Best New England Patriots Running Backs of All-Time

Best New England Patriots running backs of all-time starts with Curtis Martin at No. 1, and that is the cleanest talent-versus-longevity debate on this list. Martin only played three seasons in New England, but his peak was so strong that he still has the best all-around case among Patriots running backs.

Jim Nance and Sam Cunningham follow closely because they own the strongest old-school production cases. Nance was the AFL powerhouse with the rushing titles and touchdown record. Cunningham is still the Patriots’ all-time rushing yards leader. Corey Dillon gave New England one of the greatest single rushing seasons in franchise history, while Kevin Faulk and James White became perfect dynasty-era third-down backs.

This list judges each back by Patriots-only impact, not total NFL career value. Curtis Martin’s Jets years do not add to his ranking here. Corey Dillon’s Bengals production does not count the same as his Patriots work. This ranking is about what each player did in a New England Patriots or Boston Patriots uniform.

How We Ranked the Best New England Patriots Running Backs of All-Time

This ranking is based on Patriots production, peak performance, longevity, playoff impact, versatility, era context and franchise legacy. Some backs had the rushing totals. Some had the championship moments. Some were more valuable as receiving backs than traditional runners.

That is why this is not simply a rushing yards list. If it were, Sam Cunningham would be No. 1, Jim Nance would be No. 2 and Curtis Martin would be No. 4. But “best running back” is bigger than one stat. Martin had the highest pure talent peak. Nance had the strongest AFL dominance. Cunningham had the greatest longevity. Dillon had the best single-season power-back impact. Faulk and White were championship weapons in a pass-first dynasty.

For the bigger league-wide debate, check out our best running backs of all-time ranking.

Why This Patriots RB Ranking Is Different

Patriots running back history is unusual because New England has not always built its identity around one traditional franchise back. The team has had power backs, fullbacks, third-down backs, pass-catching specialists and short-yardage finishers all matter in different eras.

That is why Kevin Faulk and James White rank high even though they were not classic 300-carry runners. Their value came from trust, receiving ability, pass protection and playoff moments. Meanwhile, players like Jim Nance, Sam Cunningham and Corey Dillon get credit for carrying heavier rushing workloads.

The final ranking balances talent, production, role, rings and franchise memory. It is a Patriots-only list, but it does not ignore how different each era was.

10. Antowain Smith

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 2001–2003 with New England, 2,781 rushing yards, 21 rushing touchdowns and two Super Bowl championships with the Patriots.

Antowain Smith gets the No. 10 spot because he was the lead back during the first chapter of the Patriots dynasty. His arrival in 2001 gave New England a tougher, steadier rushing presence at exactly the right time.

Smith was not the flashiest runner, but he fit the early Brady-Belichick teams well. He could handle carries, finish runs and give the offense enough balance while the defense and situational football carried the identity.

His best Patriots season came in 2001, when he rushed for more than 1,100 yards and helped New England win its first Super Bowl. That makes him an important piece of franchise history, even if his overall Patriots run was short.

9. LeGarrette Blount

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 2013–2016 with New England, 2,917 rushing yards, 34 rushing touchdowns, two Super Bowl wins with the Patriots and an NFL-leading 18 rushing TDs in 2016.

LeGarrette Blount ranks ninth because he gave the Patriots exactly what they needed: power, short-yardage finishing and cold-weather playoff physicality. When New England wanted to lean on a defense late in games, Blount was built for it.

His 2016 season is the biggest part of his case. Blount scored 18 rushing touchdowns that year, setting the Patriots single-season rushing TD record and giving New England a reliable goal-line hammer.

He was not a major receiving threat, and he was not a long-term franchise back. But as a role-specific power runner, Blount was one of the most effective backs New England has had.

8. Larry Garron

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 1960–1968 with Boston/New England, 2,981 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 185 receptions, 2,502 receiving yards and 26 receiving touchdowns.

Larry Garron ranks eighth because he was one of the first great offensive weapons in franchise history. During the Boston Patriots era, he gave the team value as both a runner and receiver.

