Who Holds the Record for Most Sacks in a Game?

Most Sacks In A Game is a coveted record in the NFL, showcasing a defensive player’s dominance and impact. At polarservicecenter.net, we understand the importance of peak performance, whether it’s in sports or ensuring your Polar devices are functioning flawlessly; should you require assistance with your Polar product, we are here to help. Delve into football history to explore the players who achieved this feat, their memorable performances, and the factors that contributed to their success, as well as product support and troubleshooting, device optimization, and performance tracking.

1. What is the Record for Most Sacks in a Single NFL Game?

The record for the most sacks in a single NFL game is seven, held by Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas achieved this feat against the Seattle Seahawks on November 11, 1990, making life miserable for quarterback Dave Krieg.

Derrick Thomas’s remarkable performance against the Seattle Seahawks in 1990 remains an iconic moment in NFL history. His seven sacks in a single game not only set a record that still stands but also showcased his exceptional talent and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. This accomplishment is a testament to his skill, determination, and impact on the game. It is important to understand the factors that contribute to a player’s ability to achieve such a high number of sacks. These include:

Exceptional Athleticism: Elite speed, strength, and agility are crucial for consistently beating offensive linemen.
Technical Proficiency: Mastering various pass-rushing moves and techniques to outmaneuver blockers.
Film Study and Preparation: Identifying weaknesses in opponents’ protection schemes and tendencies.
Tenacity and Endurance: Maintaining high effort and energy levels throughout the entire game.
Supportive Defensive Scheme: Playing within a system that creates opportunities for pass rushers to exploit favorable matchups.

Unfortunately, despite Thomas’s outstanding performance, the Chiefs lost the game 17-16. Krieg managed to evade Thomas’s potential eighth sack in the final seconds, completing a 25-yard game-winning touchdown pass.

2. Who Are Some Other Players Who Have Recorded a High Number of Sacks in a Single Game?

Several players have achieved six sacks in a single NFL game, tying for second place in the record books. These players include Fred Dean, Derrick Thomas (again), Osi Umenyiora, Adrian Clayborn, and Khalil Mack.

These players are among the elite pass rushers in NFL history. Their ability to consistently pressure and sack opposing quarterbacks is a testament to their skill, athleticism, and dedication to their craft. Here’s a closer look at each player’s memorable six-sack performance:

Fred Dean (San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints, November 13, 1983): Dean’s six sacks helped the 49ers overcome a halftime deficit to win 32-13. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
Derrick Thomas (Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders, September 6, 1998): Thomas’s six sacks included a safety, contributing to the Chiefs’ 28-8 victory.
Osi Umenyiora (New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles, September 30, 2007): Umenyiora’s career-high six sacks played a key role in the Giants’ Super Bowl-winning season.

Osi Umenyiora sacks Donovan McNabb

Alt text: Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants defensive end, sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb during an NFL game.

Adrian Clayborn (Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys, November 12, 2017): Clayborn’s six sacks were his only tackles in the game, as the Falcons dominated the Cowboys 27-7.
Khalil Mack (Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders, October 1, 2023): Mack’s six sacks contributed to the Chargers’ 24-17 victory. His 45 sack yards were just one yard short of the all-time record.

Khalil Mack sacks Aidan O

Alt text: Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker, sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell during an NFL game.

It is also important to note that sacks became an official statistic in the NFL in 1982, so performances before that year are not officially recorded.

3. Who Else Has Achieved a High Number of Sacks in a Single Game?

William Gay and Aldon Smith are tied for seventh place with 5.5 sacks in a single game. Several other players have recorded five sacks in a game, including Howie Long, Randy Holloway, Jim Jeffcoat, Leslie O’Neal, Gary Jeter, Chuck Smith, Vonnie Holliday, Antwan Odom, Khalil Mack (again), Haason Reddick, and Chandler Jones.

These players represent a wide range of eras and teams, showcasing the enduring importance of a strong pass rush in the NFL.

William Gay (Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, September 4, 1983): Gay’s 5.5 sacks helped the Lions secure an 11-0 shutout victory.
Aldon Smith (San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears, November 19, 2012): Smith also totaled 45 sack yards, which was a record until it was broken by Chandler Jones in 2021.

Here is a list of players who have recorded five sacks in a single game:

Player	Team	Opponent	Date
Howie Long	Los Angeles Raiders	Washington	Oct. 2, 1983
Randy Holloway	Minnesota Vikings	Atlanta Falcons	Sept. 16, 1984
Jim Jeffcoat	Dallas Cowboys	Washington	Nov. 10, 1985
Leslie O’Neal	San Diego Chargers	Dallas Cowboys	Nov. 16, 1986
Gary Jeter	Los Angeles Rams	Los Angeles Raiders	Sept. 18, 1988
Chuck Smith	Atlanta Falcons	New Orleans Saints	Oct. 12, 1997
Vonnie Holliday	Green Bay Packers	Buffalo Bills	Dec. 22, 2002
Antwan Odom	Cincinnati Bengals	Green Bay Packers	Sept. 20, 2009
Khalil Mack	Oakland Raiders	Denver Broncos	Dec. 13, 2015
Haason Reddick	Arizona Cardinals	New York Giants	Dec. 13, 2020
Chandler Jones	Arizona Cardinals	Tennessee Titans	Sept. 12, 2021

4. What Factors Contribute to a Player’s Ability to Record a High Number of Sacks in a Game?

Several factors can contribute to a player’s ability to record a high number of sacks in a game, including:

Talent and Skill: Pass-rushing ability, technique, and athleticism are crucial for consistently beating offensive linemen.
Matchup: Facing a weaker offensive line or a quarterback who holds the ball too long can create more sack opportunities.
Game Plan: A defensive scheme that emphasizes pass-rushing and blitzing can increase a player’s chances of getting sacks.
Momentum: As a player records sacks, their confidence and effectiveness can increase, leading to even more sacks.
Luck: Sometimes, a player might simply be in the right place at the right time to capitalize on a broken play or a missed assignment.

