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Sports history is replete with remarkable achievements, but some records stand out as seemingly unbreakable. These records, spanning various leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, have withstood the test of time and may never be surpassed. Whether it be a certain number of games played in a row, total yards covered throughout a career or the domination by one team over a decade, there are a plethora of records set by athletes and teams that will likely never be broken. Here, we delve into five such unbreakable sports records.
When it comes to unbreakable sports records, Major League Baseball (MLB) Cy Young’s record of 749 complete games is untouchable. This record, set during a career spanning from 1890 to 1911, reflects an era when pitchers routinely finished what they started.
In today’s game, velocity is way up, taxing arms, and with an emphasis on specialized relief pitching and pitch count limits to keep pitchers healthy, it makes such a feat unimaginable. Modern pitchers rarely achieve even ten complete games in a single season, let alone approaching Young’s staggering total.
For unbreakable sports records in the National Football League (NFL), Emmitt Smith’s record of 18,355 career rushing yards is a testament to his durability and consistent excellence. Playing for the Dallas Cowboys and later the Arizona Cardinals, Smith eclipsed Walter Payton’s previous record in 2002.
The modern NFL focuses on passing offenses and running back committees, so it’s unlikely to see a player with the longevity and production necessary to challenge Smith’s record.
Cal Ripken Jr., the “Iron Man” of baseball, set an unbreakable mark by playing in 2,632 consecutive games for the Baltimore Orioles from 1982 to 1998. Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s long-standing record of 2,130 consecutive games and continued to play for several more seasons.
The physical and mental demands of modern baseball, coupled with the strategic rest days for players, make it highly improbable that anyone will ever come close to Ripken’s record.
The Boston Celtics‘ dominance in the NBA from 1959 to 1966, winning eight consecutive championships, remains unmatched in professional sports.
Led by legendary figures like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy and coach Red Auerbach, the Celtics established a dynasty during a time when the league was smaller and less competitive. The expansion of the league and the increased parity among teams make a similar streak almost impossible in today’s game.
In the NHL, Wayne Gretzky’s career points total of 2,857 is a record that seems destined to stand forever. Gretzky, known as “The Great One,” dominated the sport from the late 1970s through the 1990s, setting numerous records.
His nearest competitor, Jaromir Jagr, retired with 1,921 points, still more than 900 points shy of Gretzky’s mark. The combination of Gretzky’s unparalleled vision, skill and the higher scoring rates during his era make his record one of the most unbreakable in sports.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.