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Who Has The Most Passing Yards By a Rookie In NFL History?

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So, you're wondering who has the most passing yards by a rookie in NFL histoty? Let's get in to it!

The rookie passing yard record in the NFL is a significant achievement that highlights the success of a rookie quarterback. The record serves as a benchmark for measuring the immediate impact and performance of young quarterbacks as they transition from college to the professional level. For a look at the best overall rookie seasons, check out this article.

Related: The Most Rookie Rushing Yards in NFL History

Historically, several talented rookie quarterbacks have made a strong impact by breaking or setting new rookie passing yard records or rookie rushing records. Quarterbacks such as Andrew Luck, Cam Newton, and Justin Herbert have been notable in this regard, showcasing their skill and adaptability to the NFL game early in their careers. However, early success doesn't always mean that the player will eventually land on our list of best NFL players of all-time, and early struggles certainly don't mean that they won't.

Here is a breakdown of the rookie NFL passing yards record.

5. Mac Jones: 3,801 Passing Yards

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  • Team: New England Patriots
  • Year: 2021
  • Touchdowns: 22

When the New England Patriots moved on from Tom Brady the immediate question that came to the forefront was who would replace the GOAT? The Patriots were quick to act, selecting Mac Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones had an immediate impact on the Patriots in his rookie season.

He was exceptional in the pocket, gaining nearly 4,000 passing yards in the air. His play helped lead the patriots to a 10-7 record and a place in the wild card games. They ultimately lost to the Bills and we haven't seen Mac reach the same heights as he did his rookie season.

4. Jameis Winston: 4,042 Passing Yards

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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
  • Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Year: 2015
  • Touchdowns: 22

Jameis Winston was selected as the first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he played all 16 games as the starting quarterback.

During his rookie campaign, Winston threw for 4,042 passing yards. His performance set a new rookie record for passing yards in a season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at that time. It's worth noting that Winston's rookie season was statistically productive, but he also faced the typical learning curve and challenges that many first-year quarterbacks experience in the NFL.

3. Cam Newton: 4,051 Passing Yards

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  • Team: Carolina Panthers
  • Year: 2011
  • Touchdowns: 21

Cam Newton had an impressive rookie season with the Carolina Panthers in 2011. In his debut year, he passed for 4,051 yards, setting a new rookie record for passing yards at that time. This achievement was part of a remarkable season for Newton, who also threw for 21 touchdowns and rushed for 14 more, earning him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Cam Newton's impact as a dual-threat quarterback was evident in his rookie season, and his performance set the stage for a successful career in the NFL. Newton would go on to win a regular season MVP award as well as leading the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance.

2. Justin Herbert: 4,336 Passing Yards

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(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
  • Team: Los Angeles Chargers
  • Year: 2020
  • Touchdowns: 31

Justin Herbert had an outstanding rookie season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. He took over as the starting quarterback in Week 2 and had a record-setting performance. For his rookie season in 2020, Justin Herbert threw for 4,336 passing yards, setting a new NFL rookie record for the most passing yards in a single season. This accomplishment earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, highlighting his impressive debut in the league.

1. Andrew Luck: 4,374 Passing Yards

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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
  • Team: Indianapolis Colts
  • Year: 2012
  • Touchdowns: 23


Andrew Luck had an outstanding rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. In his debut year, Luck threw for 4,374 passing yards, setting a new NFL record for the most passing yards by a rookie quarterback.

Luck's impressive performance contributed to the Colts' success and marked him as one of the league's rising stars. He demonstrated his ability to lead the team and make impactful plays, earning him recognition and setting high expectations for his future in the NFL. Although Lucks career was cut short due to injuries, there is no denying how talented the quarterback truly was.

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