Not Josh Allen or Jalen Hurts: This is the quarterback with the most rushing TDs in NFL history

When watching the NFL, you’re considerably more likely to see a quarterback, the brains of a team, register a passing touchdown than any player score a rushing touchdown, which is usually a running back’s specialism.

Passing vs rushing touchdowns: all-time NFL leaders

Tom Brady, who has recorded more touchdowns than any other QB in the history of the league, is the perfect example. Of all the TDs the seven-time Super Bowl champion was involved in throughout his career, 649 were passing touchdowns, with only 28 rushing TDs.

By comparison, the player with the most rushing touchdowns in NFL history, Emmitt Smith, only managed 164 for the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals between 1990 and 2004.

You won’t be surprised to hear, then, that there is a huge discrepancy between the all-time leader for passing touchdowns (Brady - 649) and the quarterback with the number of rushing TDs in NFL history.

The QB with the most rushing TDs...for now

Of the current crop of stars, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts are especially known for their ability to burst forward with the ball into the end zone, with both players already high up the all-time list for rushing touchdowns scored by quarterbacks. However, there is one man who stands above them.

According to the Broad Street Birds Instagram account, Cam Newton posted 77 rushing TDs (regular season and postseason) in an 11-year career with the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots. Interestingly, his best return came in his rookie season (14 in 2011), followed by his only year with the Patriots (12 in 2020).

However, it appears to be only a matter of time until Newton’s record is surpassed. Buffalo Bills quarterback Allen, in the peak of his career at 29, is only five rushing TDs behind on 72, while Philadelphia Eagles star Hurts, who is approaching his 27th birthday, is seven further back on 65.

Unless something drastic happens, both players will leapfrog Newton in the 2025 NFL season. Allen has registered 17 rushing touchdowns in each of his last two seasons, while Hurts recorded 15 in 2023 and 19 in 2024.

Jalen Hurts vs Josh Allen: a contrast of styles

Of course, a quarterback’s tendency to score rushing TDs depends on many things, including their physical attributes and both their own and their team’s style of play.

Hurts stands out for having an especially high percentage of rushing touchdowns, which account for 40.6% (65 of 160) of all his TDs.

Allen, meanwhile, has 292 career touchdowns, with his rushing TDs representing only 24.7%.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.