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15 Running Backs Who Beat the Age Curve (Against All Odds)

Running backs are supposed to hit a wall at 30. That’s the rule, right? But every once in a while, someone comes along and just smashes that timeline with stiff arms, spin moves, and touchdowns that make Father Time look foolish.

This list celebrates the rare few who defied the running back expiration date. From bruising workhorses to elusive veterans, these guys made aging look like a myth—at least for a little while.

15. Warrick Dunn

September 28, 2008; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn (28) runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

He wasn’t the flashiest, but Dunn stayed productive well into his 30s. His combination of vision and quickness kept defenses guessing long after most backs slow down.

14. Ricky Williams

December 18, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ricky Williams (34) after converting a first down during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.
Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

After a few early career twists and turns, Williams returned to the NFL and still had gas in the tank. He bulldozed his way through defenders as a 30-something with something to prove.

13. Thomas Jones

Dec 24, 2006; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears running back (20) Thomas Jones runs away from Detroit Lions cornerback (31) Stanley Wilson during the 3rd quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, MI.  The Bears beat the Lions 26-21.
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Jones just kept on grinding, posting multiple 1,000-yard seasons past the age where most backs fade away. He was a picture of consistency with a no-nonsense running style.

12. DeAngelo Williams

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA;  Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) catches a pass prior to the start of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

When most backs are considering retirement, Williams stepped in and looked fresh as ever in his early 30s. He turned back the clock with Pittsburgh and made the most of his second act.

11. Fred Jackson

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Fred Jackson (22) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The guy didn’t even start his NFL career until he was nearly 27, and still managed to have a long, productive run. Jackson was the ultimate late bloomer who didn’t know how to quit.

10. Mark Ingram

Jan 28, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) against the AFC in the 2018 NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Ingram reinvented himself after a few slow years and became a steady force well into his 30s. He stayed relevant with a tough, downhill style and plenty of heart.

9. Matt Forte

Nov 2, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates his touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Forte was never about pure speed, which may be why he aged so well. His receiving ability and smooth running helped him stay effective longer than most.

8. Latavius Murray

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) scores a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum.
Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Murray has been the NFL’s version of the reliable used car—never flashy, always gets the job done. He’s been contributing solid carries into his mid-30s without missing a beat.

7. Curtis Martin

Sep 15, 1996; Foxboro, MA, USA: FILE PHOTO; New England Patriots running back Curtis Martin (28) in action against the Arizona Cardinals at Foxboro Stadium.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Martin wasn’t flashy, but he was quietly dominant for a long time. He led the league in rushing at 31, proving some guys really do age like fine wine.

6. Adrian Peterson

Oct 4, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Adrian Peterson (28) after the game against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field.
Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

Peterson didn’t just beat the age curve—he laughed in its face. Well past 30, he was still outrunning younger defenders and punishing tacklers like it was nothing.

5. Marshall Faulk

Dec 5, 2004; St. Louis, MO, USA; Running back Marshall Faulk #28 of the St. Louis Rams watches his team play the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. Faulk did not play due to an knee injury.  The Rams beat the 49ers 16-6.
Dilip Vishwanat-Imagn Images

Faulk transitioned into more of a receiving threat late in his career, extending his effectiveness. He adapted to the game, and the game couldn’t stop him.

4. Emmitt Smith

Oct 27, 2002; Irving, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (22) celebrates after breaking the NFL's all time rushing record against the Seattle Seahawks at Texas Stadium.
James D. Smith-Imagn Images

Even after leaving Dallas, Smith had enough left in the tank to show flashes in Arizona. He kept racking up yards into his mid-30s with pure grit and intelligence.

3. Frank Gore

Sep 13, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets running back Frank Gore (21) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium.
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Gore was practically ageless, logging meaningful snaps into his late 30s. He just refused to go away, and teams kept handing him the rock because he delivered.

2. Marcus Allen

Jan 22, 1984; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against the Washington Redskins during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Redskins 38-9 and Allen was named Super Bowl MVP.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

Allen found a second wind with the Chiefs and played at a high level for years. He made aging look optional with a smooth style and killer instincts.

Read More: 20 NFL Rushers Who Left Defenders in the Dust

1. Jerome Bettis

Dec 4, 2005; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back #36 Jerome Bettis scores the first touchdown for the Steelers against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field.
Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

The Bus rolled into his mid-30s and didn’t stop until he picked up a Super Bowl ring. He was never built for speed, but he was built to last—and that’s exactly what he did.

Read More: 18 NFL Running Backs Who Went in Round 1 – But Shouldn’t Have

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