List of dual-threat quarterback records explained

In gridiron football, the quarterback position is often defined by a player passing the football within the pocket. However, over the sport's history the position has evolved to feature quarterbacks with elite running ability. These quarterbacks are dubbed "dual-threat" or "running" quarterbacks for their potential to attack opposing defenses through the air or on the ground.^[1]

Dual-threat quarterbacks have historically been more prolific at the college level. In the NFL, Cam Newton is the NFL's all-time leader in rushing attempts (1,118) and rushing touchdowns (75) for a quarterback, while Michael Vick holds the record for most rushing yards (6,109). In the Canadian Football League (CFL), Damon Allen holds the rushing yards (11,920) and rushing touchdowns (93) record among quarterbacks.

NFL statistical leaders

Career records (regular season)

Note: stats are accurate as of the end of the 2023 NFL season.

style="text-align:center; background:#ffb;"
★	Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
‡	Player who is still active

Rushing attempts

Rank	Player	Teams	Rush attempts
1	Cam Newton	Carolina Panthers (2011–2019; 2021) New England Patriots (2020)	1,118
2	Russell Wilson‡	Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021) Denver Broncos (2022–2023) Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present)	981
3	Lamar Jackson‡	Baltimore Ravens (2018–present)	875
4	Michael Vick	Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006) Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013) New York Jets (2014) Pittsburgh Steelers (2015)	873
5	Randall Cunningham	Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1995) Minnesota Vikings (1997–1999) Dallas Cowboys (2000) Baltimore Ravens (2001)	775
6	John Elway★	Denver Broncos (1983–1998)	774
7	Steve Young★	Los Angeles Express (1984–1985) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986) San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999)	722
8	Aaron Rodgers‡	Green Bay Packers (2005–2022) New York Jets (2023–present)	719
9	Tom Brady	New England Patriots (2000–2019) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022)	693
10	Fran Tarkenton★	Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966) New York Giants (1967–1971) Minnesota Vikings (1972–1978)	675
Source:^[2]

Rushing yards

Rank	Player	Teams	Rushing yards
1	Michael Vick	Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006) Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013) New York Jets (2014) Pittsburgh Steelers (2015)	6,109
2	Cam Newton	Carolina Panthers (2011–2019; 2021) New England Patriots (2020)	5,628
3	Russell Wilson‡	Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021) Denver Broncos (2022–2023) Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present)	5,307
4	Lamar Jackson‡	Baltimore Ravens (2018–present)	5,258
5	Randall Cunningham	Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1995) Minnesota Vikings (1997–1999) Dallas Cowboys (2000) Baltimore Ravens (2001)	4,928
6	Steve Young★	Los Angeles Express (USFL) (1984–1985) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986) San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999)	4,239
7	Fran Tarkenton★	Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966) New York Giants (1967–1971) Minnesota Vikings (1972–1978)	3,674
8	Steve McNair	Houston Oilers (1995–1996) Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) Tennessee Titans (1999–2005) Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007)	3,590
9	Josh Allen‡	Buffalo Bills (2018–present)	3,529
10	Aaron Rodgers‡	Green Bay Packers (–) New York Jets (2023–present)	3,466
Source:^[3]

Rushing touchdowns

Rank	Player	Teams	Rushing TDs
1	Cam Newton	Carolina Panthers (2011–2019; 2021) New England Patriots (2020)	75
2	Josh Allen‡	Buffalo Bills (2018–present)	53
3	Steve Young★	Los Angeles Express (USFL) (1984–1985) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986) San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999)	43
4	Jalen Hurts‡	Philadelphia Eagles (2020–present)	41
5	Jack Kemp	Pittsburgh Steelers (1957) Calgary Stampeders (1959) L.A. / San Diego Chargers (1960–1962) Buffalo Bills (1962–1969)	40
6	Kordell Stewart	Pittsburgh Steelers (1995–2002) Chicago Bears (2003) Baltimore Ravens (2004–2005)	style=text-align:right;	38
7 (tie)	Tobin Rote	Green Bay Packers (1950–1956) Detroit Lions (1957–1959) Toronto Argonauts (CFL) (1960–1962) San Diego Chargers (1963–1964) Denver Broncos (1966)	37
7 (tie)	Steve McNair	Houston Oilers (1995–1996) Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) Tennessee Titans (1999–2005) Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007)	37
9	Michael Vick	Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006) Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013) New York Jets (2014) Pittsburgh Steelers (2015)	36
10 (tie)	Aaron Rodgers‡	Green Bay Packers (2005–2022) New York Jets (2023–present)	35
	Steve Grogan	New England Patriots (1975–1990)
	Randall Cunningham	Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1995) Minnesota Vikings (1997–1999) Dallas Cowboys (2000) Baltimore Ravens (2001)
Source:^[4]

