Most Career Rushing Yards by a Carolina Panthers Player
The Carolina Panthers may be a relatively young franchise, but they’ve produced some serious rushing talent over the years. Jonathan Stewart is the franchise’s all-time rushing leader with over 7,300 yards, but he’s far from alone in the top 10. From the bruising runs of DeAngelo Williams to the electrifying quarterback runs of Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey’s all-purpose greatness, this list showcases the full spectrum of the Panthers’ ground game legacy.
What stands out about Carolina’s rushing history is the variety. You’ve got big-play quarterbacks like Cam Newton running over linebackers, while backs like McCaffrey can juke their way through defenders. The Panthers’ rushing attack has been about versatility, power, and precision, and the names on this list prove that.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Anthony Johnson – 1,795 Yards
A charter member of the Panthers, Johnson was a key offensive weapon in the team’s early days. His tough running helped lay the groundwork for Carolina’s future.
9. Fred Lane – 2,001 Yards
Lane went from undrafted rookie to 1,000-yard rusher in just his first season. His career was tragically short, but his impact remains etched in Panthers lore.
8. Stephen Davis – 2,085 Yards
Davis brought a punishing style to Carolina in the early 2000s. He rumbled for 1,400+ yards in 2003 and helped carry the Panthers to Super Bowl XXXVIII.
7. Tim Biakabutuka – 2,530 Yards
An enigma in the backfield, Biakabutuka showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with injuries. Still, he did enough to crack the franchise’s top 10.
6. Chuba Hubbard – 3,175 Yards (Active)
Quietly climbing the charts, Hubbard has provided consistent production with bursts of explosiveness. He’s already one of the most productive young runners in Panthers history.
5. DeShaun Foster – 3,336 Yards
Foster played a steady hand in Carolina’s backfield throughout the mid-2000s. He wasn’t flashy, but he was dependable and helped bridge the gap between eras.
4. Christian McCaffrey – 3,980 Yards
One of the most dynamic backs in NFL history, McCaffrey did it all — rushing, receiving, blocking. Injuries slowed his pace, but his impact was never in question.
3. Cam Newton – 5,036 Yards
Yes, a quarterback. Newton redefined what it meant to be a dual-threat QB, bulldozing defenders and setting records with his legs. His rushing production is unmatched among QBs.
2. DeAngelo Williams – 6,846 Yards
Explosive, elusive, and consistent — Williams had multiple 1,000-yard seasons and was the perfect counterpart to Stewart. Together, they formed one of the best tandems of their era.
1. Jonathan Stewart – 7,318 Yards
The all-time Panthers rushing leader. Stewart was a model of consistency, providing power, balance, and grit. His durability and big-game presence made him a Carolina icon.
Ranking the 10 best career rushing yard totals in Carolina Panthers history
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Carolina Panthers History
This list highlights every Panthers player who rushed for at least 110 career yards — from the thunder-and-lightning duo of Stewart and Williams to Cam Newton’s record-breaking QB runs and modern playmakers like McCaffrey.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Stewart | 7318 |
| 2 | DeAngelo Williams | 6846 |
| 3 | Cam Newton | 5036 |
| 4 | Christian McCaffrey | 3980 |
| 5 | DeShaun Foster | 3336 |
| 6 | Chuba Hubbard | 3175 |
| 7 | Tim Biakabutuka | 2530 |
| 8 | Stephen Davis | 2085 |
| 9 | Fred Lane | 2001 |
| 10 | Anthony Johnson | 1795 |
| 11 | Nick Goings | 1470 |
| 12 | Mike Tolbert | 992 |
| 13 | Brad Hoover | 961 |
| 14 | D’Onta Foreman | 914 |
| 15 | Derrick Moore | 740 |
| 16 | Lamar Smith | 737 |
| 17 | Richard Huntley | 665 |
| 18 | Mike Davis | 644 |
| 19 | Miles Sanders | 637 |
| 20 | Fozzy Whittaker | 536 |
| 21 | Bryce Young | 502 |
| 22 | Mike Goodson | 501 |
| 23 | Cameron Artis-Payne | 491 |
| 24 | Curtis Samuel | 478 |
| 25 | Steve Smith Sr. | 387 |
| 26 | Dee Brown | 360 |
| 27 | D.J. Moore | 335 |
| 28 | Sam Darnold | 328 |
| 29 | Steve Beuerlein | 305 |
| 30 | Teddy Bridgewater | 279 |
| 31 | Jake Delhomme | 260 |
| 32 | Kerry Collins | 217 |
| 33 | Howard Griffith | 204 |
| 34 | Raheem Blackshear | 203 |
| 35 | Reggie Bonnafon | 189 |
| 36 | Ted Ginn Jr. | 187 |
| 37 | Winslow Oliver | 183 |
| 38 | William Floyd | 182 |
| 39 | Bob Christian | 158 |
| 40 | Scott Greene | 157 |
| 41 | Rodney Smith | 156 |
| 42 | Rocket Ismail | 154 |
| 43 | Chris Weinke | 148 |
| 44 | Vince Workman | 139 |
| 45 | Tyrell Sutton | 139 |
| 46 | Corey Brown | 139 |
| 47 | Ameer Abdullah | 136 |
| 48 | Kyle Allen | 125 |
| 49 | Laviska Shenault Jr. | 120 |
| 50 | Brandon LaFell | 110 |
Jonathan Stewart may sit at the top, but Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey helped redefine Carolina’s run game for the modern NFL. Whether it’s a franchise QB bulldozing defenders or elusive backs slicing through secondaries, the Panthers have leaned on the run since day one. And with Chuba Hubbard rising, the next generation is already on the move.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Panthers record for most career rushing yards?
Jonathan Stewart leads all Panthers rushers with 7,318 career rushing yards.
Is Cam Newton the only quarterback on the list?
Yes — Cam Newton is the only QB in the top 10, with 5,036 rushing yards, ranking third all-time.
Are any current players still climbing this list?
Yes — Chuba Hubbard is still active and currently ranks 6th with 3,175 rushing yards.
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