Most Career Passing Yards by an Indianapolis Colts Player
Quarterback play is baked into the DNA of Colts football. From the buzzcut brilliance of Johnny Unitas to the laser-precision of Peyton Manning and the raw talent of Andrew Luck, few franchises can match Indianapolis when it comes to signal-callers slinging the rock. This list of passing yardage leaders tells the story of the franchise — an evolution from black-and-white highlight reels to high-octane aerial assaults.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Earl Morrall – 5,666 Yards
The ultimate fill-in quarterback. Morrall kept the Colts afloat in the late ’60s and even helped lead them to a Super Bowl appearance while backing up Unitas.
9. Jacoby Brissett – 6,059 Yards
Thrown into the fire after Luck’s surprise retirement, Brissett held his own in tough circumstances and gave the Colts some needed stability.
8. Mike Pagel – 7,474 Yards
Pagel isn’t a household name, but he was a gritty presence under center during a rough stretch in the ’80s. His contributions often get overlooked.
7. Jim Harbaugh – 8,705 Yards
“Captain Comeback” earned his nickname in Indy. He nearly willed the Colts to a Super Bowl in 1995 and brought swagger to the position.
6. Jeff George – 9,551 Yards
The arm talent was undeniable, the results more mixed. Still, George had some big-time games and sits firmly in the top 10.
5. Jack Trudeau – 9,647 Yards
Trudeau didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he was steady and durable — qualities that kept him around for nearly a decade.
4. Bert Jones – 17,663 Yards
The 1976 NFL MVP brought electricity to the Colts offense. Injuries kept him from sustained greatness, but the flashes were unforgettable.
3. Andrew Luck – 23,671 Yards
Six seasons. That’s all it took for Luck to climb into the top 3. His talent was off the charts — and his early retirement still stings for Colts fans.
2. Johnny Unitas – 39,768 Yards
A three-time MVP, Super Bowl champion, and the original prototype for the modern passer. Unitas didn’t just play the position — he redefined it.
1. Peyton Manning – 54,828 Yards
The gold standard in Indianapolis. With four MVPs and a Lombardi Trophy in tow, Manning’s impact on the Colts — and football — is unmatched.
Ranking the 10 best career passing yard leaders in Indianapolis Colts history
Top 50 Career Passing Yard Leaders in Colts History
This chart shows the top 50 quarterbacks in Colts history by career passing yards, including icons like Peyton Manning, Johnny Unitas, and Andrew Luck.
| Rank | Player Name | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peyton Manning | 54828 |
| 2 | Johnny Unitas | 39768 |
| 3 | Andrew Luck | 23671 |
| 4 | Bert Jones | 17663 |
| 5 | Jack Trudeau | 9647 |
| 6 | Jeff George | 9551 |
| 7 | Jim Harbaugh | 8705 |
| 8 | Mike Pagel | 7474 |
| 9 | Jacoby Brissett | 6059 |
| 10 | Earl Morrall | 5666 |
| 11 | Philip Rivers | 4169 |
| 12 | Carson Wentz | 3563 |
| 13 | Marty Domres | 3471 |
| 14 | Greg Landry | 3402 |
| 15 | Gardner Minshew II | 3305 |
| 16 | Gary Hogeboom | 3295 |
| 17 | Matt Ryan | 3057 |
| 18 | George Shaw | 2820 |
| 19 | Anthony Richardson | 2391 |
| 20 | Chris Chandler | 2156 |
| 21 | Matt Hasselbeck | 2121 |
| 22 | Paul Justin | 2097 |
| 23 | Bill Troup | 1999 |
| 24 | Gary Kerkorian | 1783 |
| 25 | Joe Flacco | 1761 |
| 26 | Curtis Painter | 1624 |
| 27 | Gary Cuozzo | 1391 |
| 28 | Fred Enke | 1225 |
| 29 | Dan Orlovsky | 1201 |
| 30 | Don Majkowski | 1115 |
| 31 | Art Schlichter | 1006 |
| 32 | Jim Sorgi | 929 |
| 33 | Mark Herrmann | 928 |
| 34 | Craig Erickson | 586 |
| 35 | Sam Ehlinger | 573 |
| 36 | Kerry Collins | 481 |
| 37 | Kelly Holcomb | 454 |
| 38 | Blair Kiel | 431 |
| 39 | Brian Hoyer | 372 |
| 40 | Scott Tolzien | 344 |
| 41 | Cotton Davidson | 309 |
| 42 | Lamar McHan | 306 |
| 43 | Matt Kofler | 284 |
| 44 | Tom Ramsey | 280 |
| 45 | Tom Matte | 246 |
| 46 | Jack Del Bello | 229 |
| 47 | Nick Foles | 224 |
| 48 | David Humm | 220 |
| 49 | George Taliaferro | 211 |
| 50 | Mike Kirkland | 211 |
From the stoic greatness of Johnny U to the laser-sharp dominance of Peyton, the Colts have rarely lacked arm talent. Whether they’re gunning for Super Bowls or rebuilding toward the future, Indy has always trusted a quarterback to lead the way. Here’s hoping the next franchise face lives up to the legacy set by these legends.
FAQ SECTION
Who has the most career passing yards for the Colts?
Peyton Manning tops the list with 54,828 career passing yards.
Is Andrew Luck still in the top 5?
Yes, Luck is third on the list with 23,671 yards in just six seasons.
Which Colts quarterback played during the early Super Bowl era?
Johnny Unitas led the team through the 1950s and 60s, winning multiple NFL championships and Super Bowl V.
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