback and kicker for the Chicago Bears in 1949, Blanda concluded his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1975. His achievements include an MVP award in 1961 when he led the Houston Oilers to an AFL championship, and another in 1970 at age 43 for his game-winning performances in five straight contests.
San Francisco 49ers: 18 Straight Road Wins (1988-1990)

Winning on the road in the NFL is no easy task, but the San Francisco 49ers achieved the unthinkable with 18 consecutive away victories between 1988 and 1990. This achievement, part of their late-1980s dynasty, underscores their dominance and resilience, solidifying their legacy as one of the greatest teams in NFL history.