Career leaders (playoffs)

Note: stats are accurate as of the end of the Conference Championship games of the 2023–24 NFL playoffs.

style="text-align:center; background:#ffb;"
★	Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
‡	Player who is still active

Rushing yards

Rank	Player	Teams	Rush yards
1	Steve Young★	Los Angeles Express (USFL) (1984–1985) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986) San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999)	594
2	Josh Allen‡	Buffalo Bills (2018–present)	563
3	Russell Wilson‡	Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021) Denver Broncos (2022–2023) Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present)	527
4	Patrick Mahomes‡	Kansas City Chiefs (2017–present)	524
5	Lamar Jackson‡	Baltimore Ravens (2018–present)	521
6	Colin Kaepernick	San Francisco 49ers (2011–2016)	507
7	John Elway★	Denver Broncos (1983–1998)	461
8	Roger Staubach★	Dallas Cowboys (1969–1979)	432
9	Donovan McNabb	Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009) Washington Redskins (2010) Minnesota Vikings (2011)	422
10	Steve McNair	Houston Oilers (1995–1996) Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) Tennessee Titans (1999–2005) Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007)	355
Source:^[6]

Rushing touchdowns

Rank	Player	Teams	Rush TDs
1	Steve Young★	Los Angeles Express (USFL) (1984–1985) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986) San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999)	8
2	Tom Brady	New England Patriots (2000–2019) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022)	7
3 (tie)	Steve McNair	Houston Oilers (1995–1996) Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) Tennessee Titans (1999–2005) Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007)	6
3 (tie)	John Elway★	Denver Broncos (1983–1998)	6
5 (tie)	Jalen Hurts‡	Philadelphia Eagles (2020–present)	5
	Josh Allen‡	Buffalo Bills (2018–present)
	Patrick Mahomes‡	Kansas City Chiefs (2017–present)
	Otto Graham★	Cleveland Browns (1946–1955)
9	Dak Prescott‡	Dallas Cowboys (2016–present)	4
	Colin Kaepernick	San Francisco 49ers (2011–2016)
	Aaron Rodgers‡	Green Bay Packers (2005–2022) New York Jets (2023–present)
	Donovan McNabb	Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009) Washington Redskins (2010) Minnesota Vikings (2011)
Source:^[7]

Single-season leaders (regular season)

Key		Denotes an ongoing season.

Rushing attempts

Rank	Player	Season	Team	Rush attempts
1	Lamar Jackson	2019	Baltimore Ravens	176
2	Jalen Hurts	2022	Philadelphia Eagles	165
3	Justin Fields	2022	Chicago Bears	160
4	Lamar Jackson	2020	Baltimore Ravens	159
5	Jalen Hurts	2023	Philadelphia Eagles	155
6	Lamar Jackson	2023	Baltimore Ravens	148
7	Lamar Jackson	2018	Baltimore Ravens	147
8	Bobby Douglass	1972	Chicago Bears	141
9 (tie)	Cam Newton	2017	Carolina Panthers	139
9 (tie)	Jalen Hurts	2021	Philadelphia Eagles	139
Source:^[8]

Rushing yards

Rank	Player	Season	Team	Rushing yards
1	Lamar Jackson	2019	Baltimore Ravens	1,206
2	Justin Fields	2022	Chicago Bears	1,143
3	Michael Vick	2006	Atlanta Falcons	1,039
4	Lamar Jackson	2020	Baltimore Ravens	1,005
5	Bobby Douglass	1972	Chicago Bears	968
6	Randall Cunningham	1990	Philadelphia Eagles	942
7	Michael Vick	2004	Atlanta Falcons	902
8	Russell Wilson	2014	Seattle Seahawks	849
9	Lamar Jackson	2023	Baltimore Ravens	821
10	Kyler Murray	2020	Arizona Cardinals	819
Sources:^[9]

