Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback in NFL History – All-Time Career Leaders

Breaking down the most dynamic quarterbacks to ever run the football in the NFL

When it comes to quarterback greatness, passing stats often steal the spotlight — but rushing yards tell a different story. This list of the most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL history highlights the dual-threat legends who turned broken plays into big gains and kept defenses guessing. From Lamar Jackson’s lightning-fast cuts to Michael Vick’s once-in-a-generation speed, these players redefined what it means to play quarterback. Whether it’s the power of Cam Newton, the precision scrambles of Russell Wilson, or the fearless runs of Josh Allen, every name here has mastered the art of making plays with their legs.

Table of Contents

• Top 10 Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback
• Full List – All-Time Career Rushing Yards by a Quarterback
• FAQ – Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback
• Conclusion – Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback

Top 10 Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback

10. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) – 3,573 Rushing Yards

369 touchdowns • 55,000+ passing yards • Super Bowl Champion
Rodgers isn’t known as a running quarterback, but his legs have always been a hidden weapon. Whether it’s picking up a first down on 3rd-and-8 or escaping pressure to buy time, Rodgers has made timely scrambles a signature part of his game. His rushing totals are a testament to his underrated athleticism and pocket awareness.

9. Steve McNair (Tennessee Titans) – 3,590 Rushing Yards

174 touchdowns • 31,304 passing yards • NFL MVP (2003)
“Air McNair” wasn’t the fastest QB, but his physicality made him a nightmare to tackle. He thrived on toughness, often lowering his shoulder against defenders and extending plays with grit. His rushing numbers reflect a career built on resilience and versatility.

8. Fran Tarkenton (Minnesota Vikings) – 3,674 Rushing Yards

342 touchdowns • 47,003 passing yards • Hall of Fame
Before the term “mobile quarterback” was common, Tarkenton was redefining the role. His scrambling style frustrated defenses for nearly two decades, keeping plays alive and giving receivers extra time to get open. His blend of improvisation and durability made him an NFL icon.

7. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – 4,142 Rushing Yards

176 total touchdowns • 64% career completion percentage
Built like a linebacker, Allen combines power running with surprising speed. He’s one of the rare QBs who can hurdle defenders, truck linebackers, and still drop a deep ball in stride. His fearless style makes him one of today’s most dangerous dual threats.

6. Steve Young (San Francisco 49ers) – 4,239 Rushing Yards

232 touchdowns • 33,124 passing yards • Hall of Fame
Young’s mobility was a major part of his Hall of Fame résumé. He thrived on rolling out of the pocket and picking up huge chunks of yardage with his legs. Combined with his elite passing accuracy, his rushing ability made him one of the most complete and best quarterbacks of all time.

5. Randall Cunningham (Philadelphia Eagles) – 4,928 Rushing Yards

207 touchdowns • 29,979 passing yards • 4x Pro Bowl
Cunningham was a highlight waiting to happen. His long strides and quick acceleration made him nearly impossible to corral once he escaped the pocket. He was the blueprint for the modern mobile quarterback.

4. Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) – 5,462 Rushing Yards

334 touchdowns • 47,000+ passing yards • Super Bowl Champion
Wilson’s runs were rarely reckless — they were calculated game-changers. His ability to turn broken plays into big gains kept defenses on edge, and his decision-making as a rusher has been elite throughout his career.

3. Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers) – 5,631 Rushing Yards

75 rushing touchdowns • NFL MVP (2015) • 31,000+ passing yards
Newton brought a power-running style never before seen at quarterback. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him lethal near the goal line leading to having the most rushing touchdowns ever by a Quarterback.

2. Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons) – 6,109 Rushing Yards

133 touchdowns • 22,464 passing yards • 4x Pro Bowl
Vick’s speed was unmatched — defenders looked like they were running in slow motion chasing him. He revolutionized the quarterback position with his legs, becoming a cultural icon and one of the most exciting players in NFL history.

1. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) – 6,173 Rushing Yards

125 total touchdowns • 2x NFL MVP • Fastest QB to 5,000 rushing yards
Jackson is the most explosive rushing quarterback the league has ever seen. His ability to turn a broken play into a 40-yard gain is unmatched, and he’s still in his prime. If he stays healthy, his rushing record may be untouchable for decades.

Lamar Jackson tops the all-time quarterback rushing yards list with 6,173 yards, followed by Michael Vick with 6,109 yards and Cam Newton with 5,631 yards.

Full List: All-Time Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback in NFL History

Full tier rankings of quarterbacks with the most rushing yards in NFL history, from Lamar Jackson and Michael Vick in Tier 1 to Patrick Mahomes in Tier 6.

FAQ – Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback

Who has the most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL history?
Lamar Jackson holds the record with 6,173 rushing yards, surpassing Michael Vick’s previous mark of 6,109 yards.

Who are the top active quarterbacks by rushing yards?
Among active players, Lamar Jackson (6,173), Russell Wilson (5,462), Josh Allen (4,142), and Aaron Rodgers (3,573) lead the way in career rushing yards.

What makes Lamar Jackson so effective as a rushing quarterback?
Jackson combines elite speed, agility, and vision, allowing him to turn broken plays into explosive gains. His acceleration and ability to read defenders make him nearly impossible to contain in the open field.

Which quarterback has the most rushing touchdowns in NFL history?
Cam Newton holds the record with 75 career rushing touchdowns, using his size and power to dominate near the goal line.

How has the role of rushing quarterbacks changed over time?
Earlier eras saw rushing quarterbacks as rare, but today’s NFL embraces mobility as a key weapon. Dual-threat QBs are now more common, with designed runs and read-option plays being staples of modern offenses.

Conclusion – Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback

When it comes to career rushing yards, these quarterbacks have redefined how the position is played. Lamar Jackson currently sits atop the mountain, surpassing Michael Vick and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for a dual-threat QB. From Cam Newton’s power runs to Russell Wilson’s precision scrambles, every name on this list represents a unique approach to mobility and playmaking.

As the NFL continues to evolve, we may see even more athletic quarterbacks rise up the rankings. However, reaching and maintaining a spot among the top rushing QBs is no easy feat — it requires elite athleticism, durability, and the ability to adapt to defensive adjustments year after year.

For more all-time leaderboards, tier lists, and deep dives into NFL history, explore our full rankings here on SOG Sports.

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