Yard Gainers: The 10 Greatest NFL Running Backs of All-Time
The 10 Greatest Running Backs in NFL History!
Throughout the history of the NFL, the running back position has been a cornerstone, providing teams with a potent weapon on the gridiron.
But who are the greatest NFL running backs EVER? Read on to find out our picks!
Legendary Running Back Gale Sayers
In today's era of high-flying passing attacks, the artistry of a dominant rushing game remains a captivating sight that can sway the tides of victory.
While quarterbacks and wide receivers often grab the spotlight, there is an undeniable allure in watching a truly exceptional running back shred through a defence, striving to gain every inch, break tackles and leave defenders in their wake.
But how can we compare running backs across different eras?
Football has evolved, and with it, the roles and strategies of the game. Yet, amidst these changes, running backs have consistently played a crucial role, allowing us to assess their greatness with some level of continuity.
In NFL history, there have been numerous extraordinary running backs who deserve recognition. However, we must narrow it down to the 10 greatest running backs of all-time.
Considering a comprehensive range of criteria – from statistical prowess and personal achievements to team success, supporting casts, era dynamics and overall impact - here are the 10 greatest running backs of all time.
10. Tony Dorsett
Career Highlight Stats
Heisman Trophy winner
Four-time All-American
Career total of 12,739 rushing yards
Before Emmitt Smith took the spotlight, Dorsett was the star of the Dallas Cowboys, leading the team to its second Super Bowl triumph and posting an impressive eight 1,000-yard seasons.
His iconic 99-yard touchdown run remains a cherished memory, earning him the record for the longest run from scrimmage that may never be surpassed.
Although Dorsett may sometimes be overshadowed by the star-studded Cowboys of the 1990s, he was undeniably one of the premier running backs of his era, possessing explosive speed and exceptional receiving skills.
Tony Dorsett, a Heisman Trophy winner, and a four-time All-American, entered the NFL with immense expectations - and he certainly lived up to them.
Throughout his 12-season career, Dorsett consistently surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, showcasing his remarkable talent year after year.
Dorsett possessed game-changing speed and was always a threat to break loose for a long touchdown.
Standing as the tenth-leading rusher in NFL history, Dorsett's achievements also include a Super Bowl championship (XII) and his induction into the Hall of Fame.
If not for a shortened 1982, Dorsett would have opened his career with an incredible streak of nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Nonetheless, he amassed a career total of 12,739 rushing yards, securing the second spot on the all-time list behind the legendary Walter Payton.
9. Gale Sayers
Career Highlight Stats
The youngest Hall of Fame inductee
Scored the most touchdowns by a rookie in NFL history
Sayers scored a record six touchdowns in one single game
Gale Sayers "The Kansas Comet," possessed an unparalleled brilliance on the football field that was tragically cut short by injury.
He left an indelible mark, setting records and captivating fans with his extraordinary talent. In a single game, Sayers etched his name in NFL history by scoring an astonishing six touchdowns, a record that still stands today.
Better yet, his rookie season showcased his exceptional ability to find the end zone, as he scored 22 touchdowns, the most ever by a rookie in NFL history.
Additionally, he holds the record for the highest career kickoff return average, displaying his versatility and impact on special teams.
While Sayers is renowned for his football prowess, he is also known for his deep friendship with Brian Piccolo, a story that became the subject of a best-selling book and a movie.
Despite never experiencing playoff football, Sayers' contributions to the game were recognised with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the age of 34, making him the youngest player to receive such an honour.
Bears legend Mike Ditka, who witnessed Sayers' brilliance firsthand, attests to his unrivalled skills, proclaiming that he is yet to encounter anyone who ran the football better than Gale Sayers.
8. Eric Dickerson
Career Highlight Stats
1986 Offensive Player of the Year award winner
1,808 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns
Rookie of the Year award winner
Despite defying the mould of a traditional running back at 6-foot-3, his speed and agility propelled him to extraordinary heights.
In his debut season, Dickerson showcased his exceptional talent, amassing a staggering 1,808 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 51 receptions for 404 yards and two additional scores earning him the Rookie of the Year award as a rising star.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Dickerson set the NFL ablaze in his sophomore year with an astonishing 2,105 rushing yards and shattered O.J. Simpson's single-season rushing record.
His relentless pursuit of greatness continued as he accumulated five more seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards, establishing himself as one of the most formidable backs in the game.
Despite the absence of a Super Bowl victory, his impact resonated far beyond championship titles. Dickerson's distinctive Jheri Curls and iconic goggles made him instantly recognisable, elevating his status as a household name.
In addition to his record-breaking achievements, Dickerson's illustrious career also included:
Six Pro Bowl selections
Five first-team All-Pro appearances
Offensive Player of the Year award in 1986
While injuries curtailed his career in his early 30s, his remarkable accomplishments and unforgettable style continue to resonate.