According to research from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Integrative Physiology, in July 2025, elite athletes often display a combination of innate talent and rigorously honed skills.

5. How Important is the Pass Rush in Football?

The pass rush is extremely important in football, as it can disrupt the opposing team’s passing game and create turnovers. A strong pass rush can force the quarterback to make quick decisions, throw inaccurate passes, or even fumble the ball. Sacks are particularly valuable, as they result in a loss of yardage and can push the offense further away from the end zone.

The pass rush is an essential component of a successful defense and can significantly impact the outcome of a game. A dominant pass rush can:

Pressure the Quarterback: Forces quick throws, inaccurate passes, and poor decision-making.
Create Turnovers: Sacks and forced fumbles can give the defense possession of the ball.
Disrupt the Offense: Makes it difficult for the offense to execute its game plan and score points.
Boost Team Morale: A strong pass rush can energize the entire team and create a winning atmosphere.

6. What is the Difference Between a Sack and a Tackle for Loss?

A sack is a specific type of tackle for loss that occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage while attempting to pass the ball. A tackle for loss, on the other hand, is any tackle that occurs behind the line of scrimmage, regardless of who is tackled or what they are doing.

While sacks are always tackles for loss, not all tackles for loss are sacks. For example, if a running back is tackled behind the line of scrimmage, it is a tackle for loss but not a sack.

7. How Have Rule Changes Impacted Sack Numbers in the NFL?

Rule changes in the NFL have had a significant impact on sack numbers over the years. Some rule changes have made it easier for pass rushers to get to the quarterback, while others have made it more difficult.

For example, the “illegal contact” rule, which prohibits defensive players from making contact with receivers more than five yards downfield, has made it easier for quarterbacks to complete passes and harder for pass rushers to get sacks. On the other hand, rules designed to protect quarterbacks from late hits have made it more difficult for offensive linemen to hold pass rushers, potentially leading to more sack opportunities.

8. What are the Different Types of Pass-Rushing Moves That Players Use to Get Sacks?

Players use a variety of pass-rushing moves to get sacks, including:

Speed Rush: Using speed and quickness to beat the offensive lineman around the edge.
Bull Rush: Using power and strength to drive the offensive lineman backward.
Swim Move: Using a quick, fluid motion to swim past the offensive lineman.
Rip Move: Using a powerful upward motion to rip past the offensive lineman.
Spin Move: Using a quick, spinning motion to evade the offensive lineman.

These moves require different combinations of speed, strength, technique, and timing. Elite pass rushers typically have a repertoire of moves they can use depending on the situation and the opponent they are facing.

9. How Do Teams Game Plan to Stop Elite Pass Rushers?

Teams use a variety of strategies to stop elite pass rushers, including:

Double-Teaming: Assigning two offensive linemen to block the pass rusher.
Chip Blocks: Having a running back or tight end briefly block the pass rusher before releasing into their route.
Quick Passes: Calling short, quick passes that get the ball out of the quarterback’s hands before the pass rusher can get there.
Using a Mobile Quarterback: Having a quarterback who can move around in the pocket to evade pressure.
Sliding Protection: Adjusting the offensive line’s blocking assignments to account for the pass rusher’s position and tendencies.

Stopping a dominant pass rusher requires a comprehensive game plan that addresses their strengths and exploits their weaknesses.

10. How Can I Improve My Understanding of NFL Statistics and Player Performance?

To improve your understanding of NFL statistics and player performance, you can:

Follow Reputable Sports News Outlets: Read articles and analysis from trusted sources like ESPN, NFL.com, and The Analyst.
Watch Games and Pay Attention to Detail: Observe player tendencies, team strategies, and how statistics translate to on-field performance.
Use Online Resources: Explore websites that provide in-depth statistics, player rankings, and advanced analytics.
Participate in Fantasy Football: This can help you learn about different players and their statistical contributions.
Engage with the Football Community: Discuss the game with friends, family, and other fans to gain different perspectives.

By actively engaging with the sport and utilizing available resources, you can develop a deeper understanding of NFL statistics and player performance.

Most Sacks in a Game FAQ

Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the most sacks in a game:

Who has the official record for the most sacks in a single NFL game? Derrick Thomas holds the record with seven sacks.
When did Derrick Thomas set the record for most sacks in a game? He set the record on November 11, 1990.
Against which team did Derrick Thomas achieve his record-breaking sack performance? He set the record against the Seattle Seahawks.
How many players are tied for second place with six sacks in a single game? Five players are tied for second place.
Who are the players tied for second place with six sacks in a single game? Fred Dean, Derrick Thomas, Osi Umenyiora, Adrian Clayborn, and Khalil Mack.
What year did sacks become an official statistic in the NFL? Sacks became an official statistic in 1982.
Which active player is on the list of those with the most sacks in a game? As of the last update, Khalil Mack is an active player on the list.
How many sacks did William Gay record in his 1983 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? William Gay recorded 5.5 sacks in that game.
Which team did Aldon Smith play for when he recorded 5.5 sacks in a game? Aldon Smith played for the San Francisco 49ers.
Do sacks have to be against the quarterback to count towards this record? Yes, sacks are specifically tackles of the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage while attempting to pass.

Is your Polar device experiencing performance issues? Just as these NFL players strive for peak performance, polarservicecenter.net is dedicated to ensuring your Polar products function at their best. Visit polarservicecenter.net for troubleshooting guides, warranty information, and to connect with our expert support team in the USA. Our address is 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States, and our phone number is +1 (303) 492-7080.