Ernie Nevers and the Record That Will Likely Never Be Broken

Published on June 7th, 2025 12:33 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


On November 28, 1929, at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Ernie Nevers of the Chicago Cardinals delivered a performance that remains unmatched in NFL history. Facing the Chicago Bears, Nevers scored all 40 points in a 40-6 victory, tallying six rushing touchdowns and four extra points. This feat set the record for the most points scored by an individual in a single NFL game, a record that still stands today.

The game was played under snowy and wet conditions, with a sparse crowd of around 8,000 in attendance. Despite the weather, Nevers was unstoppable. He scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, one in the second, and three more in the second half. His performance was bolstered by the Cardinals' offensive line, particularly tackle Duke Slater, who played all sixty minutes and was instrumental in creating running lanes.

Nevers' six rushing touchdowns in a single game remain an NFL record, tied only by Dub Jones in 1951, Gale Sayers in 1965, and Alvin Kamara in 2020. However, Nevers' 40-point total, including the extra points he kicked himself, remains unmatched.

Just four days earlier, Nevers had scored all 19 points in a 19-0 win over the Dayton Triangles, bringing his total to 59 points in two games.

Nevers' record-setting day is a testament to his versatility and dominance. He wasn't just a fullback - he also handled the kicking duties. That kind of all-around impact is virtually unheard of in the modern game. His 40-point performance remains one of the most remarkable individual achievements in NFL history.