NFL Best Running Backs of All-Time Tier List
The thrill and exhilaration of NFL football are often defined by the prowess and skill of running backs who continually astound fans with their ever-evolving ability. These exceptional athletes embody a perfect blend of speed, power, and determination, enabling them to do-it-all offensively. From early pioneers to contemporary sports icons, the greatest running backs in history have left an enduring legacy on the sport we revere. In this article, we will take a closer look at these exceptional players’ remarkable careers and triumphs, honoring the astonishing talent that has graced the football field across generations. This is a tier list of the best running backs of all-time.
Remember that these running backs are ranked according to tiers, but there is no particular order inside those tiers.
TIER 6:
Eddie George
Eddie George’s powerful running style and unwavering determination have secured his place among the elite running backs in NFL history. During his standout 2000 season, George rushed for a career-high 1,509 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, demonstrating his exceptional ability to carry the offense on his back.
Roger Craig
Roger Craig’s remarkable versatility and dynamic playing style have earned him a spot among the NFL’s all-time great running backs. In his incredible 1985 season, Craig became the first player in league history to amass over 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, highlighting his exceptional skill set.
Leroy Kelly
Leroy Kelly’s exceptional skill and determination cement his status as one of the most outstanding running backs the NFL has ever seen. In his extraordinary 1968 season, Kelly rushed for 1,239 yards and led the league with 16 touchdowns, showcasing his explosive ability on the field.
Fred Taylor
Fred Taylor’s exceptional talent and relentless drive place him among the top running backs in NFL history. During his standout 2000 season, Taylor rushed for a remarkable 1,399 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, highlighting his unique blend of speed and power.
Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson earned his place among the NFL’s elite running backs with his powerful style and ability to consistently perform at a high level no matter the talent around him. In his remarkable 2006 season, Jackson rushed for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns while also amassing 806 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility and playmaking skills.
Marion Motley
Marion Motley’s impact on the game of football is undeniable, as he ranks among the all-time great running backs with his powerful running style and impressive performances. In his exceptional 1948 season, Motley led the league with an impressive 964 rushing yards while averaging an incredible 6.2 yards per carry. His contributions to the Cleveland Browns’ success during the 1940s and 1950s, including four AAFC championships and an NFL championship, solidified his status as a true football legend.
Corey Dillon
Corey Dillon’s extraordinary talent as a running back was evident in his ability to make a significant impact on his teams’ success. In his standout 2004 season, Dillon rushed for a career-best 1,635 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a key contributor to the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl XXXIX victory, Dillon’s legacy as one of the all-time great running backs remains firmly established.
Priest Holmes
Priest Holmes solidified his status as one of the premier running backs in NFL history through his explosive performances and undeniable impact on his teams. During his unforgettable 2002 season, Holmes set a then-record for rushing touchdowns with 27, while amassing an astounding 2,287 yards from scrimmage.
Ricky Watters
Ricky Watters earned his place among the elite running backs with his dynamic playing style and remarkable consistency. In his best season, 1996, Watters rushed for 1,411 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility.
John Henry Johnson
John Henry Johnson’s exceptional combination of power and agility made him a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron. As one of the best running backs in NFL history, Johnson left an indelible mark, amassing over 6,800 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns throughout his illustrious career, proving that he was a true pioneer of the sport.
TIER 5:
Jim Taylor
Jim Taylor’s powerful running and relentless determination place him firmly among the all-time great running backs in the NFL. In his remarkable 1962 season, Taylor rushed for a league-leading 1,474 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, displaying his exceptional ability to dominate the field. As a key component of the Green Bay Packers’ storied success, he won four NFL championships and a Super Bowl victory
LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy’s elusive running style and innate playmaking ability have earned him a place among the NFL’s most distinguished running backs. In his impressive 2013 season, McCoy led the league with 1,607 rushing yards and added 11 touchdowns, showcasing his remarkable skill and versatility.
Joe Perry
Joe Perry’s exceptional speed and relentless drive have firmly established him as one of the most outstanding running backs in NFL history. In his phenomenal 1954 season, Perry rushed for 1,049 yards while averaging an incredible 6.1 yards per carry, demonstrating his unparalleled talent on the field.
