Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker T.J. Watt continues to write his name in the history books, becoming the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 75.0 career sacks. It’s a steady reminder to the NFL’s all-time sacks leaders that the leaderboard as it stands today might look a little different a decade from now.
Entering Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Watt had 74.5 career sacks through 83 games. He finished the game with 1.5 sacks – including a sack on Sam Darnold for a loss of nine yards in the second quarter – bringing his total to 76.0 sacks through 84 games, which is an incredible statistic.
There are only two other players to reach 75.0 career sacks quicker than T.J. Watt – his brother, J.J. Watt, accomplished the milestone in 83 games, while Reggie White achieved it in a record 65 games. In just his sixth season in the NFL, 28-year-old T.J. Watt is just getting started and has a lot more left to give.
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Who Are the NFL’s All-Time Sacks Leaders?
With 76.0 career sacks, T.J. Watt is currently ranked No. 84 among the NFL’s all-time sacks leaders. He’s 20.0 sacks away from cracking the top-50 and 47.5 sacks away from cracking the top-20. Barring injury or any other major career setback, I fully expect Watt to finish his career inside or near the top-20 all-time.
That would put Watt in some pretty elite company – only one active player is in the top-20 – and would almost secure his spot in the Hall of Fame, considering 11 of the top-20 all-time sacks leaders are in the Hall of Fame. Of the 9 that aren’t in the HOF, one is active and 7 of them retired within the past 8 years.
As T.J. Watt continues his climb up the leaderboard, we can’t help but marvel at some of the names listed among the NFL’s all-time sacks leaders. The real question is how many of those names can you list from memory? Some of them are obvious, but others might surprise you – don’t worry, we have the answers!
**For the sake of this article, we’re only considering sacks recorded since 1982 – which is when the sack became an official stat**
20. Robert Mathis – 123.0 sacks
Robert Mathis was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 5th round of the 2003 NFL Draft and spent his entire 13-year career with the team between 2003 and 2016. During that time, he tallied 123.0 sacks and had five seasons with at least 10.0 sacks. He had a career-high and league-leading 19.5 sacks in 2013.
In 192 career games, Mathis recorded 538 tackles, 108 tackles for loss, 123.0 sacks, 1 safety, 54 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 3 defensive touchdowns. He was a five-time Pro Bowl and one-time All-Pro defensive end who won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2007. He deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.
19. Von Miller – 123.5 sacks (and counting)
Von Miller was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the No. 2 overall pick in 2011 and is currently in his 11th season in the NFL – first with the Buffalo Bills. Since 2011, Miller has recorded 123.5 sacks and finished with at least 10.0 sacks on seven occasions – he would’ve done it this year, but got injured.
Miller is the only active player currently among the top-20 all-time sacks leaders. In 161 career games played, he has 561 tackles, 164 tackles for loss, 123.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns. He’s an eight-time Pro Bowl, 3-time All-Pro, and two-time Super Bowl winning LB.
18. Dwight Freeney – 125.5 sacks
Dwight Freeney was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft and spent the next 16 seasons in the league. During that time, he tallied 125.5 sacks and finished with at least 10.0 sacks on seven occasions – including a career-high and league-leading 16.0 sacks in 2004.
In 218 career games played, Freeney had 350 tackles, 128 tackles for loss, 125.5 sacks, 1 safety, 47 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown. He was a 7-time Pro Bowl and 3-time All-Pro defensive end who won the 2007 Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007 – with Robert Mathis as his teammate.
17. Derrick Thomas – 126.5 sacks
Derrick Thomas was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the No. 4 overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft and spent his entire 11-year career with the team between 1989 and 1999. During that time, he tallied 126.5 sacks and had at least 10.0 sacks on seven occasions – he led the NFL with 20.0 sacks in 1990.
Thomas retired with 641 tackles, 126.5 sacks, 3 safeties, 41 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 4 defensive touchdowns. He was a 9-time Pro Bowl and 2-time All-Pro who won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1989. He was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2009.
16. Rickey Jackson – 128.0 sacks
Rickey Jackson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2nd round of the 1981 NFL Draft and spent the next 15 years in the league – 13 of which with the Saints. He’s credited with 128.0 official sacks, but has an unofficial count of 136.0 sacks after recording 8.0 sacks during his rookie season in 1981.
In 227 career games played, Jackson tallied 1,180 tackles, 136.0 sacks, 1 safety, 40 forced fumbles, 8 interceptions, and 29 fumble recoveries. He was a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker who transitioned to a defensive end for the final two years of his career with the 49ers – where he won a Super Bowl in 1995.