7. Adrian Peterson
Career Highlight Stats
NFL record for the most rushing yards in a single game at 296 yards
He won three NFL rushing titles
2012 NFL MVP award
Adrian Peterson burst onto the NFL scene with a rare combination of size, speed and athleticism.
As the Minnesota Vikings' all-time leading rusher, he epitomised the ideal running back. Peterson's greatness is evidenced by numerous records and accolades.
He holds the esteemed NFL record for the most rushing yards in a single game, an astounding 296 yards, and ranks among the top five in career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in NFL history.
He won three NFL rushing titles and in 2012, he secured the NFL MVP award.
During his remarkable tenure with the Vikings, Peterson electrified fans and left opponents in his wake.
Accumulating a staggering 11,747 rushing yards, he reached new heights with a remarkable 2,097-yard season in 2012, narrowly missing Eric Dickerson's single-season record.
His Minnesota career was punctuated by 97 touchdowns, consistently delivering impactful performances. While injuries and limitations in the passing game hindered his later years, Peterson's impact on the field remains undeniable.
6. Marshall Faulk
Career Highlight Stats
A total of 136 recorded touchdowns
NFL record for the most consecutive seasons with at least 2,000 yards from scrimmage
NFL record for the most receptions for a running back with 767
Marshall Faulk, a football phenom, carved his own path to greatness, showcasing a mesmerising blend of rushing and receiving skills that left opponents grasping at thin air.
With 2,836 rushing attempts, Faulk accumulated an impressive 12,279 rushing yards and scored 100 rushing touchdowns.
His contributions were not limited to the ground, as he showcased exceptional receiving skills with 767 receptions, amassing 6,875 receiving yards and 36 receiving touchdowns.
In total, Faulk recorded 136 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a prolific playmaker.
Faulk's achievements set him apart from his peers. He is one of only three players in NFL history to achieve the remarkable feat of gaining 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.
Additionally, he holds the NFL record for the most consecutive seasons with at least 2,000 yards from scrimmage, accomplishing this remarkable feat over four seasons.
A pivotal figure in the revolutionary "Greatest Show on Turf" offence, Faulk played a crucial role in the success of the St. Louis Rams, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in XXXIV.
He redefined the running back position, showcasing exceptional receiving abilities and leading the offence with his multifaceted skill set.
He currently holds the record for the most receptions by a running back with 767, as well as the most receiving yards by a running back with 6,875.
Notably, Faulk achieved an impressive 1,000-1,000 season in 1999. Faulk's accomplishments were rightfully rewarded with two NFL MVP awards alongside seven Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honours.
5. LaDainian Tomlinson
Career Highlight Stats
A total of 13,684 rushing yards
Single-season rushing touchdown record of 28
2006 NFL MVP award
LaDainian Tomlinson, famously known as "L.T.," is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Boasting impressive career stats of 13,684 rushing yards, 145 rushing touchdowns, 624 receptions, 4,772 receiving yards and a total of 162 touchdowns, Tomlinson's impact on the field was undeniable.
He holds numerous records, including the single-season rushing touchdown record of 28 and the record for consecutive games with a touchdown, spanning 18 games.
Tomlinson's remarkable achievements earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Throughout his career, he received five Pro Bowl selections, was named to the All-Pro team three times, and even secured the coveted NFL MVP award in 2006.
Not only was Tomlinson a dominant force on the ground, but he also showcased his versatility with his receiving skills.
He ranks third all-time in receptions from the running back position, further solidifying his impact beyond rushing statistics.
Although his teams may not have experienced significant postseason success, Tomlinson's influence extended far beyond team accomplishments.
His electrifying playing style and ability to find the end zone consistently made him a captivating figure in the NFL, leaving a lasting legacy.
4. Barry Sanders
Career Highlight Stats
Two NFL MVP awards
Four NFL rushing titles
He holds the NFL record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons
Barry Sanders, widely regarded as one of the most electrifying players in NFL history, captivated audiences with his mesmerising ability to defy the laws of physics and escape seemingly impossible situations.
Despite a career that spanned just 10 seasons, Sanders' illustrious career is decorated with two NFL MVP awards, four NFL rushing titles and an impressive selection to the Pro Bowl in all 10 seasons.
Now, in each of his 10 seasons, he never rushed for fewer than 1,115 yards in just 11 games.
Remarkably, he surpassed 1,300 yards in all eight other seasons, culminating in remarkable campaigns of 2,053 and 1,491 rushing yards.
Notably, his 15,269 rushing yards stand as the most accumulated in a player's first 10 seasons. Sanders also holds the highest yards per carry average (5.0) among players with 3,000 attempts, showcasing his unmatched efficiency.
