Jared Goff Interceptions: What is the NFL record for most interceptions in a game?

Quarterback Jared Goff‘s impressive interception-free streak since Week 3 came to an end on Detroit’s first drive. In a second-and-11 play from the Lions’ 41-yard line, Goff aimed a pass toward Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield, but safety Jalen Pitre managed to deflect it.

The ball went airborne, and Jimmie Ward snagged it, granting Houston a golden opportunity at Detroit’s 35-yard line.

Going into the game against the Texans, Goff had thrown just four interceptions across his initial eight games. But by Sunday night, he had already thrown five interceptions through three quarters, including three in the first half alone—setting a new career-high for himself in both categories.

So, just how close is Goff to setting the all-time record for interceptions in a single game? Let’s explore.

What is the NFL record for most interceptions in a game?

According to Pro Football Reference, the all-time record for most interceptions in a single game stands at eight, set by Chicago Cardinals quarterback Jim Hardy back in 1950. Nine other players have recorded seven interceptions in a game.

The Lions’ franchise record belongs to Frankie Sinkwich, who threw seven interceptions in a game in 1940. With one quarter remaining in Goff’s current game, he still has a chance to match that mark.

Top 5 all-time record for interceptions in a game

Where does Jared Goff stand in NFL history with 5 interceptions in a game?

Jared Goff has now joined an exclusive group, becoming only the third quarterback since 1991 to throw five interceptions in a game and still secure a win for his team. The only other quarterbacks to achieve this rare feat were Matt Ryan with the Falcons in 2012 and Tony Romo with the Cowboys in 2007.

Who was the first player to throw seven or more interceptions?

The first player in league history to throw seven interceptions in a game was Parker Hall, playing for the Cleveland Rams in 1942. Hall, who was named MVP as a rookie in 1939, had a challenging final season with the Rams, throwing seven interceptions in a game against the Green Bay Packers.

This marked the end of his NFL career, though he later returned to play one last season in the AAFC with the San Francisco 49ers after serving in World War II.

Top 5 NFL records for most interceptions in a season

1. 1962 – George Blanda: 42 interceptions George Blanda, one of the NFL’s enduring figures, holds multiple “unbreakable” records. He played a stunning 26 seasons, retiring at 48. However, perhaps his most infamous record came in 1962 with the Houston Oilers, when he threw an astounding 42 interceptions. That season, Blanda threw picks in 13 of his 14 games, logging two games with six interceptions, three with five or more, and six with at least four.
2. 1988 – Vinny Testaverde: 35 interceptions Drafted as the first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1984, Vinny Testaverde’s first full season as a starter was riddled with errors. His 35 interceptions remain a post-merger record. Starting 15 games, Testaverde’s season began with five picks against the Philadelphia Eagles and spiraled further, including a six-interception game against the Vikings in Week 8. Despite this rough start, Testaverde went on to have a lengthy NFL career, retiring at 44 after 21 seasons.
3. 1960 – Frank Tripucka: 34 interceptions In the AFL’s debut season, Frank Tripucka came out of retirement to lead the Denver Broncos. Despite leading the league with 3,034 passing yards, his return was marred by 34 interceptions, contributing to the Broncos’ 4-9-1 record. Denver wouldn’t make the playoffs for another 17 seasons.
4. 1968 – John Hadl: 32 interceptions John Hadl’s 1968 season with the San Diego Chargers was as much a success as it was turbulent. While he led the league with 27 touchdowns and 3,473 passing yards, Hadl also logged 32 interceptions, 24 of which came in the season’s final eight games. The Chargers finished 9-5 but lagged behind the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, both at 12-2.
5. 1978 – Fran Tarkenton: 32 interceptions Legendary quarterback Fran Tarkenton’s final season wasn’t without its struggles. In his 16 games for the Minnesota Vikings, he led the NFL with 3,468 yards and 25 touchdowns but also threw a painful 32 interceptions. The Vikings ended the season at 8-7-1, and Tarkenton retired at 38.

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