Ranking 5 Most Impressive NFL Records

The NFL did not start recording sacks until 1982, so there have always been some discrepancies in determining the greatest pass rusher of all time. Fortunately for Bruce Smith, sacks were recorded throughout his dominant 15-year career. Tallying a total of 200, Smith has the most sacks in NFL history. He helped propel the Buffalo Bills to four straight Super Bowls and is known as one of football's all-time greats.

Peyton Manning's innovative ideas to playing quarterback in the NFL are clear to everybody at this point. But his results are even clearer that he is the best ever at throwing touchdowns. What's arguably more impressive about Manning is his ability to do so well this late in his career. Two years ago Manning broke the single-season touchdown record by having one of the best quarterback regular seasons of all time. Last year he broke Brett Favre's career touchdown record of 509. Manning has recently announced his return to the NFL next season and will continue to build upon his records.

Barry Sanders and Curtis Martin are the only two running backs in the history of the NFL to rush for over 1,000 yards in 10 straight years. Both are Hall of Famers, but what separates Sanders from Martin is the fact that Sanders made the Pro Bowl in every season he played in his entire career. Had Sanders played as many years as Walter Payton or Emmitt Smith, he would have shattered the all-time rushing record. Sanders' best season came in 1997 when he ran for 2,053 yards and 11 scores.

Everyone and their mother knows who Tom Brady is. And that's because whether you love him or hate him he has always been a winner. This most recent Super Bowl appearance makes him the only quarterback to go to six Super Bowls. Keep in mind the Patriots had made four straight AFC Championship appearances in the midst of their past two Super Bowl showings. This dude just wins.

Brett Favre is a big deal. It's as simple as that. He overcame hundreds of obstacles to get his chance in the NFL, and he held on to it for as long as he could. The sheer will and determination it takes to start 297 consecutive games in the NFL is something no normal person can imagine. And despite a career with many dramatic twists and turns, Favre always gave it everything he had. At the end of the day, this is the most impressive record in football history.