Greatest Unsung Running Backs in NFL History

These are the NFL running backs who received too little credit.

Greatest Unsung Running Backs in NFL History

Before franchise quarterbacks took pro football hostage, there was something known as franchise running backs. My, my, how the game has changed. Now, these guys are treated with all the respect of disposable diapers. Or as Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said infamously of Willie Parker not that long ago, “We’ll run him until his wheels fall off.”

It wasn’t long before Fast Willie became Limp-Legged Willie, all but done after three stellar seasons. So, before their position becomes extinct altogether, how about we give a little love for some of the most unsung, underappreciated and underrated running backs of all time?

31. Joe Perry

Career: 1948-1963 (16 seasons)

Teams: San Francisco 49ers (1948-60, 1963), Baltimore Colts (1961-62)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 11,744/83

NFL championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 1952-54

Bottom Line: Joe Perry

Almost everyone knows Joe Perry of Aerosmith fame. So, who’s this other Joe Perry guy, you ask? If there’s an underrated Hall of Famer, this guy is one of them.

Because The Jet played in the shadow of teammate Hugh McElhenny for much of his career, the extent of his greatness went under the radar. Convert his numbers to the 16-game schedule of the modern era, and he would be 11th in rushing yards and sixth in touchdowns in league history. Crazy. Amazing. OK, now you know.

30. Steven Jackson

St. Louis Rams' Steven Jackson reacts after scoring against Seattle Seahawks

Career: 2004-15 (12 seasons)

Teams: St. Louis Rams (2004-12), Atlanta Falcons (2013-14), New England Patriots (2015)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 15,121/78

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 2006, 2009-10

Bottom Line: Steven Jackson

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson runs with ball

The 12-4 Rams selected him in the first round of the 2004 draft. Swell. Except “The Greatest Show on Turf” was about to become “The Lamest Team in Football.” Despite eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons on the ground, the workhorse back played in comparative anonymity with sub-.500 teams.

Even so, he’s nearly 3,000 yards ahead of the No. 2 man on the Rams career rushing yards list. That’s right — ahead of Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, The Embraceable Ewes . . .

29. Mike Pruitt

Cleveland's Mike Pruitt breaks into end zone

Career: 1976-86 (11 seasons)

Teams: Cleveland Browns (1976-85), Buffalo Bills (1984), Kansas City Chiefs (1985-86)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 9,238/56

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 2 (1979-80)

Bottom Line: Mike Pruitt

Cleveland's Mike Pruitt runs up middle for score

Greg Pruitt was the Heisman Trophy runner-up, an ankle-breaker who juked his way to five Pro Bowl games. Then, there was “The Other Pruitt.” This one, the 222-pound working stiff who pounded between the tackles.

All he did was rush for more yards and touchdowns than all except two players in club history. Perhaps you’ve heard of Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly?

28. Garrison Hearst

Career: 1994-1996, 1998-2004 (10 seasons)

Teams: Phoenix-Arizona Cardinals (1993-95), Cincinnati Bengals (1996), San Francisco 49ers (19998, 2001-03), Denver Broncos (2004)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 10,031/39

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1998, 2001

Bottom Line: Garrison Hearst

It wasn’t until the third year that his career took off. His 1998 season was insane — 2,015 total yards on 6.0 yards per touch. Problem was, he developed avascular necrosis that forced him to sit out the next two seasons.

At age 30, when most backs have one foot in retirement, he returned for three more productive seasons. We believe the word is perseverance.

27. Willis McGahee

Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee leaps

Career: 2004-13 (10 seasons)

Teams: Buffalo Bills (2004-07), Denver Broncos (2008-10), Baltimore Ravens (2011-12), Cleveland Browns (2013)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 9,813/70

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 2007, 2011

Bottom Line: Willis McGahee

Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee sprints

Don’t YouTube that gruesome hit in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, the one that blew out his left knee. It will make you want to hurl. The blow hurt his draft stock but not his resolve. Somehow, the rookie was on the field for the first of four consecutive seasons of 1,000-plus total yards. He would have a fifth at age 30.

Maybe the guy wasn’t the game-breaker of his college days, but 41st in career rushing yards and 43rd in touchdowns in the pros wasn’t a bad way to go out.

