Most Career Rushing Yards by a Chicago Bears Player
The Chicago Bears have long been synonymous with a punishing, blue-collar running game, and this list is a testament to that legacy. At the top of the mountain sits Walter Payton, a legend whose 16,726 rushing yards still stands as the gold standard for the Bears — and arguably for the entire NFL. But Payton’s legacy isn’t just about one man. The Bears’ rushing history is filled with Hall of Famers like Gale Sayers, workhorse backs like Neal Anderson, and modern stars like Matt Forte. Each of these names helped carve out Chicago’s reputation as a franchise that knows how to run the ball.
What makes the Bears’ rushing history even richer is the mix of eras represented here — from the flash and speed of Gale Sayers to the grit and toughness of Matt Forte and Thomas Jones. Chicago’s running backs have always delivered, and this list serves as a reminder of the power, passion, and unrelenting drive that define the franchise.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Roland Harper – 3,044 Yards
A steady presence in the Bears’ backfield during the ’70s, Harper was the kind of grinder who thrived in tough games. He flew under the radar but delivered big-time yardage.
9. Anthony Thomas – 3,332 Yards
The “A-Train” stormed onto the scene with a 1,000-yard rookie season and earned Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2001. He provided a jolt to a team hungry for offense in the early 2000s.
8. Jordan Howard – 3,370 Yards
Howard was a quick riser with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. He was the focal point of the Bears’ offense before his sudden departure to Philly.
7. Thomas Jones – 3,493 Yards
Jones powered the Bears’ Super Bowl run in 2006 with his no-nonsense running style. His tough yards were essential to Lovie Smith’s ground-and-pound approach.
6. David Montgomery – 3,609 Yards
A workhorse for the post-Forte era, Montgomery racked up yards with patience, power, and great balance. His consistency gave the Bears stability during a rebuilding stretch.
5. Gale Sayers – 4,956 Yards
The Kansas Comet’s career was tragically short, but his impact was enormous. In just 68 games, Sayers dazzled with elite burst, balance, and highlight-reel cuts.
4. Rick Casares – 5,657 Yards
A staple of the Bears’ offense in the ‘50s and ‘60s, Casares was one of the original workhorse backs. He led the NFL in rushing in 1956 and held Chicago’s record before Payton arrived.
3. Neal Anderson – 6,166 Yards
Anderson had the unenviable task of following Payton — and delivered. With elite versatility and smooth running, he put up four straight 1,000-yard seasons.
2. Matt Forte – 8,602 Yards
Forte did it all: rushing, receiving, blocking — a modern back before the league fully embraced them. He was a fantasy football cheat code and a Bears lifeline on offense.
1. Walter Payton – 16,726 Yards
Sweetness. The GOAT. Payton ran angry, leapt over piles, and never took a play off. His record will likely never be touched in Chicago — and few NFL backs even come close.
Ranking the 10 best career rushing yard totals in Chicago Bears history
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Chicago Bears History
This list celebrates every Bears player who surpassed 1,000 career rushing yards — from Walter Payton’s legendary reign to modern dual-threat quarterbacks and rugged fullbacks of decades past.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walter Payton | 16726 |
| 2 | Matt Forte | 8602 |
| 3 | Neal Anderson | 6166 |
| 4 | Rick Casares | 5657 |
| 5 | Gale Sayers | 4956 |
| 6 | David Montgomery | 3609 |
| 7 | Thomas Jones | 3493 |
| 8 | Jordan Howard | 3370 |
| 9 | Anthony Thomas | 3332 |
| 10 | Roland Harper | 3044 |
| 11 | Willie Galimore | 2985 |
| 12 | Matt Suhey | 2946 |
| 13 | Ronnie Bull | 2871 |
| 14 | Bronko Nagurski | 2778 |
| 15 | Bobby Douglass | 2470 |
| 16 | Ray Nolting | 2285 |
| 17 | Raymont Harris | 2245 |
| 18 | Justin Fields | 2220 |
| 19 | George Gulyanics | 2081 |
| 20 | Brad Muster | 2014 |
| 21 | James Allen | 1978 |
| 22 | Gary Famiglietti | 1927 |
| 23 | Beattie Feathers | 1846 |
| 24 | Khalil Herbert | 1791 |
| 25 | Bill Osmanski | 1753 |
| 26 | George McAfee | 1685 |
| 27 | Rashaan Salaam | 1682 |
| 28 | Jim Harbaugh | 1609 |
| 29 | Cedric Benson | 1593 |
| 30 | Jack Manders | 1586 |
| 31 | Curtis Enis | 1497 |
| 32 | Hugh Gallarneau | 1421 |
| 33 | John Hoffman | 1366 |
| 34 | Joe Maniaci | 1295 |
| 35 | Jim McMahon | 1284 |
| 36 | Adrian Peterson | 1283 |
| 37 | Jay Cutler | 1227 |
| 38 | Harry Clarke | 1209 |
| 39 | Gene Ronzani | 1153 |
| 40 | Julie Rykovich | 1133 |
| 41 | John Dottley | 1122 |
| 42 | Keith Molesworth | 1105 |
| 43 | Tarik Cohen | 1101 |
| 44 | Jim Harrison | 1099 |
| 45 | Mitchell Trubisky | 1057 |
| 46 | Bobby Watkins | 1041 |
| 47 | Johnny Morris | 1040 |
| 48 | Fred Morrison | 1022 |
| 49 | Joe Marconi | 1002 |
| 50 | Carl Garrett | 1001 |
Walter Payton’s legacy looms over everything in Chicago, but the talent behind him tells the full story. From Gale Sayers’ flash to Matt Forte’s finesse and Thomas Jones’ playoff grit, the Bears’ backfield has always been built on toughness and production. With so many eras represented, this list is a tribute to what makes Chicago football iconic — power, passion, and a relentless run game.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Bears record for most career rushing yards?
Walter Payton leads the Bears — and once led the NFL — with 16,726 career rushing yards.
Is David Montgomery still active?
Montgomery is still active in the NFL, though now with the Lions, and he ranks 6th in Bears history with 3,609 yards.
Are any Hall of Famers included?
Yes — Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, and Rick Casares are all part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and made the Bears’ rushing top 10.
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