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The running back position has morphed into one of the most debated topics in the modern NFL with many organizations refusing to invest high draft picks or large, long-term contracts into running backs.
While the argument around the "value" of the position rages on, few would argue that running backs aren't some of the most exciting and dynamic athletes in football. Possessing a rare combination of speed and power, a great RB can be a true game-changer.
In this article, we'll take a look at every current NFL franchise and dig into their history to find out who is their greatest running back of all time. Some of our decisions were no-brainers, while some led to hotly contested debates around the office. See if you agree...
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Arizona Cardinals - Charlie Trippi
Honorable Mention: Ottis Anderson, Stump Mitchell, David Johnson
We have to go way back to find the best RB in Cardinals history, Charlie Trippi. A product of his era, Trippi also contributed at quarterback, wide receiver, and punter, as well as on defense and special teams. Trippi remains the franchise all-time leader in yards per carry (5.1) and he helped the Cardinals to the NFL Championship title in 1947.
Atlanta Falcons - Gerald Riggs
Honorable Mention: William Andrews, Warrick Dunn, Jamal Anderson, Michael Turner
Digging into the Atlanta Falcons' history at the RB position reveals some very talented backs. However, backs like Jamal Anderson, Warrick Dunn, and Michael Turner had relatively brief peaks in Hotlanta. Gerald Riggs hauled the rock for the Birds for seven seasons, amassing 6,631 rushing yards, which still stands as the most in franchise history. His 48 rushing TDs are the second-most in Atlanta's record books.
Baltimore Ravens - Jamal Lewis
Honorable Mention: Ray Rice, Willis McGahee
A first-round draft pick out of the University of Tennessee in 2000, Jamal Lewis didn't disappoint during his seven seasons in Baltimore. Though he was forced to miss the entire 2001 season with an injury, Lewis was still able to amass enough yards to currently remain the Ravens' all-time leading rusher and his 45 rushing TDs are also the most in franchise history. He ran for a record-setting 2,066 yards in 2003 en route to being named the AP Offensive Player of the Year. Lewis was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s.
Don’t mind me just posting Jamal Lewis highlights on the TL pic.twitter.com/Cax9soJ5cl
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) November 23, 2022
Buffalo Bills - Thurman Thomas
Honorable Mention: O.J. Simpson, Fred Jackson
Thurman Thomas was a key member of the dominant Bills teams of the 1990s that reached four Super Bowls. Sporting an elite blend of speed and power, Thomas was named the NFL MVP in 1991. His 11,938 rushing yards and 65 rushing TDs both top O.J. Simpson in the Buffalo record books and remain career franchise records. The dual-threat back also ranks seventh on the Bills' all-time receiving yards list. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Carolina Panthers - Jonathan Stewart
Honorable Mention: DeAngelo Williams, Christian McCaffrey
While you can make the argument that Christian McCaffrey is the most talented back in Carolina history, Jonathan Stewart's longevity and production earn him the nod here. Stewart racked up just over 7,300 rushing yards, as well as 51 rushing TDs during his 10 seasons with the Panthers, both of which stands as the best in franchise history for a running back. You could make the argument that Stewart's stats could have been even better if he didn't share backfield duties with the electric DeAngelo Williams for a chunk of his career, though Panthers fans will never forget what the dynamic duo accomplished.
Chicago Bears - Walter Payton
Honorable Mention: Gayle Sayers, Red Grange, Bronco Nagurski, Matt Forte
With all due respect to all the other great backs in Bears history, no one comes close to Walter Payton. "Sweetness" isn't just one of Chicago's all-time greats, but many fans consider him to be one of the best running backs in NFL history. With 16,726 rushing yards, Payton has nearly double the career rushing yards of the next-closest RB on the Bears' all-time rushing list, Matt Forte, while his 110 rushing TDs are more than double that of the 51 that Neal Anderson recorded during his time in Chicago. At the time of his retirement, Payton was the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards, TDs, all-purpose yards, and many other categories.
No sports going on now so here are some Walter Payton highlights. pic.twitter.com/mtDUZZAZKK
— This Day in Chicago Sports (@ChiSportsDay) March 13, 2020
Cincinnati Bengals - Corey Dillon
Honorable Mention: James Brooks, Joe Mixon
One of the most underrated backs of his generation, Dillon's 11,241 rushing yards ranked 20th on the NFL's all-time list. Just over 8,000 of those yards came during his seven seasons in Cincinnati, stats that put him on top of the Bengals' all-time rushing record book. Dillon was an explosive runner who could go off for huge games. He twice set NFL single-game rushing records with the Bengals, racking up 246 rushing yards in a game as a rookie - the most ever in a game by a rookie at the time - as well as breaking the league's all-time single-game rushing mark with 278 yards in a game against the Denver Broncos in 2000, a total that's since been surpassed.