Garron’s receiving numbers are what make his case stand out. He was not just a back who carried the ball; he could create explosive plays in the passing game and score through the air.

Modern fans may not talk about Garron often, but his all-around production was excellent for his era. He helped establish the early Patriots offense before the franchise became a modern NFL power.

7. Tony Collins

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 1981–1987 with New England, 4,647 rushing yards, 32 rushing touchdowns, 261 receptions and 2,356 receiving yards.

Tony Collins ranks seventh because of his combination of rushing production and receiving value. He sits third in Patriots career rushing yards, but his game was never just about carries.

Collins was smooth, balanced and useful in multiple situations. He could run between the tackles, catch the ball and help the Patriots offense stay flexible during the 1980s.

He does not have the same championship legacy as some dynasty-era backs, but his regular-season résumé is strong. Collins remains one of the most productive all-around backs in Patriots history.

6. James White

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 2014–2021 with New England, 1,278 rushing yards, 381 receptions, 3,278 receiving yards, 36 total regular-season touchdowns and three Super Bowl championships.

James White ranks sixth because his Patriots value was never captured by rushing yards alone. He was a receiving back, a third-down weapon and one of Tom Brady’s most trusted players in high-leverage moments.

White’s Super Bowl LI performance is one of the greatest games by a running back in NFL postseason history. He caught 14 passes, scored three total touchdowns and delivered the game-winning overtime score in the comeback against Atlanta.

As a pure runner, White would not rank this high. As a Patriots running back, role player and playoff weapon, he absolutely belongs here. Few backs in franchise history were more trusted when the season was on the line.

5. Kevin Faulk

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 1999–2011 with New England, 3,607 rushing yards, 431 receptions, 3,701 receiving yards, 31 total offensive touchdowns and three Super Bowl championships.

Kevin Faulk ranks fifth because he was the original dynasty third-down back. Before James White became Brady’s late-career receiving weapon, Faulk was the back New England trusted in the biggest situational moments.

Faulk could run, catch, block, return kicks and keep the offense on schedule. He was not always the featured back, but he was often the player the Patriots wanted on the field when the down mattered most.

His longevity also separates him. Faulk played 13 seasons in New England and became one of the franchise’s most respected role players. His ranking is about trust, versatility and championship value.

4. Corey Dillon

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 2004–2006 with New England, 3,180 rushing yards, 37 rushing touchdowns, 1,635 rushing yards in 2004 and one Super Bowl championship.

Corey Dillon ranks fourth because his Patriots peak was incredible. He arrived in 2004 and immediately gave New England the power rushing presence it had been missing.

Dillon’s 2004 season remains one of the greatest by any Patriots running back. He rushed for 1,635 yards, gave the offense real balance and helped the Patriots win another Super Bowl.

His New England career lasted only three seasons, which keeps him below the top three. But if this ranking were based only on single-season peak, Dillon would have a strong case for No. 1.

3. Sam Cunningham

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 1973–1982 with New England, franchise-record 5,453 rushing yards, 43 rushing touchdowns and 1,905 receiving yards.

Sam Cunningham ranks third, but he has the strongest career rushing volume case in Patriots history. He is still the franchise’s all-time rushing yards leader, which gives him a permanent place near the top of this list.

Cunningham was a powerful, dependable back who could handle tough carries and produce across multiple seasons. He gave New England a physical rushing identity during the 1970s and early 1980s.

The only reason he is not higher is because Jim Nance had a stronger peak and Curtis Martin had the best pure talent case. Still, Cunningham’s longevity and production make him one of the greatest Patriots backs ever.

2. Jim Nance

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 1965–1971 with Boston/New England, 5,323 rushing yards, franchise-record 45 rushing touchdowns, two AFL rushing titles and 1966 AFL MVP.

Jim Nance ranks second because his peak was dominant. During the AFL years, Nance gave the Boston Patriots a true power-running identity and became one of the league’s best backs.

His 1966 season is still one of the most important individual rushing seasons in franchise history. Nance led the AFL in rushing, won league MVP and became the kind of workhorse who could carry an offense.