26. Pete Johnson

Miami Dolphins fullback Pete Johnson goes over his downed teammates

Career: 1977-84 (8 seasons)

Teams: Cincinnati Bengals (1977-83), Miami Dolphins (1984), San Diego Chargers (1984)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 6,960/82

Super Bowls: 1 (1981)

Pro Bowls: 1 (1981)

Bottom Line: Pete Johnson

Fullback Pete Johnson charges across the goal line

His nickname was Pete. That’s it — Pete. Yeah, that summed up this 252-pound bruiser perfectly — short and to the point. He led the Bengals in rushing yards in each of his seven seasons with them. Not only that, but he ground out more tough yards than any back of his time.

Close to the goal line, he was a touchdown monster. Oh, and the guy could block a little bit. So where was all the Pro Bowl love?

25. MacArthur Lane

St. Louis Cardinals' McArthur Lane goes down the middle to gain yards

Career: 1968-78 (11 seasons)

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, (1968-71), Green Bay Packers (1972-74), Kansas City Chiefs (1975-78)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 7,742/37

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (1970)

Bottom Line: MacArthur Lane

Forgotten running backs: St. Louis Cardinals MacArthur Lane heads for goal line

For seven seasons, this guy was about as versatile a back as there was in pro football. He doesn’t get enough credit for his role in the pass game out of the backfield. He was third back to lead the league in pass receptions, and his 9.7 yards per catch were well beyond the norm at the position.

In 1970, he rushed for a career-high 977 yards and league-high 11 touchdowns his first season as a starter. His name was not underrated, though.

24. Joe Washington

Career: 1977-85 (9 seasons)

Teams: San Diego Chargers (1977), Baltimore Colts (1978-80), Washington Redskins (1981-84), Atlanta Falcons (1985)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 8,252/30

Super Bowls: 1 (1982)

Pro Bowls: 1 (1979)

Bottom Line: Joe Washington

Anyone who watched Li’l Joe take that kickoff to the house in the final seconds of Monday Night Football still hasn’t forgotten it. “He has done it all — as a runner, as a passer, as a pass receiver and right here as a kick runner!” Howard Cosell pontificated from above. “You couldn’t ask more from an individual!”

The Pro Bowl co-conspirators could, apparently. The guy had five seasons of at least 996 yards from scrimmage yet barely got a glimpse of Honolulu.

23. Ronnie Harmon

San Diego Chargers running back Ronnie Harmon in action

Career: 1986-1997 (12 seasons)

Teams: Buffalo Bills (1986-89), San Diego Chargers (1990-95), Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1996-97), Chicago Bears (1997)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 8,850/34

Super Bowls: 1 (1994)

Pro Bowls: 1 (1992)

Bottom Line: Ronnie Harmon

In five consecutive seasons (1991-95), this Iowa product was as effective a second- and third-down back as there was in the league. He caught at least 59 balls in each one of them.

Yet while the first-rounder could juke with the best of ’em — he ranks 50th in yards per touch (7.4) in league history — the guy never could shake the accusation that he fixed the 1986 Rose Bowl game.

22. James Stewart

Career: 1995-2002 (8 seasons)

Teams: Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-99), Detroit Lions (2000-02)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 7,556/57

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 0

Bottom Line: James Stewart

This Tennessee product was a two-time 1,000-yard rusher. Few if any were better near the goal line. (He scored at least nine TDs in four seasons.)

Problem was, his two best campaigns came in Honolulu Blue and silver. No further explanation is necessary.

21. Duce Staley

Career: 1997-2006 (10 seasons)

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1997-2003), Pittsburgh Steelers (2004-06)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 8,372/34

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 0

Bottom Line: Duce Staley

One would think that four seasons of 1,000-plus yards and six-plus touchdowns would merit a sliver of Pro Bowl consideration at some point.

But the third-rounder was a mere afterthought in a conference that boasted the likes of Marshall Faulk and Emmitt Smith at the position.

20. Fred Jackson

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson runs with ball

Career: 2007-15 (9 seasons)

Teams: Buffalo Bills (2007-14), Seattle Seahawks (2015)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 8,643/39

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 0

Bottom Line: Fred Jackson

Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards hands the ball off to running back Fred Jackson

Here’s what happens when a guy plays at a high level with candy-butt teams. Over seven seasons, heaveraged1,114 yards and five-plus touchdowns from scrimmage.

Yet hardly anyone outside Buffalo was aware of it. The Bills finished above .500 exactly once in that span.

19. Wendell Tyler

Career: 10 seasons (1977-86)

Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1977-82), San Francisco 49ers (1983-86)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 8,194/66

Super Bowls: 1 (1984)

Pro Bowls: 1 (1984)

Bottom Line: Wendell Tyler

Wendell Tyler and Ronnie Lott go for ball

Too many people remember this kid for the time that he upchucked a chili dog before a game. That and his fumbles. What they overlook are his remarkable burst speed, second and third efforts and ability to play hurt.

No sooner was he traded to the 49ers than they had the best season in their history. With this guy and not Roger Craig as their top rusher in the regular season, playoffs and Super Bowl XIX.

18. James Wilder

Chicago Bears Wilber Marshall pursues Tampa Bay Buccaneers James Wilder

Career: 1981-1990 (10 seasons)

Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1981-89), Detroit Lions (1990), Washington Redskins (1990)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 9,508/47

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (1984)

Bottom Line: James Wilder

Tampa Bay Buccaneer running back James Wilder slips away to run

His only Pro Bowl invitation came in a ridiculous 2,229-yard, 492-touch season that no doubt reduced his durability and effectiveness thereafter.

At the very least, he deserved a participation trophy for nine years of service with a sucky team.

17. Jonathan Stewart

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart carries the ball

Career: 2008-18 (11 seasons)

Teams: Carolina Panthers (2008-2017), New York Giants (2018)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 8,630/58

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (2015)

Bottom Line: Jonathan Stewart

Carolina Panthers Jonathan Stewart carries the ball

His numbers don’t jump out at you. Then, you read the fine print and realize that this 240-pound thumper was more than just another guy named Stewart.

Bet you’re surprised to know that he ranks 58th in rush attempts, 59th in rush yards, 74th in rush touchdowns and 75th in yards per rush attempt in league history, aren’t you?

16. Michael Pittman

Denver Broncos runningback Michael Pittman celebrating

Career: 1998-2008 (11 seasons)

Teams: Arizona Cardinals (1998-2001), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-07), Denver Broncos(2008)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 9,139/33

Super Bowls: 1 (2002)

Pro Bowls: 0

Bottom Line: Michael Pittman

Denver Broncos running back Michael Pittman runs with ball

Yeah, we know that Bucs cornerback Dwight Smith was chosen Super Bowl XXXVII Most Valuable Player because of his two pick-sixes in a lop-sided game. We also know the scores were 27-3 and 41-21 when he made them.

But we’re here to tell you that this guy is the realMVP of the game. The Fresno State product was the hammer in a ground-and-pound attack that controlled the clock for 37 minutes even if few remember his name.

15. Mark van Eeghen

Oakland Raiders' Mark van Eeghen picks up first half yardage

Career: 1974-83 (10 seasons)

Teams: Oakland Raiders (1974-1981), New England Patriots (1982-83)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 8,234/41

Super Bowls: 2 (1976, 1980)

Pro Bowls: 0

Bottom Line: Mark van Eeghen

The van man was as good if not better than Marv Hubbard, whom he replaced in the backfield. So, please explain how Hubbard went to three consecutive Pro Bowls, while this Raiduh got nada.

That the New England Patriots’ Sam Cunningham beat him out for 1978 Pro Bowl honors was just plain ignorant.

14. Charles Garner

Career: 1994-2004 (11 seasons)

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1994-98), San Francisco 49ers (1999-2000), Oakland Raiders (2001-03), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 10,808/51

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (2000)

Bottom Line: Charles Garner

Charles Garner signed with Oakland Raiders

This second-rounder produced four consecutive 1,400-yard seasons in the Bay Area but barely raised an eyebrow around the league.

Not even an outrageous 1,903-yard, 11-touchdown performance was enough for a spot on the 2002 Pro Bowl roster.

13. Reggie Bush

Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush celebrates

Career: 2006-16 (11 seasons)

Teams: New Orleans Saints (2006-10), Miami Dolphins (2011-12), Detroit Lions (2013-14), San Francisco 49ers (2015), Buffalo Bills (2016)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 9,088/54

Super Bowls: 1 (2009)

Pro Bowls: 0

Bottom Line: Reggie Bush

New Orleans Saints Reggie Bush avoids tackle Tennessee Titans David Thornton's tackle

We know him for his role in the rise and fall of the USC football program. We know him for the Heisman Trophy that he had to give back. We know him for Kim Kardashian and all those juicy rumors.

Seems that the guy had his hands on so many things, it was easy to forget his four Pro Bowl-caliber seasons and Super Bowl bling.

12. Warrick Dunn

Career: 1997-2008 (12 seasons)

Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997-2001, 2008), Atlanta Falcons (2002-07)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 15,306/64

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1997, 2000, 2005

Bottom Line: Warrick Dunn

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn runs for first down

Has there been a more consistent player in the modern era? He surpassed 1,000 total yards in 11 seasons. And he fell 42 yards short of four figures in the other.

Yet the postseason is where a guy can make a name for himself, and this one took part in only two playoff games, both in the same season.

11. Brian Westbrook

Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook break the flying tackle

Career: 2002-10 (9 seasons)

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (2002-09), San Francisco 49ers (2010)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 10,275/71

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 2 (2004, 2007)

Bottom Line: Brian Westbrook

San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Westbrook jumps over Seattle Seahawks

This Villanova product wasn’t exactly unknown, but one would expect five consecutive seasons of 1,200-plus yards and 10-plus touchdowns to merit more than two Pro Bowl appearances.

Only 48 backs gained more yards from scrimmage in league history. And to think that he didn’t even have a cool nickname . . .

10. DeAngelo Williams

Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams breaks free

Career: 11 seasons (2006-16)

Teams: Carolina Panthers (2006-14), Pittsburgh Steelers (2015-16)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 10,202/70

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (2009)

Bottom Line: DeAngelo Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams

Maybe it was because this Memphis product attended a low-profile college. Or maybe it was because he played pro ball with mostly average teams in a mid-sized market.

Whatever the case, the 19th-ranked player in career yards per carry never received full marks. Dude, he put up 1,636 yards and 20 touchdowns in the 2008 season and still didn’t receive a Pro Bowl call.

9. Terry Allen

Career: 10 seasons (1991-92, 1994-2001)

Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1991-92, 1994), Washington Redskins (1995-98), New England Patriots (1999), New Orleans Saints, (2000), Baltimore Ravens (2001)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 10,215/79

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (1996)

Bottom Line: Terry Allen

There have been better backs in pro football history, but none gained more yards on rebuilt anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees than this ninth-round draft pick.

After the Clemson product sat out the 1993 campaign, he ground out three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, only the last of which resulted in a Pro Bowl appearance.

8. Clinton Portis

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis runs against Cleveland Browns' Sean Jones

Career: 2002-10 (9 seasons)

Teams: Denver Broncos (2002-03), Washington Redskins (2004-10)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 11,941/80

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 2 (2003, 2008)

Bottom Line: Clinton Portis

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis celebrates

At 22, this Miami product was the highest-paid player in league history. He lived up to the contract with 1,500-plus total yards in six of his first seven seasons, but because much of it came with so-so Redskins teams, he was overshadowed by the likes of Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber and Adrian Peterson in the conference.

He was a two-time Pro Bowler and never an All-Pro.

7. Earnest Byner

Cleveland Browns Earnest Byner carries ball to goal line

Career: 1984-97 (14 seasons)

Teams: Cleveland Browns (1984-88, 1994-95), Washington Redskins (1989-93), Baltimore Ravens (1996-97)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 12,866/71

Super Bowls: 1 (1991)

Pro Bowls: 2 (1990-91)

Bottom Line: Earnest Byner

Cleveland Browns' Earnest Byner in action

It’s ludicrous to define a career on one play, even more so for one that included 2,832 touches from scrimmage. But ever since The Fumble in the 1987 AFC Championship Game, this guy was doomed to a legacy of a loser.

He should be remembered for his nine seasons of at least 900 total yards instead.

6. Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker jumps over the New York Giants line

Career: 1986-97 (12 seasons)

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1986-89, 1996-97), Minnesota Vikings (1989-91), Philadelphia Eagles (1992-94), New York Giants (1995)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 13,084/84

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 2 (1987-88)

Bottom Line: Herschel Walker

Minnesota Vikings' Herschel Walker breaks through Seattle line

After a fantabulous college career, this Heisman Trophy winner led the USFL in rushing twice in three seasons. When he finally made his NFL debut, expectations were through the roof.

Despite the late start, he ranks among the top 50 in several career categories, yet that doesn’t satisfy the many who wanted more. Could be that this guy was too good for his own good.

5. Matt Forte

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte avoids St. Louis Rams safety Corey Chavous

Career: 2008-17 (10 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Bears (2008-2015), New York Jets (2016-17)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 14,468/74

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 2 (2011, 2013)

Bottom Line: Matt Forte

Can an athlete be good enough for the Hall of Fame but not the Pro Bowl? This guy comes about as close as any. He ranks in the top 35 in touches, rushing yards, rushing attempts and yards from scrimmage in league history.

What’s more, he amassed more than 1,000 total yards in each of his first nine seasons. Too bad the guy rarely played in a real offense.

4. Thomas Jones

New York Jets running back Thomas Jones breaks away from Miami Dolphins' Randy Starks

Career: 2000-11 (11 seasons)

Teams: Arizona Cardinals (2000-02), Tampa Bay (2003), Chicago Bears (2004-06), New York Jets (2007-09), Kansas City Chiefs (2010-11)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 12,614/71

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (2008)

Bottom Line: Thomas Jones

Chicago Bears running back Thomas Jones gains some yardage

This may come as a surprise, but this guy did more than sing “What’s New Pussycat?” He was a five-time 1,000-yard rusher who scored a combined 29 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.

In fact, he might have been Super Bowl XLI Most Valuable Player if his team hadn’t gagged in the fourth quarter. Check that. We believe there’s a rule that states no Bears offensive player can ever be a Super Bowl MVP.

3. Jamal Lewis

Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis rumbles for first down

Career: 2000-2009 (10 seasons)

Teams: Baltimore Ravens (2000, 2002-09)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 12,486/62

Super Bowls: 1 (2000)

Pro Bowls: 1 (2003)

Bottom Line: Jamal Lewis

Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis runs against Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense got all the credit, but it was this 245-pound load and the offensive line who made their jobs a lot easier. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in seven of his first eight seasons. His reward: one Pro Bowl invitation.

If he had pounded his chest and screamed like a Raven maniac before every game, maybe more people would have taken notice.

2. Ricky Williams

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams runs with ball

Career: 1999-2003, 2005, 2007-11 (11 seasons)

Teams: New Orleans Saints (1999-2001), Miami Dolphins (2002-03, 2005, 2007-10), Baltimore Ravens (2011)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 12,615/74

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (2002)

Bottom Line: Ricky Williams

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams celebrates

This Heisman Trophy winner got a bad rap for that trade, the one in which the Saints gave up all their picks in the 1999 draft plus first- and third-rounders the next year to get him. Consider that he was about as valuable as the sum of the eight prospects taken in those slots, and the deal wasn’t lop-sided at all.

In fact, the guy was a stud before gross overuse and a cannabis addiction took his career off the rails. Even so, his 68.1 rush yards per game rank 47th on the league all-time list, ahead of Hall of Famers Thurman Thomas, Jim Taylor and Larry Csonka, among others.

1. Fred Taylor

New England Patriots running back Fred Taylor in action

Career: 1998-2010 (13 seasons)

Teams: Jacksonville Jaguars (1998-2008), New England Patriots (2009-10)

Yards from scrimmage/touchdowns: 14,079/74

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 1 (2007)

Bottom Line: Fred Taylor

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor carries ball

Strange that this guy never lived down his Fragile Fred nickname. Do wimps rank 26th in touches in pro football history? He’s also 17th in rushing yards and 40th in touchdowns. Heck, the media even voted him as the second greatest player (behind o-tackle Tony Boselli) in franchise history. “One day someone will recognize how valuable I was,” he tweeted not long ago.

Yeah, like the Hall of Fame selection committee, for instance.