Cleveland Browns - Jim Brown
Honorable Mention: Leroy Kelly, Nick Chubb, Mike Pruitt
A slam-dunk choice if there ever was one, Jim Brown stands out as unquestionably the greatest Browns running back of all time and is arguably the greatest football player who ever lived. Despite retiring at the age of 30 after just nine seasons in Cleveland, Brown left the game as the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards and TDs. He averaged an eye-popping 5.2 yards per carry for his career. The football icon who passed away in 2023 still dominates the Browns' record books - despite playing in an era when there were only 14 games in a season - and is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who left his mark off the field as an actor and activist.
One of the greatest football players EVER.
Jim Brown achieved historic stats in 9 NFL seasons in an era where each team played only 14 games a season.
Jim Brown will be missed. pic.twitter.com/VNzUafRojB
— theScore (@theScore) May 19, 2023
Dallas Cowboys - Emmitt Smith
Honorable Mention: Tony Dorsett, Ezekiel Elliott, Don Perkins
There's little doubt who is the man in Big D, as Emmitt Smith is not only the all-time leading rusher in Cowboys history but also sits atop the NFL record book with an astounding 18,355 rushing yards. After falling just short of 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie campaign for Dallas, Smith would go on to top 1,000 yards rushing in his next 11 straight seasons with the Cowboys while also amassing a franchise record 153 rushing TDs. Smith was a key part of three Super Bowl-winning Cowboys teams and is one of only two non-kickers to score more than 1,000 career points (Jerry Rice). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Denver Broncos - Terrell Davis
Honorable Mention: Floyd Little, Sammy Winder, Otis Armstrong
Nicknamed "TD", Davis sure scored plenty during his time in the Mile High City, reaching the end zone 65 times as a Bronco. Though his career was cut short due to injuries and he only played four full seasons, Davis is still Denver's all-time leader in rushing yards and TDs. He's considered one of the greatest backs in NFL history, as few others can match his peak. He rushed for over 1,100 yards in each of the first four seasons of his career, including going for over 2,000 yards in 1998 while winning the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Davis was a key member of Denver squads that won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997-98. He's statistically one of the best postseason performers of all time and still holds the NFL record for most rushing TDs in a single postseason with eight in 1997.
Detroit Lions - Barry Sanders
Honorable Mention: Doak Walker, Billy Sims
Another no-brainer here, as Barry Sanders stands head and shoulders (and waist and knees) above whoever you want to consider the next-best Lions running back. Pulling a page from the great Jim Brown's playbook, Sanders hung it up while he seemingly still had plenty left in the tank, retiring after 10 NFL seasons - in all of which he ran for over 1,100 yards. Despite his short stature, he was one of the most feared runners in the history of the NFL due to his physics-defying elusiveness and cat-like quickness. Sanders was the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 1997 when he rushed for over 2,000 yards. He's a Pro Football Hall of Famer, the greatest Lion of all time, and is considered one of the best football players in history.
Barry Sanders. There is no others https://t.co/DCQ7slA4KN pic.twitter.com/Iu4AI2vykF
— Wayne G (@HotstuffINT007) February 9, 2024
Green Bay Packers - Jim Taylor
Honorable Mention: Ahman Green, Paul Hornung, Aaron Jones
Jim Taylor's name might be somewhat forgotten by the NFL's current generation of fans but he remains a legend in Green Bay. One of football's most dominant running backs during his era, he was the first player in league history to rush for over 1,000 yards in five consecutive seasons. Listed as a fullback, Taylor led the NFL in rushing yards and TDs in 1962 en route to being named the NFL's MVP. He helped the Packers win four NFL championships, as well as a victory in the first Super Bowl. His 81 rushing TDs are the most in team history by a wide margin. Taylor is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Houston Texans - Arian Foster
Honorable Mention: DomaNick Williams, Lamar Miller
Established in 2002, the Texans are the NFL's youngest franchise. That lack of longevity shows when trying to pinpoint the team's greatest running back. There's a huge gap between Arian Foster and everyone else in Texans franchise history. A dual-threat dynamo out of the University of Tennessee, Foster dominates Houston's record books. His 6,472 rushing yards and 54 rushing TDs are more than double that of the next closest RBs in Texans history, making him the obvious choice here.
