List of National Football League season interceptions leaders
This is a season-by-season list of National Football League (NFL) players who have led the regular season in interceptions.[1] An interception, also known as a pick, is a gridiron football concept involving a pass being caught by an opposition player, who usually gains possession for his team.
Record-keeping for interception counts began in 1940. The record for most interceptions in a single season is held by Dick Lane, nicknamed "Night Train" Lane, who logged 14 interceptions as a rookie in 1952, while playing for the Los Angeles Rams.[2] Previously Dan Sandifer of the Washington Redskins and Spec Sanders jointly held the record, earning 13 interceptions, in 1948 and 1950, respectively. The record for most league-leading seasons in interceptions is 3. This was first achieved by Everson Walls, who led the league in interceptions in 1981, 1982, and again in 1985.[3] Ed Reed was later able to match Walls, by leading the league in 2004, 2008, and 2010.[4] Bill Bradley became the first player to led the league in interceptions in consecutive seasons (1971 and 1972).[5] The aforementioned Walls matched Bradley with his 1981 and 1982 efforts. The most recent players to lead the league in interceptions are Reggie Nelson and Marcus Peters, with 8 each in 2015. Additionally, New York Giants players have led the league in interceptions in more seasons (7), than any other team.
Interception leaders
Other leagues
All-America Football Conference (AAFC):
| Year | Player | Ints | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Tommy Colella | 10 | Cleveland Browns |
| 1947 | Tommy Colella Len Eshmont Bill Kellagher |
6 | Cleveland Browns San Francisco 49ers Chicago Rockets |
| 1948 | Otto Schnellbacher | 11 | New York Yankees |
| 1949 | Jim Cason | 9 | San Francisco 49ers |
American Football League (AFL):
| Year | Player | Ints | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Goose Gonsoulin | 11 | Denver Broncos |
| 1961 | Billy Atkins | 10 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1962 | Lee Riley | 11 | Titans of New York |
| 1963 | Fred Glick | 12 | Houston Oilers |
| 1964 | Dainard Paulson | 12 | New York Jets |
| 1965 | W. K. Hicks | 9 | Houston Oilers |
| 1966 | Bobby Hunt Johnny Robinson |
10 | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs |
| 1967 | Miller Farr Tom Janik Dick Westmoreland |
10 | Houston Oilers Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins |
| 1968 | Dave Grayson | 10 | Oakland Raiders |
| 1969 | Emmitt Thomas | 9 | Kansas City Chiefs |
References
- ↑ "NFL Year-by-Year Interceptions Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference. Sports-Reference. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
- ↑ Hunter, Justin (July 8, 2012). "Why Dick Lane's Interception Record Will Never Fall". Football Nation. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
- ↑ "Everson Walls". Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
- ↑ "Texans cut Ed Reed; Foster to IR". ESPN. November 13, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
- ↑ Richards, Matt (September 24, 2004). "Bradley's legend starts new chapter at Baylor". Baylor.edu. Retrieved October 10, 2014.