Most Career Rushing Yards by a Dallas Cowboys Player
The Dallas Cowboys have built a legacy around dominant running backs, with Emmitt Smith sitting at the top not only in franchise history but in the entire NFL record book. But behind him are other legends like Tony Dorsett, Ezekiel Elliott, and DeMarco Murray, each contributing to the Cowboys’ storied rushing tradition. Whether it’s Smith’s record-breaking consistency or Dorsett’s explosive speed, the Cowboys’ backfield has long been a force to be reckoned with.
From bruisers like Marion Barber III to speedsters like Tony Pollard, this list highlights the best backs in Dallas history. What stands out is the Cowboys’ ability to constantly find the next great runner, whether it’s a Hall of Famer or a rising star. Emmitt Smith’s greatness will likely never be matched, but this list is proof that the legacy of running backs in Dallas is alive and well.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Tony Pollard – 3,621 Yards (Active)
Pollard spent years behind Zeke before becoming the lead guy. With burst, agility, and underrated power, he’s become the next man up in the Cowboys’ storied RB tradition.
9. Walt Garrison – 3,886 Yards
Garrison was a tough-as-nails fullback who played through pain and gave it all on every down. He was a key figure in the Cowboys’ early success under Tom Landry.
8. Marion Barber III – 4,358 Yards
Nicknamed “Marion the Barbarian,” Barber was pure power with a nose for the end zone. He brought energy and bruising runs to every carry.
7. DeMarco Murray – 4,526 Yards
Murray’s 2014 season was legendary — 1,845 yards, setting the franchise single-season record. Injuries shortened his run, but the peak was elite.
6. Robert Newhouse – 4,784 Yards
Known for his iconic neck roll and bowling ball frame, Newhouse was a Cowboys staple in the 1970s. He helped the team reach three Super Bowls with steady play.
5. Calvin Hill – 5,009 Yards
The first Cowboys running back to crack 1,000 yards in a season, Hill’s size and speed made him a matchup nightmare. He set the tone for all future backs in Dallas.
4. Don Perkins – 6,217 Yards
A franchise pillar from the Cowboys’ earliest days, Perkins was a six-time Pro Bowler who carried the load before the team became a dynasty.
3. Ezekiel Elliott – 8,488 Yards
Zeke burst onto the scene with a 1,600-yard rookie season and became a workhorse. He led the NFL in rushing twice and helped power multiple playoff runs.
2. Tony Dorsett – 12,036 Yards
Dorsett was all speed and grace, slicing through defenses for over a decade. A Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champ, he remains one of the most respected backs of all time.
1. Emmitt Smith – 17,162 Yards
The NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Emmitt did it all — from rushing titles to Super Bowls to breaking records. His longevity, vision, and durability set him apart from everyone.
Ranking the 10 best career rushing yard totals in Dallas Cowboys history
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Dallas Cowboys History
This list ranks every Cowboys player who rushed for at least 388 career yards — from Emmitt Smith’s NFL-record dominance to modern backfield contributors and scrambling quarterbacks.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emmitt Smith | 17162 |
| 2 | Tony Dorsett | 12036 |
| 3 | Ezekiel Elliott | 8488 |
| 4 | Don Perkins | 6217 |
| 5 | Calvin Hill | 5009 |
| 6 | Robert Newhouse | 4784 |
| 7 | DeMarco Murray | 4526 |
| 8 | Marion Barber III | 4358 |
| 9 | Walt Garrison | 3886 |
| 10 | Tony Pollard | 3621 |
| 11 | Herschel Walker | 3491 |
| 12 | Julius Jones | 3484 |
| 13 | Felix Jones | 2728 |
| 14 | Roger Staubach | 2264 |
| 15 | Ron Springs | 2180 |
| 16 | Amos Marsh | 2065 |
| 17 | Dan Reeves | 1990 |
| 18 | Dak Prescott | 1938 |
| 19 | Troy Hambrick | 1896 |
| 20 | Duane Thomas | 1596 |
| 21 | Rico Dowdle | 1464 |
| 22 | Timmy Newsome | 1226 |
| 23 | Don Meredith | 1216 |
| 24 | Preston Pearson | 1207 |
| 25 | Darren McFadden | 1174 |
| 26 | Sherman Williams | 1162 |
| 27 | Tashard Choice | 1139 |
| 28 | Doug Dennison | 1112 |
| 29 | Troy Aikman | 1016 |
| 30 | Scott Laidlaw | 997 |
| 31 | Chris Warren | 948 |
| 32 | Joseph Randle | 822 |
| 33 | Alfred Morris | 790 |
| 34 | Daryl Johnston | 753 |
| 35 | Steve Pelluer | 709 |
| 36 | Charley Young | 638 |
| 37 | Tony Romo | 620 |
| 38 | Richie Anderson | 552 |
| 39 | Amos Bullocks | 537 |
| 40 | Les Shy | 510 |
| 41 | Michael Wiley | 503 |
| 42 | Quincy Carter | 498 |
| 43 | Danny White | 482 |
| 44 | Jim Stiger | 470 |
| 45 | Paul Palmer | 446 |
| 46 | Craig Baynham | 442 |
| 47 | Eddie George | 432 |
| 48 | L.G. Dupre | 422 |
| 49 | Lance Dunbar | 422 |
| 50 | CeeDee Lamb | 388 |
Emmitt Smith’s greatness may never be matched, but the Cowboys’ tradition of elite runners is far from over. From the smooth speed of Tony Dorsett to Zeke’s workhorse dominance and Pollard’s rise, Dallas always finds its next man up. This list is a reminder that when it comes to running backs, the star shines brightest in the backfield.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Cowboys record for most career rushing yards?
Emmitt Smith holds the all-time Cowboys — and NFL — rushing record with 17,162 yards.
Is Tony Pollard still active?
Yes — Pollard is active and ranks 10th all-time in Cowboys history with 3,621 yards.
Are any Hall of Famers included?
Yes — Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, and Calvin Hill are Hall of Famers on this list.
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