Indianapolis Colts - Edgerrin James
Honorable Mention: Lydell Mitchell, Marshall Faulk, Eric Dickerson, Lenny Moore
A member of the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team, James was a revelation during his time in Indy. Alongside Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, James helped transform the Colts from perennial losers to consistent Super Bowl contenders. During his seven years with the organization, the former Miami Hurricane rushed for over 1,500 yards in four seasons. His 9,226 rushing yards hold the Colts' franchise record by a wide margin while his total of 64 rushing TDs is one more than Colts legend Lenny Moore. Currently standing 13th on the NFL's all-time rushing list, James was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Fred Taylor
Honorable Mention: Maurice Jones-Drew, James Stewart
One of the greatest players in the history of the still relatively new Jacksonville franchise, Fred Taylor is the Jaguars' all-time leader in rushing yards and ranks second in rushing TDs. Taylor is one of just 31 players who have rushed for 10,000 yards in the NFL. After starting play in 1995, the expansion Jaguars selected Taylor in the first of the 1998 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact by rushing for over 1,200 yards in five of his first seven seasons with the organization. Taylor ultimately ran for over 1,000 yards in seven of his 11 campaigns with Jacksonville.
Kansas City Chiefs - Jamaal Charles
Honorable Mention: Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Christian Okoye, Ed Podolak
A dynamic dual-threat back, Charles is Kansas City's all-time leading rusher with 7,260 yards. An effective pass catcher, the University of Texas product also amassed nearly 2,500 receiving yards during his time with the Chiefs en route to scoring 63 total TDs across nine seasons in KC. His eye-opening 5.4 yards per carry is not only the highest in team history but the highest career average for a running back in the modern era with a minimum of 1,000 rushing attempts.
Jamaal Charles was such an electrifying running back for #Texas and the #Chiefs. #HookEm
— Blake Munroe (@BlakeMunroeOTF) February 11, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders - Marcus Allen
Honorable Mention: Mark Van Eeghen, Bo Jackson
While Bo Jackson remains one of the great "what ifs" in NFL history, there's no doubt as to what Marcus Allen accomplished in the Raiders' backfield across his 11 seasons with the team. Allen earned multiple notable accolades while with the franchise including Offensive Rookie of the Year and the 1985 NFL MVP award. The smooth dual threat helped the Raiders to a win in Super Bowl XVIII and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. He holds the franchise record in rushing yards and TDs.
Los Angeles Chargers - LaDanian Tomlinson
Honorable Mention: Austin Ekeler, Paul Lowe
Not just one of the greatest running backs in Chargers franchise history, but one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, LaDanian Tomlinson's feats while wearing a Bolts uniform are unlikely to ever be duplicated. A first-round draft pick out of TCU in 2001, L.T. lived up to the hype immediately, rushing for over 1,200 yards in his rookie campaign, an effort that kicked off a string of eight consecutive seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards. He ultimately amassed an eye-popping 12,490 rushing yards and 138 rushing TDs during his time with the Chargers, while being named the NFL's MVP in 2006.
Los Angeles Rams - Eric Dickerson
Honorable Mention: Marshall Faulk, Steven Jackson, Todd Gurley
Sheesh...the Rams franchise history is absolutely STACKED with legends at the running back position. This one could probably go two or three different ways depending on where you're placing value - Marshall Faulk won a Super Bowl with "The Greatest Show on Turf", Jackson is the franchise's all-time leading rusher, & Todd Gurley's brilliance was cut short by injuries - but we'll give the nod to Dickerson, the player who still owns the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season (2,105), a mark he set while with the Rams in 1984.
Possessing a blend of size and speed rarely seen in the NFL's history, Dickerson ran for 7,245 in four and a half seasons with the Rams, earning All-Pro honors four times. Contract disputes led to him being traded to the Indianapolis Colts, which negatively impacted his positioning in the franchise's record books, but the Pro Football Hall of Famer's 13,259 career rushing yards edges out both Faulk and Jackson.