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis stands among the NFL’s most elite running backs, thanks to his impressive blend of power and speed. His incredible 2003 season saw Lewis rush for 2,066 yards, making him only the fifth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season. As a driving force behind the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive success, Lewis’s contributions played a pivotal role in the team’s achievements, including a Super Bowl XXXV victory.
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch, affectionately known as “Beast Mode,” ranks among the best running backs in NFL history due to his unique combination of strength and agility. During his exceptional 2012 season, Lynch amassed 1,590 rushing yards and scored 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his undeniable talent. He also has some of the best NFL highlight runs ever.
Larry Csonka
Larry Csonka’s bruising running style and unwavering determination earned him a reputation as one of the NFL’s most fearsome running backs. In his spectacular 1971 season, Csonka rushed for 1,051 yards and scored seven touchdowns, showcasing his exceptional skill on the field. As a cornerstone of the Miami Dolphins’ dominant run in the early 1970s, Csonka played a vital role in securing two Super Bowl victories, including the historic undefeated 1972 season.
Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry’s exceptional combination of size, speed, and power has established him as one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs. In his outstanding 2020 season, Henry achieved a remarkable 2,027 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, becoming the eighth player in league history to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season. Simply put, he is a freak of nature.
Tiki Barber
Tiki Barber’s incredible agility and versatile skill set have secured his place among the NFL’s all-time great running backs. In his remarkable 2005 season, Barber accumulated 1,860 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while also amassing 530 receiving yards.
TIER 4:
Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis, affectionately known as “The Bus,” carved out a place among the NFL’s elite running backs with his powerful running style and impressive durability. In his standout 1997 season, Bettis rushed for 1,665 yards and scored seven touchdowns, highlighting his exceptional ability on the field.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson’s incredible blend of raw athleticism and sheer power made him one of the most electrifying running backs the NFL has ever seen. In his brief but memorable 1989 season, Jackson rushed for 950 yards and scored four touchdowns in just 11 games, showcasing his immense potential. Although his career was cut short by injury, Jackson’s awe-inspiring performances on the field left an indelible impression on both the Los Angeles Raiders and the sport of football. Bo Jackson is also considered one of the fastest NFL players of all-time with a 40 yard dash time of 4.13 hand timed.
Frank Gore
Frank Gore’s exceptional consistency and remarkable longevity have earned him a place among the NFL’s all-time great running backs. In his stellar 2006 season, Gore rushed for a career-high 1,695 yards and scored eight touchdowns, showcasing his undeniable talent on the field. As a key figure on multiple teams throughout his lengthy career, Gore’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the NFL record books.
John Riggins
John Riggins’ relentless drive and powerful running style have cemented his status as one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs. In his exceptional 1983 season, Riggins rushed for 1,347 yards and scored a league-leading 24 touchdowns, demonstrating his incredible ability to find the end zone. As a pivotal contributor to the Washington Redskins’ Super Bowl XVII victory, Riggins’ impact on the team and the sport of football remains both significant and enduring.
Franco Harris
Franco Harris’ outstanding combination of size, strength, and agility places him among the most distinguished running backs in NFL history. In his impressive 1975 season, Harris rushed for 1,246 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, showcasing his remarkable talent on the field. As an essential component of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ four Super Bowl victories, Franco Harris is regarded as one of the best running backs ever.
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James’ exceptional speed and versatility have secured his place among the NFL’s most accomplished running backs. In his phenomenal 2000 season, James rushed for 1,709 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to dominate on the field.
Shaun Alexander
Shaun Alexander’s powerful running and innate ability to find the end zone place him among the NFL’s most elite running backs. In his outstanding 2005 season, Alexander rushed for 1,880 yards and scored a league-leading 28 touchdowns, setting a new NFL record.
TIER 3:
Marcus Allen
Marcus Allen’s exceptional vision and elusive running style have cemented his place among the NFL’s all-time great running backs. In his remarkable 1985 season, Allen rushed for 1,759 yards and scored a total of 14 touchdowns, showcasing his unparalleled skill on the field. While Bo Jackson took some of his thunder, it was Marcus Allen who is the more accomplished running back.
