List of NFL annual interceptions leaders

In American football, an interception (INT), also known as a pick, occurs when a pass intended for a player of the same team is caught by an opposition player, who then gains possession for their team.

[5][6] In addition to the NFL interception leaders, league record books recognize the interception leaders of the American Football League (AFL), which operated from 1960 to 1969 before being absorbed into the NFL in 1970.

[9][10] Prior to that, Dan Sandifer of the Washington Redskins and Spec Sanders of the New York Yanks jointly held the record, earning 13 interceptions in 1948 and 1950 respectively.

This was first achieved by Everson Walls, who led the league in interceptions in 1981, 1982, and again in 1985.

[13] Ed Reed was later able to match Walls by leading the league in 2004, 2008, and 2010.

Black and white head shot from the shoulders up of Dick "Night Train" Lane.
Night Train Lane led the league in interceptions as a rookie in 1952. [ 1 ] In doing so, he also set the current record for most interceptions in a season. [ 2 ]
Ed Reed in a Baltimore Ravens jersey resting on one knee with his helmet on the ground in his hand.
Ed Reed is one of two players to led the league in interceptions a record three times (2004, 2008, and 2010). [ 13 ] He also holds the record for most career interception return yardage. [ 18 ]
Don Hutson in a Green Bay Packers uniform carrying the ball down a football field.
Don Hutson , a two-way player , co-led the league in interceptions in 1940. [ 19 ] He also led the league in scoring and receiving touchdowns that same year. [ 20 ]
Autographed head shot of Dick Lynch.
Dick Lynch led the league twice during the 1960s while playing for the New York Giants . [ 21 ]
Paul Krause in a football jersey with no helmet carrying a football.
Paul Krause , the career leader in interceptions, led the league in 1964. [ 22 ]
Signed head shot of Fred Glick.
Fred Glick held the AFL single-season record for interceptions with 12.