Most Shutouts in NFL History
In today’s NFL where offenses thrive on passing and high scores a shutout stands out as both rare and remarkable. Keeping a team from scoring any points is the ultimate show of defensive strength similar to a pitcher achieving a no-hitter in baseball. The Chicago Bears hold the record for the most shutouts in NFL history, finishing their franchise legacy with 126 shutouts.
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Top 5 Most Shutouts in NFL History
Here are the top 5 players with the most shutouts in NFL history, a testament to defensive dominance and resilience across generations.
| Rank | Team | Shutouts |
| 1 | Chicago Bears | 126 |
| 2 | Green Bay Packers | 108 |
| 3 | New York Giants | 101 |
| 4 | Arizona Cardinals | 73 |
| 5 | Detroit Lions | 66 |
Chicago Bears (126 Shutouts)
Games Played: 1,498
The Chicago Bears hold the NFL record for the most shutouts with a total of 126. Their team in 1932 was particularly remarkable as they achieved 8 shutouts in just 14 games. That same year, The Bears won 9-0 against the Portsmouth Spartans and the game was played indoors at Chicago Stadium due to the freezing temperatures. This early success contributed to the creation of the nickname “Monsters of the Midway” later carried on by Hall of Fame linebackers Bill George, Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and Brian Urlacher.
Green Bay Packers (108 Shutouts)
Games Played: 1,469
The Green Bay Packers have achieved a total of 108 shutouts throughout their history. The 1962 team is frequently regarded as the greatest in the franchise’s history finishing with a record of 13-1 and allowing only 10.6 points per game. This defense featured Hall of Famers Willie Davis, Ray Nitschke, Herb Adderley, and Willie Wood and it recorded three shutouts. Most recently in 2024 they blanked the Saints 34-0 for their eighth shutout of the 2000s.
New York Giants (101 Shutouts)
Games Played: 1,438
The New York Giants earned their reputation for strong defense by achieving 101 shutouts throughout their franchise history. The team from 1927 set a high standard by recording 10 shutouts in just 13 games allowing only 20 points for the entire season. This toughness led to some memorable shutouts including a 56-0 victory against the Eagles in 1933 and a 10-0 playoff shutout against the Browns in 1958. Later on, the tradition appeared during significant moments such as the heartfelt 36-0 victory against Washington in 2005.
Arizona Cardinals (73 Shutouts)
Games Played: 1,459
The Arizona Cardinals which started out as the Chicago Cardinals are the oldest continuous franchise in the NFL going all the way back to 1898. They have achieved 73 shutouts throughout their history. In the early days, their defenses were really strong especially the championship team of 1925 that managed to get seven shutouts. From the powerful defenses of the 1920s to the rare shutouts we see today, the history of the Cardinals clearly shows that defense has always been a key part of who they are.
Detroit Lions (66 Shutouts)
Games Played: 1,366
The Detroit Lions have achieved 66 shutouts throughout their franchise history. In 1934, they kicked off the season with a 10-game winning streak that featured seven consecutive shutouts. Their defense was incredibly strong managing to keep the defending champion Giants from scoring and preventing any red-zone attempts during that streak. From those seven straight shutouts in 1934 to the successful years of the 1950s, the Lions’ defensive legacy showcases a blend of toughness and periods of difficulty.