Rushing yards per game

Rank	Player	Season	Team	RYds/game
1	Lamar Jackson	2019	Baltimore Ravens	80.4
2	Justin Fields	2022	Chicago Bears	76.2
3	Bobby Douglass	1972	Chicago Bears	69.1
4	Lamar Jackson	2020	Baltimore Ravens	67.0
5	Michael Vick	2006	Atlanta Falcons	64.9
6	Lamar Jackson	2021	Baltimore Ravens	63.9
7	Lamar Jackson	2022	Baltimore Ravens	63.7
8	Michael Vick	2004	Atlanta Falcons	60.1
9	Randall Cunningham	1990	Philadelphia Eagles	58.9
10	Michael Vick	2010	Philadelphia Eagles	56.3
Sources:^[10]

Rushing touchdowns

Rank	Player	Season	Team	Rushing TDs
1 (tie)	Jalen Hurts	2023	Philadelphia Eagles	15
1 (tie)	Josh Allen	2023	Buffalo Bills	15
3	Cam Newton	2011	Carolina Panthers	14
4	Jalen Hurts	2022	Philadelphia Eagles	13
5 (tie)	Steve Grogan	1976	New England Patriots	12
5 (tie)	Cam Newton	2020	New England Patriots	12
7 (tie)	Johnny Lujack	1950	Chicago Bears	11
	Tobin Rote	1956	Green Bay Packers
	Kordell Stewart	1997	Pittsburgh Steelers
	Kyler Murray	2020	Arizona Cardinals
Sources:^[11]

In the Canadian Football League

The width of the CFL's field at 65 yards and the length at 110 yards has allowed quarterbacks to find openings to run the ball, implementing improvisation by a quarterback as a beneficial trait in Canadian football.^[12] ^[13] Quarterback sneaks or other runs in short yardage situations tend to be successful as a result of the distance between the offensive and defensive lines being one yard. Drew Tate, a quarterback for the Calgary Stampeders, led the CFL in rushing touchdowns during the 2014 season with ten scores as the backup to Bo Levi Mitchell.^[14] ^[15] He was primarily used in short yardage situations due to his speed and running ability. Tate scored two one-yard rushing touchdowns in the Stampeders' 20–16 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 102nd Grey Cup.^[14]

Statistical CFL leaders

Career rushing yards

Rank	Player	Seasons by team	Total rushing yards
1	Damon Allen	Edmonton Eskimos (1985 - 1988) Ottawa Rough Riders (1989 - 1991) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1992) Edmonton Eskimos (1993 - 1994) Memphis Mad Dogs (1995) BC Lions (1996 - 2002) Toronto Argonauts (2003 - 2007)	11,920^[16]
2	Tracy Ham	Edmonton Eskimos (1987 - 1992) Toronto Argonauts (1993) Baltimore Stallions (1994 - 1995) Montreal Alouettes (1996 - 1999)	8,043
3	Jackie Parker	Edmonton Eskimos (1954 - 1962) Toronto Argonauts (1963 - 1965) BC Lions (1966 - 1968)	5,210

Career rushing touchdowns

Rank	Player	Seasons by team	Total rushing TDs
1	Damon Allen	Edmonton Eskimos (1985 - 1988) Ottawa Rough Riders (1989 - 1991) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1992) Edmonton Eskimos (1993 - 1994) Memphis Mad Dogs (1995) BC Lions (1996 - 2002) Toronto Argonauts (2003 - 2007)	93^[17]
2	Matt Dunigan	Edmonton Eskimos (1983 - 1987) BC Lions (1988 - 1989) Toronto Argonauts (1990 - 1991) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1992 - 1994) Birmingham Barracudas (1995) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1996)	77
3	Jackie Parker	Edmonton Eskimos (1954 - 1962) Toronto Argonauts (1963 - 1965) BC Lions (1966 - 1968)	68
4	Doug Flutie	New Jersey Generals (USFL) (1985) Chicago Bears (NFL) (1986) New England Patriots (NFL) (1987 - 1989) BC Lions (1990 - 1991) Calgary Stampeders (1992 - 1995) Toronto Argonauts (1996 - 1997) Buffalo Bills (NFL) (1998 - 2000) San Diego Chargers (NFL) (2001 - 2004) New England Patriots (NFL) (2005)	66
5	Tracy Ham	Edmonton Eskimos (1987 - 1992) Toronto Argonauts (1993) Baltimore Stallions (1994 - 1995) Montreal Alouettes (1996 - 1999)	62