Miami Dolphins - Larry Csonka
Honorable Mention: Ricky Williams, Mercury Morris
A key member of two Super Bowl-winning Dolphins teams in 1972 & 1973 - including the perfect 17-0 squad of '72 - "Zonk" remains a Miami legend. Known for his hard-nosed running style and toughness, the five-time Pro Bowler remains the organization's all-time leader in rushing yards and TDs. He teamed with Mercury Morris to form one of the NFL's most potent backfields in the '70s with Csonka grinding out three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards. The MVP of Super Bowl VIII was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
Minnesota Vikings - Adrian Peterson
Honorable Mention: Robert Smith, Chuck Foreman
No surprises here, as Adrian Peterson clearly stands head and shoulders above any other RB in Vikings history. A phenom at both the high school and college levels, Peterson wasted little time showing he would also be a force in the NFL by rushing for over 1,300 yards en route to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2007 and leading the entire league in rushing with over 1,700 yards in his sophomore pro season. He captured the NFL MVP award in 2012 while rushing for 2,097 yards - the second-most yards in a season in history. He's Minnesota's all-time leader in rushing yards, TDs, and attempts.
Adrian Peterson in his rookie season:
1,341 RUSH YDS
13 TOT TD
Pro Bowl
OROYAnd set the NFL single-season record for rushing yards in a game, with 296. https://t.co/dvorz97Qyi
— StatMuse NFL (@statmusenfl) February 8, 2024
New England Patriots - Curtis Martin
Honorable Mention: Sam Cunningham, Jim Nance, Kevin Faulk
This is certainly a tricky one, as Curtis Martin only spent the first three seasons of his illustrious career with the Patriots, while New England legends like Sam Cunningham, Jim Nance, and Kevin Faulk logged several more years with the organization during their careers. However brief his time in New England may have been, none shined brighter than Martin, who rushed for over 1,100 yards every season he was with the Pats. The 1995 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Martin helped lead New England to what was just their second-ever Super Bowl appearance at the time in a 1997 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Despite logging just three seasons with the organization, Martin stands fourth on the Patriots' all-time rushing list.
New Orleans Saints - Alvin Kamara
Honorable Mention: Mark Ingram, Deuce McAllister, Dalton Hilliard
One of the few active players to make our list, Alvin Kamara already holds the Saints franchise record for rushing TDs with 54 - and barring injury or a parting of ways with the team - will soon overtake Mark Ingram as New Orleans' all-time rushing yardage leader. A dynamic dual-threat back, Kamara also currently sits fifth on the Saints' all-time receptions list and he'll most likely move up to second in that category before his career is done.
New York Giants - Tiki Barber
Honorable Mention: Brandon Jacobs, Rodney Hampton, Frank Gifford
Despite a somewhat complicated relationship with Giants fans, Barber is undoubtedly the finest running back in the storied franchise's history. The only Giant in history to amass over 10,000 rushing yards and 50 rushing TDs, he racked up three Pro-Bowl nods and a First Team All-Pro selection across his 10 seasons with Big Blue. Barber was a late bloomer in New York, logging over 500 rushing yards once in his first three pro campaigns. However, he was nearly unstoppable once things clicked, as he ran for over 1,000 yards in six of his final seven seasons in the NFL. His 15,632 career scrimmage yards rank 15th in league history.
New York Jets - Curtis Martin
Honorable Mention: Freeman McNeil, Emerson Boozer, Matt Snell
The player Bill Parcells called "Boy Wonder" is the only running back to make our list twice. After spending the first three seasons of his career in New England, Martin followed Parcells to the rival New York Jets. He didn't disappoint in the Big Apple, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first seven seasons as a Jet. Martin ultimately racked up a remarkable 10,302 rushing yards and 58 TDs for Gang Green, both of which remain franchise records. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Philadelphia Eagles - LeSean McCoy
Honorable Mention: Steve Van Buren, Brian Westbrook, Wilbert Montgomery
"Shady" was a dynamic, dual-threat force during his time in Philly and it's hard not to wonder what might have been if Chip Kelly hadn't shipped him to the Buffalo Bills for Kiko Alonso in what was perhaps the worst trade in Eagles history. Despite spending just six years with the Eagles, McCoy's 6,792 rushing yards are the most in franchise history. During his six-year tenure with Philly, the only running back in the NFL to rush for more yards over that timeframe was Adrian Peterson. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in two of his first three seasons after being traded to the Bills and was named to the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Franco Harris
Honorable Mention: Jerome Bettis, Le'Veon Bell, Willie Parker
With all due respect to the great Jerome Bettis, we're sticking with Franco Harris as the Steelers' G.O.A.T running back. While Bettis' career ended in storybook fashion with a Super Bowl victory, Harris was a cornerstone of the legendary 1970s Pittsburgh dynasty that captured four Super Bowl titles. In addition to the rings, Harris still holds the Steelers' franchise records in both rushing yards and TDs, despite playing his last down for Pittsburgh in 1983. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, Harris passed away in 2022 but will forever be remembered for not only his famous "Immaculate Reception" and heroics on the field but also his class off it.
