The NFL has seen many legendary running backs over its long history, but a select few stand out as the greatest to ever play the position. Here is a ranking of the top 10 running backs in NFL history.
Will any active running backs end up cementing their names on a list like this down the line?
The 10 Greatest Running Backs in NFL History
10. Franco Harris
Franco Harris was a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 1970s dynasty, known for his powerful running style and clutch performances. He rushed for 12,120 yards and scored 100 touchdowns in his career. Harris was a four-time Super Bowl champion and is best remembered for his iconic “Immaculate Reception.” His contributions to the Steelers’ success and his consistent performance make him a strong candidate for this list.
9. Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk redefined the running back position with his dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver. As a key part of “The Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams teams, Faulk showcased his versatility by becoming the only player in NFL history to amass 12,000 rushing yards and 6,000 receiving yards. He won the NFL MVP award in 2000 and was named Offensive Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons from 1999-2001. Faulk’s ability to impact the game as both a runner and pass-catcher made it nearly impossible for defenses to stop in his prime.
8. Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson was the last great workhorse running back of the modern NFL era. He won the 2012 NFL MVP award after rushing for 2,097 yards, coming just nine yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson‘s single-season record. Peterson led the NFL in rushing three times and surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in seven seasons. His combination of speed, power, and elusiveness made him one of the most feared runners of his generation. Peterson ranks fifth all-time with 14,918 career rushing yards.
7. Eric Dickerson
Eric Dickerson burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie in 1983 and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant runners in league history. In just his second season in 1984, Dickerson set the NFL single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards – a mark that still stands today. He led the league in rushing four times in his first five seasons. Dickerson’s upright running style and breakaway speed allowed him to rack up huge numbers, finishing his career with 13,259 rushing yards.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson was the premier all-purpose back of the 2000s. He won the 2006 NFL MVP award after scoring a record 31 total touchdowns. Tomlinson led the league in rushing twice and had at least 1,200 rushing yards in seven straight seasons. He excelled as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield, finishing his career with over 13,000 rushing yards and 4,000 receiving yards. Tomlinson’s elusiveness and nose for the end zone made him one of the most productive backs ever.
5. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell was a human battering ram who punished defenders with his bruising running style. He burst onto the scene by winning NFL MVP as a rookie in 1978 and led the league in rushing his first three seasons. Campbell’s combination of speed and power made him nearly unstoppable, especially early in his career. Though injuries shortened his prime, Campbell left a lasting impact and finished with 9,407 career rushing yards and 74 touchdowns.
4. Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith was the model of consistency and productivity throughout his 15-year career. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards – a record that still stands. Smith led the league in rushing four times and scored 175 career touchdowns. While not the most physically gifted runner, Smith’s vision, patience, and durability allowed him to rack up huge numbers year after year. He was the engine that powered the Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the 1990s.
Will his record over be topped?
3. Walter Payton
Walter Payton embodied toughness and versatility during his legendary 13-year career with the Chicago Bears. Nicknamed “Sweetness,” Payton retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards. He led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns in 1977, winning NFL MVP honors. Payton was known for his stiff arm and high-stepping style that allowed him to break tackles. He was also an accomplished receiver and even threw eight career touchdown passes.
2. Jim Brown
Jim Brown dominated the NFL like few players ever have during his nine-year career from 1957-1965. He led the league in rushing eight times in nine seasons and was named NFL MVP three times. Brown’s combination of size, speed, and power made him virtually unstoppable. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher despite playing just nine seasons. Brown averaged an incredible 104.3 rushing yards per game over his career – still the highest mark in NFL history.
1. Barry Sanders
While Jim Brown has a strong case for the top spot, Barry Sanders gets the nod as the greatest running back in NFL history. Sanders’ jaw-dropping elusiveness and big-play ability made him appointment viewing every time he touched the ball. He led the league in rushing four times and had over 1,000 yards rushing in all 10 seasons of his career. Sanders averaged 5.0 yards per carry for his career and routinely made defenders look silly with his cuts and spin moves.
He walked away from the game in his prime, leaving fans to wonder just how much more he could have accomplished. Sanders’ combination of productivity and highlight-reel running style gives him a slight edge over Jim Brown for the top spot.