15. Leslie O’Neal – 132.5 sacks
Leslie O’Neal was drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the No. 8 overall pick in the 1986 NFL Draft. He played 13 seasons in the league, 9 of which with the Chargers, and tallied 132.5 sacks during that time, finishing with at least 10.0 sacks on 8 occasions – including a career-high 17.0 sacks in 1992.
In 196 career games played, O’Neal tallied 767 tackles, 132.5 sacks, 21 forced fumbles, 16 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns. He was a six-time Pro Bowl defensive end who entered the league with a bang – winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1986. He was explosive.
14. Lawrence Taylor – 132.5 sacks
Lawrence Taylor was drafted by the New York Giants with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 13-year career with the team, tallying 132.5 official sacks and 142.0 unofficial sacks – he had 9.5 sacks as a rookie in 1981. He led the entire league with a career-high 20.5 sacks in 1986.
In 184 career games played, Taylor recorded 1,088 tackles, 142.0 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, 9 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns. He was a 10-time Pro Bowl, 8-time All-Pro, 2-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, 1986 MVP, and Hall of Famer.
13. John Abraham – 133.5 sacks
John Abraham was drafted by the New York Jets with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. He spent the next 15 seasons in the league, mostly with the Jets and Falcons, and tallied 133.5 sacks during that time. He had at least 10.0 sacks on 8 occasions and a career-high 16.5 sacks in 2008 with Atlanta.
In 192 career games played, Abraham recorded 560 tackles 148 tackles for loss, 133.5 sacks, 1 safety, 47 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 1 defensive touchdown. He was a five-time Pro Bowl and 2-time All-Pro defensive end. He was extremely reliable and productive throughout his time in the NFL.
12. Jared Allen – 136.0 sacks
Jared Allen was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He spent the next 12 years in the league – mostly with the Chiefs and Vikings – and tallied 136.0 career sacks. He had at least 10.0 sacks on 8 occasions, led the NFL in sacks twice, and had a career-high 22.0 sacks in 2011.
In 187 career games played, Allen tallied 648 tackles, 171 tackles for loss, 136.0 sacks, 4 safeties, 32 forced fumbles, 6 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns. He was a 5-time Pro Bowl and four-time All-Pro defensive end – he was one of the most feared players and deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.
11. John Randle – 137.5 sacks
John Randle went undrafted in the 1990 NFL Draft, but eventually landed with the Minnesota Vikings and had a legendary 14-year career in the league. During that time, he recorded 137.5 sacks and finished with at least 10.0 sacks on 9 occasions – including eight consecutive seasons between 1992 and 1999.
In 219 career games played, Randle tallied 556 tackles, 137.5 sacks, 29 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, and 1 defensive touchdown. He was a 7-time Pro Bowl and 6-time All-Pro defensive lineman, eventually making his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 2010.
10. Richard Dent – 137.5 sacks
Richard Dent was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 8th round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He spent the next 15 years in the league – 12 of which with the Bears – and tallied 137.5 career sacks during that time. He had at least 10.0 sacks on 8 occasions, including 34.5 sacks in a two-year span (1984 and 1985).
In 203 career games played, Dent tallied 677 tackles, 137.5 sacks, 1 safety, 37 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries, 8 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns. He was a 4-time Pro Bowl and one-time All-Pro defensive end who won 2 Super Bowls, was named Super Bowl XX MVP, and is now in the Hall of Fame.
9. DeMarcus Ware – 139.5 sacks
DeMarcus Ware was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 11 overall draft pick in 2005. He spent 12 seasons in the league – 9 of which with the Cowboys – and recorded 138.5 sacks during that time. He led the league in sacks on 2 occasions – a career-high 20.0 sacks in 2008 and 15.5 sacks in 2010.
In 178 career games played, Ware tallied 657 tackles, 171 tackles for loss, 35 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. He was a 9-time Pro Bowl and 4-time All-Pro linebacker who won a Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015. In addition to his 20.0 sacks in 2008, he had 19.5 in 2011.
8. Terrell Suggs – 139.0 sacks
Terrell Suggs was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent 17 seasons in the league – 16 of which with the Ravens – and tallied 139.0 sacks during that time. He had at least 10.0 sacks on 7 occasions and a career-high 14.0 sacks during the 2011 season.
In 244 career games played, Suggs recorded 895 tackles, 202 tackles for loss, 139.0 sacks, 1 safety, 37 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, 7 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champion, 2011 Defensive Player of the Year, and future Hall of Famer.
7. Jason Taylor – 139.5 sacks
Jason Taylor was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 3rd round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He spent the next 15 seasons in the league – 13 of which with the Dolphins – and tallied 139.5 sacks during that time. He had at least 10.0 sacks on 6 occasions, including a career-high and NFL-leading 18.5 sacks in 2002.
