Top 10 Running Backs of All Time

The running back position in the NFL is of the utmost importance even as the league shifts to offenses passing more often. A balance must be found between the run and passing game to keep defenses guessing. Certain running backs like those on this list were an individual offensive threat while still thriving in the receiving and blocking areas of the game.

Who are the best running backs in history?

Running back lists are only complete with the likes of Walter Payton or even Barry Sanders. The list is compiled of those that impacted the game running and receiving. The way the backs changed the game will also be a factor incorporated into this ranking. Below you will see a mix of classic running back names and those that make you yearn for the way football used to be played.

10. Tony Dorsett

Tony Dorsett was a staple for the Dallas Cowboys for around a decade. Dorsett was the image of consistency which nearly saw him run for 1,000 yards in 9 straight seasons. No defense could fend off Tony for a full season, and the NFL strike was the only reason this milestone was not achieved. When this legendary Cowboy retired, he ranked 2nd behind only Walter Payton in all-time rushing yards.

The way running backs are playing the game is changing. The backs above set the standard for excellence, toughness, agility, and power. What running backs of today remind you of backs on this list?

9. Ladanian Tomlinson

Ladanian Tomlinson or LT broke the single-season touchdown record of 25 that Emmitt Smith and Marshall Faulk previously held with 28. What set Tomlinson apart was his ability to catch out of the backfield. LT was just as dangerous catching a screen pass as he was bursting into a running lane. The running back had over 600 caught passes in his NFL career, which would be considered a great career for many wide receivers. The RB recorded over 100 receptions in a season, which only two other backs had done at that point in history.

#8 Marshall Faulk

Marshall Faulk was the definition of a threat in both the running and receiving games. Faulk retired with the most receiving yards by a running back. The back even had a 1,000-yard season in 1999 with Kurt Warner throwing to him as a part of one of the most exciting all-time offenses. With all of his receiving prowess, Faulk still retired in the #12 of all time in rushing yards which is amazing as he played numerous seasons in a pass-first offensive scheme.

#7 Franco Harris

Franco Harris was a huge component in the Steelers franchise rattling off 4 Super Bowl wins. There were times when Terry Bradshaw was struggling when Harris seemingly had to carry the entire offense. The most famous single play that Harris made was actually a reception or the unlikely Immaculate Reception in the playoffs. 8 times Franco rushed for over 1,000 yards for Pittsburgh in far shorter seasons than are played in today’s NFL. 

#6 Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson or AP, was known to run with speed, power, and agility. The back came back from an ACL tear faster than any expert could have guessed. The back nearly eclipsed the single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson, another RB on this list. 

Peterson played for a decade in Minnesota until injuries and personal matters took him off the field temporarily. AP had stints with Washington, Arizona, and New Orleans and holds a place in the top 10 in rushing yards in history.

#5 Eric Dickerson

Eric Dickerson ran for a staggering 1,800 yards in his rookie season, only to surpass this the next year. The fact that the back had over 400 receiving yards simply seemed like an afterthought with his rushing production. The next year was so amazing that Dickerson broke the single-season rushing record, which seemed untouchable with 2,105 yards. 

Dickerson’s name should be mentioned with the top backs history but at times, can be forgotten. The rushing record for a single season still stands today. Even with more games played, the record seems safe with the NFL moving towards a pass-first league.

#4 Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders could be the most electric running back in NFL and NCAA history. Sanders spent the duration of his career with the Detroit Lions. The running back would have increased the statistics, as his retirement was an infamous mistake. The Lions running back said on a phone call that he was tired, and it was misheard as,” I’m retired.” 

Not only is this a massive fumble by the organization, but it stole what could have been more incredible highlights. Watching Lions games with Sanders lined up behind the quarterback had defenses and opposing fans holding their breath. The highlight reels speak for themselves with changing direction on a dime and spin moves never witnessed at amazing speeds.

#3 Emmitt Smith

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Emmitt Smith won the most number of Super Bowls on this list, minus Franco Harris’ 4 titles. Although Smith retired with the Arizona Cardinals, The former Dallas Cowboy did so holding the all-time rushing record with over 18,000 yards. Smith ran with power but less speed than others on this list, like Barry Sanders or Adrian Peterson.

Emmitt’s ability to find the hole behind the Cowboy’s powerful offensive line set him apart. The fact that he had the durability to play 15 NFL seasons in this position is nothing short of incredible.

#2 Jim Brown

Jim Brown could be the most talented running back in history. Brown retired to pursue interests outside of football which included starring in movies and being an essential figure for social issues at the time. Jim was the rushing king of the NFL an amazing 8 times which is a record that likely will never be matched or surpassed. Brown also made the Pro Bowl in every single season of the 9 that he played in. Adding that to 8 first-team All-Pro selections makes it easy to see why he is ranked so high on this list.

#1 Walter Payton

No classic football highlight reel would be complete without Walter Payton’s iconic stiff arm making an appearance. Sweetness was Payton’s nickname, but defenses would not agree as he put up unmatched numbers for each of his 12 seasons. Payton would go on to retire with the most rushing yards in history. With advances in medical technology, the back could have continued playing for years. Sweetness broke the 1200-yard mark rushing 10 times which simply shows his greatness along with consistency at the position.

The way running backs are playing the game is changing. The backs above set the standard for excellence, toughness, agility, and power. What running backs of today remind you of backs on this list?

The way running backs are playing the game is changing. The backs above set the standard for excellence, toughness, agility, and power. What running backs of today remind you of backs on this list?