Who would win a throwing contest between NFL quarterbacks has been a hot topic of discussion. The obvious choice is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who claims to be able to throw for 75-83 yards. Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills is another option.
However, the longest pass attempt was thrown by a perhaps unexpected quarterback in week 14 of the 2020 season.
Baker Mayfield currently holds the record after throwing an impressive 70.5-yard Hail Mary attempt against the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, Mayfield failed to hit the target, so his efforts were in vain.
In an attempt to score a last-second touchdown late in the half, Mayfield threw it, perhaps too far. Here’s a look at his shot, which caused Ravens defender Chuck Clark to hit the goal post:
Baker Mayfield’s half-Hail Mary end attempt last night was the longest NFL pass attempt PFF has ever recorded 🚀 👀 https://t.co/lsRWDiwCjT
Another candidate is quarterback Randall Cunningham, who is said to have thrown the football 76 yards during the 1993 NFL quarterback challenge.
Current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes can also boast one of the strongest arms in the league. He threw the ball for 80 yards during his Texas Tech Pro Day.
In terms of passes and yards after receiving, the Oakland Raiders’ Jim Plunkett delivered the longest touchdown throw in NFL history in 1983 with 99 yards. However, he does not live up to expectations. The ball was not thrown 99 yards, but rather the receiver ran most of the distance after a short pass.
Interestingly, Plunkett isn’t the only QB to have thrown a 99-yard TD.
Quarterbacks with 99-yard touchdown passes in an NFL game
The following quarterbacks have all achieved 99-yard touchdown passes in their careers:
- Eli Manning, New York Giants vs. New York Jets, 2011
- Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins, 2011
- Gus Frerotte, Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears, 2008
- Jeff Garcia, Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 2004
- Trent Green, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers, 2002
- Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears, 1995
- Stan Humphries, San Diego Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1994
- Ron Jaworski, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1985
- Jim Plunkett, Los Angeles Raiders vs. Washington Redskins, 1983
- Sonny Jurgensen, Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears, 1968
A short list indeed, but it’s a rare occurrence.