Curtis Martin
Curtis Martin’s exceptional consistency and remarkable durability have earned him a place among the NFL’s most accomplished running backs. In his outstanding 2004 season, Martin rushed for 1,697 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, demonstrating his undeniable talent on the field.
Terrell Davis
Terrell Davis’ explosive running and exceptional talent place him among the NFL’s most dominant running backs. In his sensational 1998 season, Davis rushed for 2,008 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, cementing his place in league history. He has some of the best NFL playoff performances ever, but his career was cut short due to injuries.
Gale Sayers
Gale Sayers’ exceptional speed and agility established him as one of the most dynamic running backs the NFL has ever seen. In his incredible 1965 season, Sayers rushed for 867 yards and scored a league-leading 22 touchdowns, including six in a single game.
Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell’s powerful running and ability to break tackles established him as one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. In his remarkable 1980 season, Campbell rushed for 1,934 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, earning him the league MVP award.
Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett’s incredible speed and agility made him one of the most electrifying running backs of his era. In his outstanding 1981 season, Dorsett rushed for 1,646 yards and scored four touchdowns, demonstrating his exceptional talent on the field.
Thurman Thomas
Thurman Thomas’ exceptional versatility and consistency established him as one of the most accomplished running backs in NFL history. In his outstanding 1991 season, Thomas rushed for 1,407 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his undeniable talent on the field. He was a pivotal contributor to the Buffalo Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl appearances during his career.
TIER 2:
Eric Dickerson
Eric Dickerson’s outstanding combination of speed, power, and durability established him as one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. In his incredible 1984 season, Dickerson rushed for 2,105 yards, setting a new NFL record, and scored a total of 14 touchdowns.
O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson’s explosive running and exceptional speed established him as one of the most dynamic running backs the NFL has ever seen. In his remarkable 1973 season, Simpson rushed for 2,003 yards, becoming the first player to break the 2,000-yard rushing mark, and scored a total of 12 touchdowns. While I believe he is a horrible person, you can’t deny his greatness on the field.
LaDainian Tomlinson
Ladainian Tomlinson’s exceptional versatility and durability established him as one of the most accomplished running backs in NFL history. In his outstanding 2006 season, Tomlinson rushed for 1,815 yards and scored a league-leading 28 touchdowns, setting a new NFL record.
Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk’s exceptional all-around skills, including his ability to both run and catch the ball, established him as one of the most versatile running backs in NFL history. In his outstanding 1999 season, Faulk rushed for 1,381 yards, caught 87 passes for 1,048 yards, and scored a total of 12 touchdowns, earning him the league MVP award.
Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson’s exceptional power, speed, and elusiveness established him as one of the most dominant running backs of his generation. In his incredible 2012 season, Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards, just nine yards short of the NFL record, and scored a total of 13 touchdowns.
TIER 1:
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders’ exceptional speed, agility, and vision established him as one of the most elusive running backs in NFL history. In his outstanding 1997 season, Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards, becoming the third player to break the 2,000-yard rushing mark, and scored a total of 11 touchdowns. I personally believe he is the best running back of all-time.
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s exceptional combination of size, speed, and power established him as one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. In his incredible 1963 season, Brown rushed for 1,863 yards and scored a total of 15 touchdowns, earning him the league MVP award. Many argue that Jim Brown is the greatest player in NFL history.
Walter Payton
Walter Payton’s exceptional endurance, agility, and toughness established him as one of the most reliable and consistent running backs in NFL history. In his remarkable 1977 season, Payton rushed for 1,852 yards, breaking the league’s previous rushing record, and scored a total of 11 touchdowns.
Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith’s exceptional vision, patience, and durability established him as one of the most productive and consistent running backs in NFL history. In his remarkable 1995 season, Smith rushed for 1,773 yards and scored a total of 25 touchdowns, leading the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory. He holds most all-time NFL records for running backs while playing for the powerhouse that was America’s team.
In Conclusion:
The NFL has seen many great running backs throughout its history, with each of them bringing their unique skills and style to the game. From Jim Brown’s power and speed to Emmitt Smith’s vision and patience, these running backs have left their mark on the league and the sport of football. Their impact goes beyond the statistics and records they have set, as they have inspired generations of players and fans alike, and their contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
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