He was the MVP of #SuperBowl IX
He was an MVP in life
He was an exemplary ambassador for the #Pittsburgh #Steelers and #SteelersNation https://t.co/YGo5ALZXJu #SteelersNation Remembers and Honors the Late Legend Franco Harris pic.twitter.com/jeDDmjHbzY— Steel Curtain Rising (@SteelCurtainRis) February 11, 2024
San Francisco 49ers - Frank Gore
Honorable Mention: Joe Perry, Roger Craig, Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey remains just two seasons into his Niners tenure, so we'll just have to wait and see where his career arc lands. For now, the iron man Frank Gore is still the running back to beat in the San Fran record books. Gore spent the first 10 seasons of his lengthy career in the Bay, amassing over 11,000 rushing yards and 64 scores on the ground - both of which are the most in 49ers history. He tallied nearly 5,000 rushing yards after leaving San Francisco and stands third on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 16,000 yards.
Seattle Seahawks - Shaun Alexander
Honorable Mention: Marshawn Lynch, Chris Warren, Curt Warner
It might come as a shock to readers of a certain age that Marshawn Lynch doesn't get the nod here, but we still remember Shaun Alexander, the legendary Seattle back who put together one of the greatest five-year stretches in NFL history during his prime. His 9,429 rushing yards easily clears Chris Warren's 6,706 for the most in Seahawks history, while his 100 TDs on the ground dwarfs Marshawn Lynch's 58 rushing scores. Alexander's 2005 season was a sight to behold, as his 1,880 rushing yards and eye-popping 27 TDs earned him the NFL MVP award and stands as the greatest single-season effort in Seahawks history.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Alstott
Honorable Mention: James Wilder, Warrick Dunn
James Wilder might be No. 1 in Tampa Bay's rushing record books, but Mike Alstott reigns supreme in the hearts of most Bucs fans. The "A-Train" was a throwback player that relied on sheer power and brute force. Considered by many to be the NFL's "last legendary fullback", Alstott was a short-yardage destroyer who rumbled his way to a Bucs franchise-record 58 rushing TDs. He earned six Pro Bowl nods during his 11 seasons - all with Tampa Bay - while helping the long-downtrodden franchise to its first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXVII.
Tennessee Titans - Derrick Henry
Honorable Mention: Earl Campbell, Eddie George, Chris Johnson
Believe it or not, this was the toughest debate on our list, as the Titans/Oilers history at the running back position is filled with legends. Because of the Titans shared record book with the Oilers, the great Earl Campbell was certainly in the discussion and since the franchise moved to Nashville they've been blessed with greats such as Eddie George, Chris Johnson, and Derrick Henry.
Derrick Henry has finished either 1st or 2nd in rushing yards in 4 out of the last 5 years.
The only time he didn't was 2021 where he played just 8 games and still finished top 10. 😱 pic.twitter.com/J7ASc4dfVL
— Touchdown KO (@Touchdown_KO) February 10, 2024
While Campbell and Johnson's stars arguably shined brighter for shorter periods of time, Henry and George edge them in total career stats with the organization. George possesses the edge on Henry in rushing yards in a Titans uniform by around 500 yards, but he had nine more games and just over 700 more carries to do it. As for Henry, his time in Tennessee is likely coming to an end, but he's perhaps the last of the NFL's great power backs. His career average of 4.7 yards per carry narrowly clears Johnson, while his 90 rushing scores are 17 more than Campbell.
Washington Commanders - John Riggins
Honorable Mention: Clinton Portis, Larry Brown, Stephen Davis
After landing with Washington as a free agent in 1976, John Riggins battled through injuries and contract disputes to become the greatest rusher in franchise history. He posted back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing campaigns before sitting out the entire 1980 season due to tenuous contract negotiations with the Washington front office. He returned to lead the team to two Super Bowl appearances and one title, winning the Super Bowl MVP after rushing for a then-record of 166 yards. Riggins ultimately logged four season of over 1,000 rushing yards in a Washington uniform. He remains the franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards and TDs.
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