Most Career Sacks in NFL History
In NFL, there are few plays that change the momentum like a sack. It’s more than just a tackle, it’s a combination of power and strategy that stops drives and energizes defenses. Plus with the NFL leaning more towards passing players who excel at getting sacks are among the most respected and important in the sport. Bruce Smith holds the record for the most career sacks in NFL history, finishing his career with 200 sacks.
Photo Credit: Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 5 Most Career Sacks in NFL History
Here are the top 5 players with the most career sacks in NFL history, showcasing the relentless pursuit and durability that distinguish defensive ends and linebackers.
| Rank | Player | Career Sacks |
| 1 | Bruce Smith | 200 |
| 2 | Reggie White | 198 |
| 3 | Kevin Greene | 160 |
| 4 | Julius Peppers | 159.5 |
| 5 | Chris Doleman | 150.5 |
Bruce Smith (200 Career Sacks)
Career: 1985-2003
Teams: Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins
Bruce Smith holds the record for the most career sacks in NFL history, totaling 200 sacks. He achieved over 10 sacks in 13 different seasons, demonstrating incredible consistency and durability. What makes his achievement even more remarkable is that he accumulated those sacks while frequently playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme where defensive ends typically don’t accumulate high sack numbers.
Reggie White (198 Career Sacks)
Career: 1984-2000
Teams: Memphis Showboats, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers
Reggie White famously called the “Minister of Defense,” is recognized for ranking second in NFL history with 198 career sacks. He achieved an impressive streak of nine consecutive seasons from 1985 to 1993 where he recorded over 10 sacks each year. While playing for the Eagles, he accumulated 124 sacks which remains the franchise record and then he added another 68.5 sacks with the Packers.
Kevin Greene (160 Career Sacks)
Career: 1985-1999
Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers
Kevin Greene wrapped up his career with a total of 160 sacks. He was the NFL sack leader on two occasions and achieved double-digit sacks in 10 out of his last 12 seasons. What makes his achievement even more remarkable is that he accomplished this while playing as a linebacker. This distinction earned him the title of all-time sack leader for that position.
Julius Peppers (159.5 Career Sacks)
Career: 2002-2018
Teams: Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers
Julius Peppers wrapped up his career with a total of 159.5 sacks. He recorded 10 seasons with double-digit sacks and played for teams like the Panthers, Bears, and Packers. Peppers stands out as the only player in history to have over 150 sacks and more than 10 interceptions. He managed to sack 77 different quarterbacks and tied Reggie White for the highest number ever.
Chris Doleman (150.5 Career Sacks)
Career: 1985-1999
Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers
Chris Doleman accumulated a total of 150.5 sacks throughout his 15-year career. After transitioning from linebacker to defensive end, he had a breakout year in 1989 with 21 sacks. Doleman recorded eight seasons with double-digit sacks and contributed 7 sacks during the playoffs. His quickness off the edge established him as one of the legends of the game leading to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
