Most Career Passing Yards by a New York Jets Player
The New York Jets’ quarterback history has been anything but boring. From the swagger of Joe Namath to the underrated steadiness of Ken O’Brien, the Jets have seen every type of passer — legends, journeymen, first-round hopes, and unlikely heroes. Here’s a look at the top 10 Jets quarterbacks with the most career passing yards in franchise history.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Zach Wilson – 6,293 Yards
Still writing his story, Wilson has already cracked the top 10 despite a rocky start — and still has time to climb.
9. Ryan Fitzpatrick – 6,615 Yards
“FitzMagic” lived up to the nickname in 2015, throwing bombs and breaking hearts with over 6,600 yards in two chaotic seasons.
8. Sam Darnold – 8,097 Yards
Drafted to be the savior, Darnold showed flashes of star power but ultimately left New York with over 8,000 yards and a mixed legacy.
7. Boomer Esiason – 8,478 Yards
The former MVP brought veteran stability to the early ’90s Jets, delivering solid numbers in a short stint.
6. Mark Sanchez – 12,092 Yards
Say what you will — Sanchez helped guide two deep playoff runs and finished with over 12,000 yards for Gang Green.
5. Vinny Testaverde – 12,497 Yards
Testaverde had a career rebirth in New York, delivering strong stats and leadership through the late ’90s and early 2000s.
4. Chad Pennington – 13,738 Yards
Pennington was efficient, accurate, and clutch — a true leader who ranks fourth in Jets passing history.
3. Richard Todd – 18,241 Yards
One of the longest-tenured Jets QBs, Todd was a reliable starter who helped steady the franchise for nearly a decade.
2. Ken O’Brien – 24,386 Yards
Often overshadowed, O’Brien was an ’80s passing machine with two Pro Bowls and more than 24,000 yards — still second-best in team history.
1. Joe Namath – 27,057 Yards
The one and only Broadway Joe. A Super Bowl icon, Namath’s charisma and cannon arm made him the face of the franchise — and its all-time leader in passing yards.
Ranking the 10 best career passing yard leaders in New York Jets history
Top 50 Career Passing Performances in New York Jets History
This list features every Jets player with 195+ career passing yards in green and white — from legends like Namath and O’Brien to recent names like Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle.
| Rank | Player Name | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Namath | 27057 |
| 2 | Ken O’Brien | 24386 |
| 3 | Richard Todd | 18241 |
| 4 | Chad Pennington | 13738 |
| 5 | Vinny Testaverde | 12497 |
| 6 | Mark Sanchez | 12092 |
| 7 | Boomer Esiason | 8478 |
| 8 | Sam Darnold | 8097 |
| 9 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 6615 |
| 10 | Zach Wilson | 6293 |
| 11 | Geno Smith | 5962 |
| 12 | Al Dorow | 5399 |
| 13 | Dick Wood | 4502 |
| 14 | Pat Ryan | 4222 |
| 15 | Neil O’Donnell | 3943 |
| 16 | Aaron Rodgers | 3897 |
| 17 | Brett Favre | 3472 |
| 18 | Josh McCown | 3465 |
| 19 | Al Woodall | 2970 |
| 20 | Matt Robinson | 2503 |
| 21 | Browning Nagle | 2361 |
| 22 | Joe Flacco | 2253 |
| 23 | Frank Reich | 2205 |
| 24 | Glenn Foley | 2186 |
| 25 | Mike White | 2145 |
| 26 | Ray Lucas | 1939 |
| 27 | Johnny Green | 1751 |
| 28 | Kellen Clemens | 1686 |
| 29 | Brooks Bollinger | 1618 |
| 30 | Bryce Petty | 1353 |
| 31 | Mike Taliaferro | 1145 |
| 32 | Rick Mirer | 1062 |
| 33 | Lee Grosscup | 855 |
| 34 | Bob Davis | 804 |
| 35 | Trevor Siemian | 727 |
| 36 | Bubby Brister | 726 |
| 37 | Galen Hall | 611 |
| 38 | Michael Vick | 604 |
| 39 | Dick Jamieson | 586 |
| 40 | Babe Parilli | 539 |
| 41 | Quincy Carter | 498 |
| 42 | Jack Trudeau | 496 |
| 43 | Butch Songin | 442 |
| 44 | Luke Falk | 416 |
| 45 | Tony Eason | 410 |
| 46 | David Norrie | 376 |
| 47 | Tim Boyle | 360 |
| 48 | Josh Johnson | 334 |
| 49 | Greg McElroy | 214 |
| 50 | Matt Simms | 195 |
From Hall of Fame moments to seasons of struggle, the Jets’ quarterback history tells the story of a franchise chasing stability and glory. Joe Namath remains the symbol of hope and swagger, but every QB on this list helped shape the rollercoaster ride of Gang Green football.
FAQ Section
Who has the most passing yards in Jets history?
Joe Namath leads with 27,057 career passing yards.
Is Zach Wilson on the list?
Yes, Wilson currently ranks 10th all-time through his first few seasons.
How many Jets QBs have passed for over 20,000 yards?
Only two — Joe Namath and Ken O’Brien.
Which Jets QB had the highest yardage in the 2000s?
Chad Pennington, with 13,738 yards.
Who was the most efficient QB on this list?
Chad Pennington is widely regarded as the most accurate passer in Jets history.
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