In 233 career games played, Taylor tallied 788 tackles, 151 tackles for loss, 139.5 sacks, 3 safeties, 46 forced fumbles, 29 fumble recoveries, 8 interceptions, and 9 defensive touchdowns. He was a 6-time Pro Bowler, 3-time All-Pro, 2006 Defensive Player of the Year, and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
6. Michael Strahan – 141.5 sacks
Michael Strahan was drafted by the New York Giants in the 2nd round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 15-year career with the Giants and tallied 141.5 sacks during that time, including 6 seasons with at least 10.0 sacks. He led the NFL in sacks twice – with 22.5 sacks in 2001 and 18.5 sacks in 2003.
Strahan currently has the most sacks in a single season in NFL history – his 22.5 sacks is tied with T.J. Watt. In 216 career games played, Strahan had 854 tackles, 141.5 sacks, 1 safety, 24 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, and 3 defensive TDs. He’s a former Defensive Player of the Year and current Hall of Famer.
5. Chris Doleman – 150.5 sacks
Chris Doleman was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 4 overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft. He spent the next 15 seasons in the league – 10 of which with the Vikings – and tallied 150.5 sacks during that time. He had at least 10.0 sacks on 8 occasions and led the league with 21.0 sacks in 1989.
In 232 career games played, Doleman recorded 975 tackles, 150.5 sacks, 2 safeties, 44 forced fumbles, 24 fumble recoveries, 8 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. He was an 8-time Pro Bowler, 2-time All-Pro, and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. He’s a part of the HOF All-1990s Team.
4. Julius Peppers – 159.5 sacks
Julius Peppers was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2002. He spent the next 17 seasons in the league – 10 of which with the Panthers – and tallied 159.5 sacks over his career. He had at least 10.0 sacks on 10 occasions and a career-high 14.5 sacks in the 2008 season.
In 266 career games played, Peppers tallied 719 tackles, 175 tackles for loss, 159.5 sacks, 52 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries, 11 interceptions, and 6 defensive touchdowns. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and 3-time All-Pro who will most definitely earn a spot in the Hall of Fame once eligible.
3. Kevin Greene – 160.0 sacks
Kevin Greene was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 5th round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He spent the next 15 seasons in the league – 8 of which with the Rams – and recorded 160.0 sacks throughout his career. He led the league in sacks twice, with 14.0 sacks in 1994 and again with 14.5 sacks in 1996.
In 228 career games played, Greene tallied 734 tackles, 160.0 sacks, 23 forced fumbles, 26 fumble recoveries, 5 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. He had at least 10.0 sacks in 10 of his 15 seasons. The Hall of Fame linebacker was selected to the Pro Bowl 5 times and was an All-Pro 3 times.
2. Reggie White – 198.0 sacks
Reggie White was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 4 overall pick in the 1984 NFL Draft. He spent 15 seasons in the league – including 8 with the Eagles and 6 with the Packers – and tallied 198.0 sacks during his career. He led the league with 21.0 sacks in 1987 and with 18.0 sacks in 1988.
In 232 career games played, White tallied 1,111 tackles, 198.0 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 20 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns. He was a 13-time Pro Bowler, 8-time All-Pro, one-time Super Bowl champion, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and current Hall of Famer.
1. Bruce Smith – 200.0 sacks
Bruce Smith was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft. He spent the next 19 seasons in the league – 15 of which with the Bills – and tallied 200.0 sacks over his career. He had at least 10.0 sacks in 13 of his first 16 seasons and a career-high 19.0 sacks in 1990.
In 279 career games played, Smith recorded 1,224 tackles, 200.0 sacks, 2 safeties, 43 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown. He was an 11-time Pro Bowler, 8-time All-Pro, 2-time Defensive Player of the Year, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
When Will T.J. Watt Join the List?
As of right now, T.J. Watt is 47.5 sacks away from cracking this list – at 76.0 career sacks, he’s nearly three-quarters of the way there. Of course, the top-20 will likely look a lot different by the time he gets to that point, especially considering there are 10 active NFL players that might get there before him.
Those 10 players are Khalil Mack (83.5), Jason-Pierre Paul (93.5), Calais Campbell (99.0), Carlos Dunlap (100.0), Robert Quinn (102.0), Aaron Donald (103.0), Justin Houston (111.0), J.J. Watt (111.5), Chandler Jones (112.0), and Cameron Jordan (112.5). They won’t all make it, but some will.
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The good news is T.J. Watt is averaging more than 12.0 sacks per season since entering the league. The bad news is he’s currently dealing with an injury that has kept him sidelined half the season and will keep him sidelined until next season. If he can get back to his 10+ sacks per season, he’ll crack the top-20.
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