Most Career Rushing Yards by a Cincinnati Bengals Player
While the Cincinnati Bengals have become known for their high-powered passing game, their rushing attack has produced some legendary workhorses. Corey Dillon, with over 8,000 rushing yards, stands as the pinnacle of Bengals running backs, but his reign isn’t without fierce competition. Names like Joe Mixon, James Brooks, and Rudi Johnson helped define the Bengals’ ground game across different eras — from explosive slashing runs to tough, physical pounding.
This list not only celebrates the yardage accumulated, but also the diverse running styles that carried the Bengals to success: from Dillon’s hard-nosed, smashmouth runs to Brooks’ dual-threat playmaking. Whether it was powerful rushing or all-purpose abilities, these backs played a vital role in Cincinnati’s football identity, helping the team move the ball and control the tempo.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Boobie Clark – 2,978 Yards
A strong, compact back from the ‘70s, Clark was tough to bring down and always moved the chains. He was a perfect fit for a grind-it-out Bengals offense.
9. Essex Johnson – 3,070 Yards
Johnson was one of Cincinnati’s early do-it-all backs. He added punch to the offense in both the run and pass game and remains a fan favorite for his effort.
8. Giovani Bernard – 3,697 Yards
Bernard was a shifty change-of-pace back who could make defenders miss in a phone booth. His versatility and pass-catching made him a weapon for nearly a decade.
7. Harold Green – 3,727 Yards
Green broke out in 1992 with a 1,000-yard season and stayed productive during some lean years. He was a bright spot in a struggling offense.
6. Cedric Benson – 4,176 Yards
Benson found new life in Cincinnati after a slow start in Chicago. He brought a hard-nosed, downhill style that fit the Bengals’ identity to perfection.
5. Pete Johnson – 5,421 Yards
The original Bengals bruiser. Johnson was a touchdown machine and short-yardage bulldozer during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.
4. Rudi Johnson – 5,742 Yards
Rudi was a workhorse in the Marvin Lewis era, racking up over 1,300 yards in three straight seasons. His compact frame and power made him a tough tackle every Sunday.
3. Joe Mixon – 6,412 Yards (Active)
Still active and climbing, Mixon has been the bell-cow for Cincinnati since 2017. His patience and burst through the line helped fuel the Bengals’ recent resurgence.
2. James Brooks – 6,447 Yards
Brooks was explosive, elusive, and one of the best dual-threat backs of the ‘80s. His ability to catch out of the backfield made him a nightmare for defenses.
1. Corey Dillon – 8,061 Yards
The king of the jungle. Dillon carried the Bengals through tough years with his violent running style and multiple 1,000-yard seasons. His 278-yard game in 2000 still stands as an NFL record for a rookie.
Ranking the 10 best career rushing yard totals in Cincinnati Bengals history
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Cincinnati Bengals History
This list features every Bengals player who racked up at least 355 career rushing yards — from Corey Dillon’s dominant runs to dual-threat quarterbacks and short-burst specialists.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corey Dillon | 8061 |
| 2 | James Brooks | 6447 |
| 3 | Joe Mixon | 6412 |
| 4 | Rudi Johnson | 5742 |
| 5 | Pete Johnson | 5421 |
| 6 | Cedric Benson | 4176 |
| 7 | Harold Green | 3727 |
| 8 | Giovani Bernard | 3697 |
| 9 | Essex Johnson | 3070 |
| 10 | Boobie Clark | 2978 |
| 11 | Jeremy Hill | 2873 |
| 12 | Archie Griffin | 2808 |
| 13 | Charles Alexander | 2645 |
| 14 | Larry Kinnebrew | 2582 |
| 15 | Paul Robinson | 2441 |
| 16 | Ken Anderson | 2220 |
| 17 | Jess Phillips | 1860 |
| 18 | BenJarvus Green-Ellis | 1850 |
| 19 | Ickey Woods | 1525 |
| 20 | Jeff Blake | 1499 |
| 21 | Derrick Fenner | 1450 |
| 22 | Lenvil Elliott | 1395 |
| 23 | Boomer Esiason | 1355 |
| 24 | Stanford Jennings | 1225 |
| 25 | Andy Dalton | 1221 |
| 26 | Chase Brown | 1169 |
| 27 | Brandon Bennett | 1127 |
| 28 | Stanley Wilson | 1118 |
| 29 | Kenny Watson | 1117 |
| 30 | Doug Dressler | 1101 |
| 31 | Bernard Scott | 1035 |
| 32 | Samaje Perine | 941 |
| 33 | Garrison Hearst | 847 |
| 34 | Joe Burrow | 806 |
| 35 | Eric Bieniemy | 803 |
| 36 | Ki-Jana Carter | 747 |
| 37 | Fred Willis | 717 |
| 38 | Chris Perry | 606 |
| 39 | Eric Ball | 576 |
| 40 | Stan Fritts | 575 |
| 41 | Deacon Turner | 549 |
| 42 | Craig Taylor | 480 |
| 43 | Bill Johnson | 475 |
| 44 | David Klingler | 420 |
| 45 | Steve Broussard | 403 |
| 46 | Rex Burkhead | 375 |
| 47 | Charlie Davis | 375 |
| 48 | Ed Williams | 374 |
| 49 | Akili Smith | 371 |
| 50 | Peter Warrick | 355 |
Corey Dillon’s rugged dominance remains the Bengals gold standard, but active stars like Joe Mixon are inching closer to his throne. From bruising touchdown scorers like Pete Johnson to slashers like James Brooks, the Bengals’ run game has evolved across generations. No matter the era, these backs brought toughness and production to the Queen City.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Bengals record for most career rushing yards?
Corey Dillon holds the all-time record for the Bengals with 8,061 rushing yards.
Is Joe Mixon still active?
Yes — Joe Mixon is still active and currently ranks 3rd with 6,412 rushing yards, closing in on 2nd place.
Are any dual-threat backs on this list?
Yes — James Brooks and Giovani Bernard were both excellent receiving backs as well as runners.
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