“Monday Night Football” has been a mainstay on primetime television for more than 50 years, becoming one of the longest-running, most-watched network series in history.<\/p>\n
The cultural staple premiered on ABC at 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 21, 1970. Leroy Kelly and the Cleveland Browns<\/a> defeated Joe Namath<\/a> and the New York Jets<\/a> 31-21 in front of 85,703 fans at Cleveland Municipal Stadium and for a national television audience full of rabid and curious viewers.<\/p>\n Browns wide receiver Homer Jones highlighted the action with a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that put Cleveland ahead 21-7 at the beginning of the second half.<\/p>\n The broadcast team of Keith Jackson (play-by-play), Don Meredith (color), and Howard Cosell (commentary) brought the first “Monday Night Football” game into living rooms and helped capture the momentous occasion that set a new standard for sports broadcasts.<\/p>\n Led by producer Roone Arledge, the “Monday Night Football” debut telecast featured twice the number of cameras as usual NFL game broadcasts and incorporated instant replays and innovative graphics.<\/p>\n ESPN has been the broadcast home of “Monday Night Football” since 2006. Over that span, many of the NFL’s most statistically staggering feats have happened on Monday night, including the Los Angeles Rams<\/a> (54) and Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> (51) combining for a whopping 105 points on Nov. 19, 2018.<\/p>\n Take a look at notable facts, stats and records in “Monday Night Football” history below:<\/p>\n Best all-time records on MNF<\/p>\n Seattle Seahawks<\/a>, 31-13 (.705)<\/p>\n Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>, 55-25 (.688)<\/p>\n San Francisco 49ers<\/a>, 54-32 (.628)<\/p>\n Kansas City Chiefs, 33-21 (.611)<\/p>\n Highest-scoring MNF games (combined points)<\/p>\n 105 – Los Angeles Rams (54) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (51) on Nov. 19, 2018<\/p>\n 95 – Green Bay Packers<\/a> (48) vs. Washington (47) on Oct. 17, 1983<\/p>\n 89 – Baltimore Ravens<\/a> (47) at Cleveland Browns (42) on Dec. 14, 2020<\/p>\n 87 – Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> (59) at Washington (28) on Nov. 15, 2010<\/p>\n 87 – Kansas City Chiefs (49) at Tennessee Titans<\/a> (38) on Dec. 13, 2004<\/p>\n Lowest-scoring MNF games (combined points)<\/p>\n 3 – Pittsburgh Steelers (3) vs. Miami Dolphins<\/a> (0) on Nov. 26, 2007<\/p>\n 9 – Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> (9) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (0) on Sept. 18, 2006<\/p>\n 10 – San Francisco 49ers (7) vs. New York Giants<\/a> (3) on Dec. 3, 1990<\/p>\n 12 – Oakland Raiders (9) vs. Denver Broncos<\/a> (3) on Dec. 1, 1980<\/p>\n Most points scored in a MNF game<\/p>\n 59 – Philadelphia Eagles at Washington on Nov. 15, 2010<\/p>\n 55 – Indianapolis Colts<\/a> vs. Denver Broncos on Oct. 31, 1988<\/p>\n 54 – Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 19, 2018<\/p>\n 52 – San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears<\/a> on Dec. 23, 1991<\/p>\n 51 – Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 19, 2018<\/p>\n 51 – New Orleans Saints<\/a> vs. Green Bay Packers on Nov. 24, 2008<\/p>\n 50 – San Diego Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> on Dec. 20, 1982<\/p>\n Most receiving touchdowns in a MNF game<\/p>\n 4 – Travis Kelce<\/a> (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> on Oct. 10, 2022<\/p>\n Most receiving yards in a MNF game<\/p>\n 289 – Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Minnesota Vikings<\/a> on Dec. 18, 1995<\/p>\n 286 – John Taylor (San Francisco 49ers) at Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 11, 1989<\/p>\n 260 – Wes Chandler (San Diego Chargers) vs. Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 20, 1982<\/p>\n 259 – Julio Jones<\/a> (Atlanta Falcons<\/a>) at Green Bay Packers on Dec. 8, 2014<\/p>\n 241 – Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 9, 1985<\/p>\n 241 – Gary Clark (Washington) at New York Giants on Oct. 27, 1986<\/p>\n Most rushing yards in a MNF game<\/p>\n 221 – Bo Jackson (Los Angeles Raiders) at Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 30, 1987<\/p>\n 216 – Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) vs. Chicago Bears on Dec. 9, 2002<\/p>\n 214 – Thurman Thomas (Buffalo Bills<\/a>) at New York Jets on Sept. 24, 1990<\/p>\n 204 – Le’Veon Bell<\/a> (Pittsburgh Steelers) at Tennessee Titans on Nov. 17, 2014<\/p>\n 201 – Shaun Alexander (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Green Bay Packers on Nov. 27, 2006<\/p>\n Most rushing touchdowns in a MNF game<\/p>\n 4 – Emmitt Smith (Dallas Cowboys<\/a>) at New York Giants on Sept. 4, 1995<\/p>\n 4 – Eric Dickerson (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Denver Broncos on Oct. 31, 1988<\/p>\n 4 – Earl Campbell (Houston Oilers) vs. Miami Dolphins on Nov. 20, 1978<\/p>\n Most interceptions thrown in a MNF game<\/p>\n 6 – Ed Luther (San Diego Chargers) vs Washington on Oct. 31, 1983<\/p>\n 5 – Done 6 times – Wade Wilson (Minnesota Vikings), Joe Theismann (Washington), Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys) twice, Scott Bull (San Francisco 49ers), and Mike Boryla (Philadelphia Eagles)<\/p>\n Most passing touchdowns in a MNF game<\/p>\n 6 – Patrick Mahomes<\/a> (Kansas City Chiefs) at Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 19, 2018<\/p>\n 5 – Lamar Jackson<\/a> (Baltimore Ravens) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> on Oct. 21, 2024<\/p>\n 5 – Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) at Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 25, 2019<\/p>\n 5 – Aaron Rodgers<\/a> (Green Bay Packers) vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 28, 2015<\/p>\n 5 – Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) vs. New England Patriots<\/a> on Nov. 30, 2009<\/p>\n 5 – Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 5, 2007<\/p>\n 5 – Vinny Testaverde (New York Jets) vs. Miami Dolphins on Oct. 23, 2000<\/p>\n 5 – Jim Kelly (Buffalo Bills) vs. Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 21, 1991<\/p>\n 5 – Dave Krieg (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Los Angeles Raiders on Nov. 28, 1988<\/p>\n Most passing yards in a MNF game<\/p>\n 517 – Tom Brady (New England Patriots) at Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12, 2011<\/p>\n 497 – Jameis Winston<\/a> (Cleveland Browns) at Denver Broncos on Dec. 2, 2024<\/p>\n 478 – Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) at Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 19, 2018<\/p>\n 458 – Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers) at Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 11, 1989<\/p>\n 448 – Marc Bulger (St. Louis Rams) at Green Bay Packers on Nov. 29, 2004<\/p>\n Longest field goals made in a MNF game<\/p>\n 63 – Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland Raiders) at Denver Broncos on Sept. 12, 2011<\/p>\n 61 – Justin Tucker<\/a> (Baltimore Ravens) at Detroit Lions<\/a> on Dec. 16, 2013<\/p>\n 59 – Will Reichard<\/a> (Minnesota Vikings) at Chicago Bears on Sept. 8, 2025<\/p>\n 59 – Cameron Dicker<\/a> (Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>) at Arizona Cardinals<\/a> on Oct. 21, 2024<\/p>\n 59 – Matthew Wright<\/a> (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 10, 2022<\/p>\n 59 – Tony Franklin (Philadelphia Eagles) at Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 12, 1979<\/p>\n Most interceptions in a MNF game<\/p>\n 4 – Dick Anderson (Miami Dolphins) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 3, 1973<\/p>\n Most sacks in a MNF game<\/p>\n 5.5 – Aldon Smith<\/a> (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Chicago Bears on Nov. 19, 2012<\/p>\n 4.5 – Jared Allen (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Green Bay Packers on Oct. 5, 2009<\/p>\n 4.0 – Done 8 times, most recently T.J. Watt<\/a> (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Cleveland Browns on Jan. 3, 2022<\/p>\n All-time MNF commentators (ABC – 1970-2005; ESPN – 2006-present)<\/p>\n 2025 – Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters, Laura Rutledge<\/p>\n 2024 – Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2023 – Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2022 – Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2021 – Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2020 – Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2019 – Joe Tessitore, Booger McFarland, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2018 – Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Booger McFarland, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2017 – Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2016 – Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2015 – Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2014 – Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2013 – Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2012 – Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters<\/p>\n 2011 – Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Ron Jaworski, rotation of reporters (Suzy Kolber, Rachel Nichols, Wendi Nix, Sal Paolantonio, Ed Werder)<\/p>\n 2010 – Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Ron Jaworski, Suzy Kolber, Michele Tafoya<\/p>\n 2009 – Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Ron Jaworski, Suzy Kolber, Michele Tafoya<\/p>\n 2008 – Mike Tirico, Tony Kornheiser, Ron Jaworski, Suzy Kolber, Michele Tafoya<\/p>\n 2007 – Mike Tirico, Tony Kornheiser, Ron Jaworski, Suzy Kolber, Michele Tafoya<\/p>\n 2006 – Mike Tirico, Tony Kornheiser, Joe Theismann, Suzy Kolber, Michele Tafoya<\/p>\n 2005 – Al Michaels, John Madden, Michele Tafoya, Sam Ryan (filled in during Tafoya’s pregnancy\/maternity leave)<\/p>\n 2004 – Al Michaels, John Madden, Michele Tafoya<\/p>\n 2003 – Al Michaels, John Madden, Lisa Guerrero<\/p>\n 2002 – Al Michaels, John Madden, Melissa Stark<\/p>\n 2001 – Al Michaels, Dan Fouts, Dennis Miller, Melissa Stark, Eric Dickerson<\/p>\n 2000 – Al Michaels, Dan Fouts, Dennis Miller, Melissa Stark, Eric Dickerson<\/p>\n 1999 – Al Michaels, Boomer Esiason, Lesley Visser<\/p>\n 1998 – Al Michaels, Dan Dierdorf, Boomer Esiason, Lesley Visser<\/p>\n 1997 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf, Lesley Visser<\/p>\n 1996 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf, Lynn Swann<\/p>\n 1995 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf, Lynn Swann<\/p>\n 1994 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf, Lynn Swann<\/p>\n 1993 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf<\/p>\n 1992 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf<\/p>\n 1991 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf<\/p>\n 1990 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf<\/p>\n 1989 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf<\/p>\n 1988 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf<\/p>\n 1987 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf<\/p>\n 1986 – Al Michaels, Frank Gifford<\/p>\n 1985 – Frank Gifford, O.J. Simpson, Joe Namath<\/p>\n 1984 – Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, O.J. Simpson<\/p>\n 1983 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, O.J. Simpson<\/p>\n 1982 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, Fran Tarkenton<\/p>\n 1981 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, Fran Tarkenton<\/p>\n 1980 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, Fran Tarkenton<\/p>\n 1979 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, Fran Tarkenton<\/p>\n 1978 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith<\/p>\n 1977 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith<\/p>\n 1976 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Alex Karras<\/p>\n 1975 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Alex Karras<\/p>\n 1974 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, Fred Williamson<\/p>\n 1973 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith<\/p>\n 1972 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith<\/p>\n 1971 – Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith<\/p>\n 1970 – Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith<\/p>\n Check out the ESPN NFL hub page<\/a> for standings<\/a>, scores<\/a>, stats<\/a>, schedules<\/a> and more.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"“Monday Night Football” has been a mainstay on primetime television for more than 50 years, becoming one of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":373683,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[563],"tags":[201906,64,63,794,596,1246,1240,1263,89960,1249,593,1260,1241,1262,1254,85],"class_list":["post-373682","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football","tag-201906","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-espn","tag-football","tag-indianapolis-colts","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-monday-night-football","tag-new-orleans-saints","tag-nfl","tag-philadelphia-eagles","tag-pittsburgh-steelers","tag-san-francisco-49ers","tag-seattle-seahawks","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/373682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=373682"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/373682\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/373683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=373682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=373682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=373682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}