Had he chosen to continue his career, there is little doubt he may have solidified his place as the undisputed greatest running back in history.
Throughout his decade-long tenure with the Detroit Lions, Sanders was nothing short of extraordinary evidenced by his league MVP title in 1997, where he accumulated a staggering 2,053 rushing yards.
Sanders also holds an impressive array of 10 NFL records, including the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons leaving an enduring legacy.
3. Walter Payton
Career Highlight Stats
Three-time league MVP (1976, 1977 and 1985)
Career average of 4.4 yards per carry
One Super Bowl win with the Bears
Walter Payton, known as "Sweetness," is synonymous with excellence among elite running backs.
His illustrious career is marked by numerous NFL records and a legacy that extends far beyond many of his peers.
As a three-time league MVP (1976, '77, '85), a Super Bowl champion (XX) with the legendary '85 Bears, and a nine-time Pro Bowler, Payton cemented his status as one of the game's greatest.
Selected fourth overall in the 1975 NFL draft, Payton spent his entire Hall-of-Fame career of 13 years with the Chicago Bears.
At the time of his retirement, he held records for attempts, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and all-purpose yards.
Notably, his career average of 4.4 yards per carry surpassed that of Emmitt Smith (4.2). The Bears' offensive identity revolved around Payton and, under his leadership, the team secured its first and only Super Bowl.
Beyond his records, Payton's consistent excellence is evident. He achieved over 1,200 rushing yards in a season an incredible 10 times, a feat unmatched in NFL history.
His career total of 16,726 rushing yards, which stood as a record at the time, currently places him fifth all-time. Walter Payton's high steps and powerful stiff arms made a mockery of defenders from 1975 to 1987.
His unforgettable MVP-winning 1977 season, with 1,852 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, showcased his exceptional talent.
Payton's remarkable career accolades include nine Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro nods.
2. Jim Brown
Career Highlight Stats
NFL record for average career yards per carry with 5.2
Eight NFL rushing titles
Inducted into the Pro Hall of Fame in 1971
In an era of stifling defences, Brown stood out as a paragon of excellence. His statistics alone are impressive: 2,359 attempts, 12,312 rushing yards and a remarkable 106 rushing touchdowns.
But what distinguishes Brown is his unrivalled consistency.
He is the only running back in NFL history to average over 100 yards rushing per game, an impressive 104.3.
Additionally, his career yards per carry average of 5.2 remains a league record, showcasing his exceptional skill and efficiency.
With eight NFL rushing titles, Brown firmly established himself as one of the greatest running backs ever.
Accompanying these achievements are four NFL MVP awards and eight All-Pro selections, cementing his status as a football legend.
Remarkably, he accomplished all of this in just nine seasons, underscoring his immense talent and impact.
Brown's influence on the game extends even further as he is the sole player to lead the league in rushing on eight separate occasions, even after more than five decades since his retirement.
Furthermore, he holds the second-place record for career yards per carry by a running back (minimum 750 carries), narrowly trailing behind Jamaal Charles.
Beyond his impressive statistics, Brown played during a time of significant racial tensions in the league.
Despite these challenges, he excelled and Brown's dominance is evident in his three MVP awards, nine All-Pro selections and nine Pro Bowl appearances.
While Brown's talent could have led him to even greater heights, he chose to pursue other interests after nine exceptional years.
In 1971, he rightfully earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a well-deserved tribute to his extraordinary contributions to the sport.
1. Emmitt Smith
Career Highlight Stats
NFL record of 164 career rushing touchdowns
He achieved 1,000 rushing yards in a season 11 times
Eight Pro Bowl appearances and six All-Pro selections
Emmitt Smith's extraordinary talent for dismantling opposing defences sets him apart as the unrivalled all-time leading rusher in NFL history.
Moreover, his 164 career rushing touchdowns are unmatched, coupled with the incredible feat of over 1,000 rushing yards in a season a staggering 11 times, setting a record for the most seasons with such an achievement.
Now, Smith was a force individually, but his impact also extended to team success.
As a pivotal player for the Dallas Cowboys, he played a decisive role in securing three Super Bowl championships (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX), earning the prestigious title of Super Bowl MVP in the process.
Selected as the 11th overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, Smith's longevity in the game is a testament to his excellence.
Additionally, Smith boasts an impressive resume of eight Pro Bowl appearances and six All-Pro selections, attesting to his consistent brilliance throughout his career.
Notably, Smith's versatility shone through as he showcased his prowess as a receiver, contributing to the success of the star-studded Dallas Cowboys roster.
Even after 15 years in the league, his records for single-season touchdowns, career rushing yards and career rushing touchdowns remain unchallenged, a testament to his unmatched talent and dominance.
Do you agree with our list of the greatest running backs of all-time? Who would you add? Let us know in the comments!
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