The running back position has long been one of the most dynamic and electrifying roles in football. From bruising power backs to elusive speedsters, the NFL has seen some of the most talented athletes carve out legendary careers with jaw-dropping runs, record-breaking performances, and championship moments.
These players didn’t just rack up yards—they changed the game. Whether through sheer dominance, versatility, or unmatched consistency, they left an unforgettable impact on the sport. Here’s a look at the greatest running backs in NFL history and the legacies that set them apart.
15. Marcus Allen
Marcus Allen’s versatility and longevity made him a standout. He rushed for 12,243 yards and scored 123 rushing touchdowns over 16 seasons. Allen was the first player to gain 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards. His accolades include NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
14. Thurman Thomas
Thurman Thomas was a versatile offensive weapon for the Buffalo Bills, leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage for four consecutive seasons (1989-1992). He rushed for over 12,000 yards and caught 472 passes in his career, helping the Bills reach four straight Super Bowls. Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
13. Curtis Martin
Curtis Martin’s consistency and durability made him one of the NFL’s elite running backs. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 10 consecutive seasons, finishing his career with 14,101 rushing yards and 90 touchdowns. A five-time Pro Bowler, Martin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest.
12. Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett’s explosive speed and elusive running style made him a football icon. He rushed for 12,739 yards and 77 touchdowns over 12 seasons, earning four Pro Bowl selections. Dorsett’s most iconic moment came in 1983 when he set an unbreakable record with a 99-yard touchdown run against the Vikings.
11. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell, known as “The Tyler Rose,” was a powerhouse running back for the Houston Oilers. He rushed for 9,407 yards and 74 touchdowns in his 8-year career. Campbell won the NFL MVP in 1979 and led the league in rushing for three consecutive seasons (1978-1980). His bruising running style and ability to break tackles made him one of the most feared backs of his era.
10. Gale Sayers
Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet,” Gale Sayers dazzled the NFL with his electrifying runs and returns during his brief but brilliant career with the Chicago Bears (1965-1971). He set the rookie touchdown record with 22 and led the league in rushing twice. Despite playing only 68 games due to injuries, Sayers was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977 at age 34, the youngest inductee ever.
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 in his 12-year career. Faulk’s versatility shone brightest during his time with the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” where he won NFL MVP in 2000 and helped secure a Super Bowl victory.
8. O.J. Simpson
Objectively speaking, O.J. Simpson’s NFL career was legendary, highlighted by his 1973 season when he became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a 14-game season. He amassed 11,236 career rushing yards and 61 touchdowns, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections. Simpson’s 143.1 yards per game in 1973 remains an NFL record.
7. Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson dominated the NFL for over a decade, rushing for 14,918 yards and 120 touchdowns. His 2012 MVP season saw him rush for 2,097 yards, just shy of the single-season record. 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 upright running style and signature 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 ranks fifth in career rushing yards (13,684) and second in rushing touchdowns (145). In 2006, Tomlinson set the single-season record for touchdowns (31) and won the NFL MVP award. His versatility and scoring prowess make him one of the greatest running backs ever.
4. Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards and 164 rushing touchdowns. He won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and earned MVP honors in 1993. Smith’s durability and consistency were unmatched, with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
3. Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders dazzled fans with his elusive running style during his 10-year career with the Detroit Lions. He amassed 15,269 rushing yards, 99 touchdowns, and averaged an impressive 5.0 yards per carry. Sanders retired unexpectedly in his prime, leaving many to wonder what records he might have broken had he continued playing.
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2. Walter Payton
Known as “Sweetness,” Walter Payton was a legendary Chicago Bears running back who rushed for 16,726 yards over 13 seasons. He held the NFL record for career rushing yards until 2002 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Payton’s versatility, durability, and iconic stiff-arm made him one of the most complete backs ever.
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1. Jim Brown
Jim Brown dominated the NFL from 1957-1965, leading the league in rushing 8 out of 9 seasons. He averaged an astounding 104.3 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry over his career. Brown retired at age 30 still at the peak of his abilities, cementing his legacy as the greatest running back ever.