He also remains the Patriots’ all-time rushing touchdown leader. That combination of peak dominance, scoring production and early franchise importance gives Nance a real argument for No. 1.

1. Curtis Martin

Patriots Stats & Accolades: 1995–1997 with New England, 3,799 rushing yards, 32 rushing touchdowns, three straight 1,000-yard seasons, Offensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowls with the Patriots.

Curtis Martin is the best running back in New England Patriots history. His Patriots career was short, but his level of play was elite from the moment he arrived.

Martin rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons with New England. He gave the Patriots a true feature back, helped lead the team to Super Bowl XXXI and looked like one of the best young backs in football.

The only thing missing is longevity. If Martin had stayed in New England longer, he probably would have broken every major Patriots rushing record. Even in just three seasons, his talent, consistency and immediate impact make him the strongest No. 1 choice.

Full Ranking Table: Best New England Patriots Running Backs of All-Time

Note: This table is a recap of the full ranking. Stats are regular-season offensive numbers with the Patriots only.

FAQ: Best New England Patriots Running Backs of All-Time

Who is the best New England Patriots running back of all-time?

Curtis Martin is ranked as the best New England Patriots running back of all-time because of his elite peak, three straight 1,000-yard seasons, Rookie of the Year award and immediate franchise impact.

Who has the most rushing yards in Patriots history?

Sam Cunningham has the most rushing yards in New England Patriots history with 5,453 regular-season rushing yards.

Who has the most rushing touchdowns in Patriots history?

Jim Nance has the most rushing touchdowns in Patriots history with 45 regular-season rushing TDs.

Why is Curtis Martin ranked above Sam Cunningham?

Curtis Martin is ranked above Sam Cunningham because this is a “best running backs” list, not only a rushing yards list. Cunningham has the better longevity case, but Martin had the higher peak and pure feature-back talent during his Patriots years.

Why are Kevin Faulk and James White ranked so high?

Kevin Faulk and James White rank high because their value came from more than rushing yards. Both were elite receiving backs, trusted third-down players and major contributors to Patriots Super Bowl teams.

Does Curtis Martin’s Jets career count in this ranking?

No. This is a Patriots-only ranking. Curtis Martin’s New York Jets career helps his overall NFL legacy, but this list only counts what he did with New England.

Conclusion: Ranking the Greatest Patriots Running Backs Ever

The best New England Patriots running backs of all-time ranking starts with Curtis Martin because his short New England peak was too good to ignore. He had immediate star power, three straight 1,000-yard seasons and the kind of feature-back talent the Patriots have rarely had.

Jim Nance and Sam Cunningham are right behind him. Nance has the AFL dominance and rushing touchdown record, while Cunningham has the all-time rushing yards record. Corey Dillon owns the best single-season rushing case, and Kevin Faulk and James White represent the championship passing-back role that became so important in New England.

The key thing to remember is that this is not only a stat ranking. Patriots running back history includes power backs, fullbacks, receiving backs and playoff specialists. When all of that is weighed together, Curtis Martin stands at No. 1, but the top three is very close.

More Patriots and NFL Rankings

For the full franchise picture beyond running backs, check out our best New England Patriots players of all-time ranking. For the bigger position debate, read our best running backs of all-time tier list.

You can also read our Patriots stat leaderboards for the Patriots all-time rushing yards leaders, Patriots all-time rushing touchdown leaders, Patriots all-time passing yards leaders, Patriots all-time passing touchdown leaders, Patriots all-time receiving yards leaders, Patriots all-time receiving touchdown leaders, Patriots all-time interceptions leaders, and Patriots all-time sacks leaders.

For more New England position rankings, check out our best New England Patriots quarterbacks of all-time, best New England Patriots wide receivers of all-time, and best New England Patriots defensive players of all-time.

For the rest of the AFC East, check out our best Buffalo Bills players of all-time, best New York Jets players of all-time, and best Miami Dolphins players of all-time rankings.

For every franchise, visit our all-time player rankings for every NFL franchise, or keep browsing the main NFL rankings page. For more daily football graphics and debates, follow SOG Football on Instagram.