Single-season rushing yards

Rank	Player	Season	Team	Total rushing yards
1	Tracy Ham	1990	Edmonton Eskimos	1,096
2	Damon Allen	1991	Ottawa Rough Riders	1,036
3	Kerry Joseph	2005	Ottawa Renegades	1,006
4	Tracy Ham	1989	Edmonton Eskimos	1,005

Single-game rushing yards

Rank	Player	Date	Team	Total rushing yards / carries
1	Nealon Greene	July 16, 1999	Edmonton Eskimos	180 (14 carries)
2	Damon Allen	October 29, 1993	Edmonton Eskimos	170 (15 carries)
3	Tracy Ham	August 15, 1991	Edmonton Eskimos	166 (13 carries)

Notes and References

Benoit. Andy. NFL's Best Running Quarterback? The Answer May Surprise You. Sports Illustrated. June 5, 2014. February 12, 2023.
Web site: Player Season Finder Query Results Current search: For combined seasons, played QB, sorted by descending Rushing Att.. Stathead. Pro-Football-Reference.com. February 20, 2021.
Web site: Player Season Finder Query Results Current search: For combined seasons, played QB, sorted by descending Rushing Yds.. Pro-Football-Reference.com. February 20, 2021.
Web site: Player Season Finder Query Results Current search: For combined seasons, played QB, sorted by descending Rushing TD.. Stahead. Pro-Football-Reference.com. February 23, 2021.
Web site: Who has the most career rushing attempts by a quarterback in playoff history. StatMuse. January 26, 2024.
Web site: Who has the most career rushing yards by a quarterback in playoff history. StatMuse. January 26, 2024.
Web site: Who has the most career rushing yards by a quarterback in playoff history. StatMuse. January 26, 2024.
Web site: Player Season Finder Query Results Current search: For single seasons, played QB, sorted by descending Rushing Att.. Pro-Football-Reference.com. October 22, 2019.
Web site: Player Season Finder Query Results Current search: For single seasons, played QB, sorted by descending Rushing Yds.. Stathead. Pro-Football-Reference.com. February 20, 2021.
Web site: Most qb rushing yards per game, season. StatMuse. February 22, 2023.
Web site: Player Season Finder Query Results Current search: For single seasons, played QB, sorted by descending Rushing TD.. Stathead. Pro-Football-Reference.com. February 25, 2021.
Web site: CFL vs NFL . 13thman.com . January 5, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150105203148/http://www.13thman.com/cflvsnfl.html . January 5, 2015 .
Web site: Bo Levi Mitchell Shows That CFL Quarterbacks Are Not Wimps . bleacherreport.com . September 8, 2014 . January 5, 2015 . Flannery, Jim . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150105204604/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2190906-bo-levi-mitchell-shows-that-cfl-quarterbacks-are-not-wimps . January 5, 2015 .
Web site: Backup quarterback Drew Tate plays major role in limited time in Stampeders' Grey Cup win . ca.sports.yahoo.com . November 30, 2014 . January 5, 2015 . Denomme, Ian . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150105210801/https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cfl-55-yard-line/backup-quarterback-drew-tate-plays-major-role-in-limited-time-in-stampeders--grey-cup-win-045955279.html . January 5, 2015 .
Web site: Rushing - 2014 . cfl.ca . January 5, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150105210152/http://cfl.ca/statistics/league/stat/Rushing/year/2014/type/reg . January 5, 2015 .
Web site: Regular Season All-Time Records . cfl.ca . January 4, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150104163054/http://www.cfl.ca/page/stats_indrec_rushing . January 4, 2015 .
Web site: INDIVIDUAL RECORDS . cfl.ca . January 5, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150105181344/http://www.cfl.ca/uploads/assets/CFL/09/CFL_Individual_Records_2009.pdf . January 5, 2015 .