In American football, passing, along with running (also referred to as rushing), is one of the two main methods of advancing the ball down the field. Passes are typically attempted by the quarterback, but any offensive player can throw one, provided they are behind the line of scrimmage. To qualify as a passing play, the ball must move forward upon leaving the passer's hands; if it moves laterally or backward, the play is considered a running play. A player catching a forward pass is called a receiver. A touchdown pass occurs when a pass results in a touchdown, either by being caught and advanced into the end zone or caught within its boundaries. The number of passing touchdowns a player makes is a recorded statistic in football games. In addition to the overall National Football League (NFL) passing touchdown leaders, league record books recognize the passing touchdown leaders of the American Football League, which operated from 1960 to 1969 before merging with the NFL in 1970. 
Tom Brady holds the record for most passing touchdowns with 649, followed by Drew Brees with 571 and Peyton Manning with 539. Aaron Rodgers leads all active players with 503 career passing touchdowns. Brady is also the record holder for the most career playoff passing touchdowns with 88. He is followed by Joe Montana and Rodgers, with both tied at 45. Rodgers leads all active players in career playoff passing touchdowns. The longest career passing touchdown record holder is Fran Tarkenton, who held the record from 1975 to 1994.
Regular season career passing touchdowns leaders.
"Through 2024 season."
Playoff career passing touchdowns leaders.
"Updated through Semifinal round of 2024 playoffs."
Historical career passing touchdowns leaders.
Sixteen players are recognized as having held outright or tied the record as the NFL's career passing touchdowns leader.
References.
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