What about the all-time record, you ask? Including the AFL and old-timey leagues? Well, our pal Sid Luckman actually shares that record with... nobody? Wait, no. In college football, a guy named Matt Grothe from South Florida threw for a ludicrous number, but we’re talking about the pros here. The official record for most touchdown passes in a professional game is seven, but a few men have thrown eight in lower leagues.
One time, in a 1944 game, a guy named Sammy Baugh threw four touchdowns and then intercepted four passes on defense. Yes, that’s a true fact. Back then, quarterbacks played safety, too. They didn’t have time for Gatorade; they just bled and threw spirals.
If you think seven is a lot, consider this: Tom Brady never threw seven in a game. Neither did Joe Montana or John Elway. The record is held by oddballs and one incredible backup. It’s like the MLB record for most strikeouts in a game—it belongs to a guy named Kerry Wood and a guy named Roger Clemens, not always the most famous names.
Most Rushing Touchdowns by a Quarterback - Sports Illustrated
The "Almost" Club: The Six-TD Club
The six-touchdown club is a who’s who of legends: Peyton Manning did it multiple times, including a 2013 season where he threw 55 touchdowns like he was playing on "Rookie" mode. Drew Brees did it. Patrick Mahomes has done it. Lamar Jackson did it, which is extra impressive because he usually runs like a cheetah too.
But here’s the subtle jab: throwing for six touchdowns is amazing, but throwing for seven means you basically broke the video game. It’s the line between "great quarterback" and "temporary demigod." Every time a quarterback throws for five in the first half, we all hold our breath. Will he get to seven? Usually, the answer is no. The other team gets so embarrassed they start tackling your receivers out of spite.
So next time you watch a game and your quarterback throws three touchdowns, give him a standing ovation. Because to get to seven, you need the accuracy of a sniper, the luck of a leprechaun, and a defense that apparently forgot how to cover the end zone. It’s a beautiful, beautiful accident.
And if you ever meet Nick Foles, ask him if he remembers that game. He probably does. He might even still have the ceremonial seven game balls in his garage, next to his Super Bowl MVP trophy and a half-empty bag of chips from 2013.
