The NFL’s 15 Most Legendary Running Backs, RANKED
Running backs have always been one of the most exciting parts of football. The best ones set the tone, wear down defenses, and make plays that stick in fans’ minds for years. Naturally, the NFL has also seen its fair share of backs that have left a mark on the game. Let’s read up about some of them below.
Jim Brown
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Jim Brown wasn’t an average running back. In his nine-year NFL career, he led the league in rushing yards eight times and was a three-time MVP. His speed and power made him a nightmare for defenders. One outstanding game is his 237-yard performance in his rookie season, a single-game record.
Walter Payton
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Walter Payton remains one of the most enduring players in the NFL. Over his 13-year career with the Chicago Bears, he amassed 16,726 rushing yards and 110 touchdowns. On November 20, 1977, when battling the flu, he set a then-NFL record by rushing for 275 yards against the Minnesota Vikings.
Barry Sanders
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Over Barry Sanders’ 10-season career with the Detroit Lions, he accumulated 15,269 yards. In 1997, he achieved a milestone by rushing for over 2,000 yards, earning him the NFL MVP award. His skill and dedication to the game make him a constant name in any list of top running backs.
Emmitt Smith
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Emmitt Smith was essential to the Dallas Cowboys’ multi-Super Bowl-winning dynasty of the 1990s. Over his 15-year career, he bulldozed his way to an NFL-record 18,355 rushing yards and 164 touchdowns. In 1993, his toughness was on display as he racked up 168 rushing yards, leading Dallas to an overtime victory despite an injury.
LaDainian Tomlinson
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Breaking records was a piece of cake for LaDainian Tomlinson. In 2006, he set the NFL ablaze by scoring 31 touchdowns in a single season—a record that still stands. But perhaps his most jaw-dropping moment came in 2003 against the Raiders, where he threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Drew Brees.
Eric Dickerson
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Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowler Eric Dickerson had a combination of speed, power, and endurance, making him one of the most dominant backs ever. His 1984 single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards still stands today. Although he never made it to the Super Bowl, he bolstered the Rams’ performance.
Adrian Peterson
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Adrian Peterson’s style and resilience have solidified his place among the NFL’s elite running backs. In 2012, he won the MVP award after returning from a severe knee injury and rushing for 2,097 yards—eight yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s single-season record. Over his career, Peterson accumulated 14,918 rushing yards and 120 touchdowns.
Marshall Faulk
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Marshall Faulk was key in the St. Louis Rams’ Super Bowl XXXIV victory. His versatility was on full display that season when he became the second player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in a season. His ability to play as an excellent runner and receiver redefined the position.
Gale Sayers
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Gale Sayers hit the ground running by tying the NFL record for most touchdowns in a game in his rookie season. His versatility endeared him to fans as he excelled in rushing and kickoff returns. Though injuries cut his career short, Sayers’ brilliance cemented him as one of the most electrifying backs ever.
Tony Dorsett
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In his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys, Tony Dorsett made an immediate impact, rushing for 1,007 yards and earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His performance was instrumental in the Cowboys’ victory in Super Bowl XII. He once executed a 99-yard touchdown run, setting an NFL record that still stands today.
Curtis Martin
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Curtis Martin showed remarkable consistency by achieving 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000-yard rushing yards. At age 31, he led the league in rushing yards, becoming the oldest player to clinch the annual NFL rushing title. His performance in the 1996 AFC Divisional Playoff, where he rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns, highlights his impact in key moments.
Thurman Thomas
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Thurman Thomas led the NFL in yards from scrimmage for four consecutive seasons. His standout performance came in Super Bowl XXV, where he amassed 190 total yards and a touchdown. Thomas’s consistent excellence was pivotal in the Bills’ four straight Super Bowl appearances.
Earl Campbell
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In his rookie season with the Houston Oilers, Earl Campbell led the league with 1,450 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, earning him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. By the end of his career, he’d earned five Pro Bowl nods and led the league in rushing yards for three seasons.
Franco Harris
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Franco Harris was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty, contributing to four Super Bowl victories. His performance in Super Bowl IX earned him MVP honors after he rushed for 158 yards against the Minnesota Vikings. He is one of seven running backs to have won the award, primarily dominated by quarterbacks.
Marcus Allen
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Marcus Allen was the definition of an all-rounder. Power through tackles? Break off long runs? He could do it all. In Super Bowl XVIII, Allen earned the MVP award, scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 191 yards. He is the first NFL player to surpass 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards.