The NFL has been shaped by legendary running backs who dominated their eras and redefined the game with their unique skill sets. Some relied on sheer power, bulldozing through defenders, while others dazzled with speed and agility, leaving tacklers grasping at air.
This list ranks the 15 greatest to ever carry the ball, showcasing their impact, achievements, and lasting legacy in football history.
15. Frank Gore
Frank Gore’s longevity and consistency made him one of the NFL’s most reliable running backs. Over 16 seasons, he amassed 16,000 rushing yards, ranking third all-time. Gore’s durability was legendary, playing 241 games – the most by any running back in NFL history. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
14. Curtis Martin
Curtis Martin’s consistency and durability made him one of the NFL’s elite running backs. He rushed for 14,101 yards over 11 seasons, ranking sixth all-time. Martin achieved 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career and led the league in rushing at age 31. His versatility as a receiver added to his impact on the field.
13. Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett was a dynamic running back who played 12 seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. He rushed for 12,739 yards and 77 touchdowns in his career, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Dorsett’s most iconic moment came in 1983 when he set an NFL record with a 99-yard touchdown run. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
12. Franco Harris
Franco Harris, a Pittsburgh Steelers legend, rushed for 12,120 yards and 91 touchdowns in his career. He was a key player in four Super Bowl victories and made the famous “Immaculate Reception” in 1972. Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and remains one of the most beloved figures in Steelers history.
11. Gale Sayers
Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet,” Gale Sayers dazzled in his brief NFL career with the Chicago Bears (1965-1971). He set a rookie record with 22 touchdowns in 1965, including six in one game. Despite knee injuries cutting his career short, Sayers’ electrifying runs and returns earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
10. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell, nicknamed “The Tyler Rose,” was a powerhouse running back for the Houston Oilers. Known for his bruising style, he led the NFL in rushing for three consecutive years (1978-1980) and was named NFL MVP in 1979. Campbell’s career totals include 9,407 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns over eight seasons.
9. Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk revolutionized the running back position with his dual-threat capabilities. He amassed 19,154 yards from scrimmage and 136 touchdowns over his 12-year career. Faulk was a key player in “The Greatest Show on Turf” offense, winning Super Bowl XXXIV with the Rams and earning NFL MVP honors in 2000.
8. O.J. Simpson
It’s not easy to talk about this guy, but objectively speaking, O.J. Simpson’s NFL career was legendary, highlighted by his record-breaking 1973 season when he rushed for 2,003 yards in just 14 games. A five-time Pro Bowler and NFL MVP, Simpson amassed 11,236 career rushing yards and 61 touchdowns. His on-field achievements secured his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
7. Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson dominated the NFL for over a decade, rushing for 14,918 yards and 120 touchdowns. He set the single-game rushing record with 296 yards in 2007 and nearly broke the single-season record with 2,097 yards in 2012. Peterson’s combination of speed, power, and durability made him one of the most feared runners in league history.
6. Eric Dickerson
Eric Dickerson dominated the NFL in the 1980s, setting the single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards in 1984 – a mark that still stands today. Known for his smooth running style and iconic goggles, Dickerson amassed 13,259 career rushing yards and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
5. LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson was a dominant force in the NFL from 2001 to 2011. He holds the record for most touchdowns in a single season (31) and was named NFL MVP in 2006. Tomlinson’s career stats include 13,684 rushing yards, 145 rushing touchdowns, and 4,772 receiving yards. His versatility and scoring ability made him one of the most feared offensive players of his era.
4. Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards. He won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and earned MVP honors in 1993. Smith’s durability and consistency were legendary, with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He retired in 2004 with 164 rushing touchdowns, also an NFL record.
3. Walter Payton
Nicknamed “Sweetness,” Walter Payton was a force on the field for the Chicago Bears. He rushed for 16,726 yards and scored 110 touchdowns in his 13-season career. Payton’s versatility was unmatched, as he also threw for 8 touchdowns and caught 492 passes for 4,538 yards.
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2. Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders dazzled NFL fans with his elusive running style for 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions. He rushed for over 1,000 yards every year, including a remarkable 2,053 yards in 1997. Sanders retired unexpectedly in 1999 with 15,269 career rushing yards, leaving fans to wonder what records he might have broken.
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1. Jim Brown
Jim Brown is widely regarded as the greatest running back in NFL history. In just nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns (1957-1965), he amassed 12,312 rushing yards and 106 touchdowns. Brown’s career average of 104.3 rushing yards per game remains unmatched, and he led the league in rushing eight times. His combination of speed, power, and durability revolutionized the position.
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