Most Career Rushing Yards by a Denver Broncos Player
The Denver Broncos have long been known for their strong defense, but their ground game has been equally essential to their championship pedigree. At the top of the list is Terrell Davis, whose 7,607 rushing yards helped lead the Broncos to two Super Bowls, including a legendary 2,000-yard season. But the Broncos’ rushing legacy doesn’t stop there — stars like Floyd Little, Sammy Winder, and even quarterback John Elway have all contributed to the franchise’s storied history.
What makes the Broncos’ rushing legacy unique is the blend of eras and styles. From the early dominance of Floyd Little in the 1960s to the explosive, Super Bowl-winning efforts of Davis in the late ’90s, the team has always found success on the ground. Even modern workhorses like Knowshon Moreno and C.J. Anderson have carried the torch forward, proving that the Broncos’ commitment to the run game remains as strong as ever.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Jon Keyworth – 2,653 Yards
A bruising fullback from the 1970s, Keyworth helped anchor the run game during Denver’s early playoff runs. He was more than a blocker — he delivered tough yards consistently.
9. C.J. Anderson – 3,051 Yards
Anderson was clutch in the postseason, especially during Denver’s 2015 Super Bowl run. His vision and balance made him a reliable option late in games and seasons.
8. Clinton Portis – 3,099 Yards
Portis only played two seasons in Denver, but they were explosive — back-to-back 1,500-yard years with big-play ability. He was traded for Champ Bailey in one of the most iconic swaps ever.
7. John Elway – 3,407 Yards
Yes, a quarterback. Elway wasn’t just a cannon-armed passer — he could move. His scrambling ability and clutch playoff runs helped him sneak into the top 10 all-time rushers.
6. Knowshon Moreno – 3,468 Yards
Moreno flashed his potential in a big way during Denver’s 2013 Super Bowl run, where he eclipsed 1,000 yards. His pass-blocking and toughness made him valuable in Peyton Manning’s offense.
5. Mike Anderson – 3,822 Yards
Anderson exploded as a rookie with over 1,400 yards in 2000 and remained a reliable, downhill runner throughout his Broncos career.
4. Otis Armstrong – 4,453 Yards
One of the franchise’s early stars, Armstrong led the NFL in rushing in 1974. His quick feet and field vision kept defenses guessing.
3. Sammy Winder – 5,427 Yards
A two-time Pro Bowler, Winder was a consistent force in the ’80s. He was never flashy, but always effective — a rock in the Broncos backfield.
2. Floyd Little – 6,323 Yards
“The Franchise” earned that nickname for a reason. Little carried the offense in the 1960s and early ’70s, eventually earning his place in Canton.
1. Terrell Davis – 7,607 Yards
Super Bowl MVP. 2,000-yard season. Hall of Fame. TD did it all in just seven seasons and became the heart of Denver’s back-to-back championships. Short career, massive legacy.
Ranking the 10 best career rushing yard totals in Denver Broncos history
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Denver Broncos History
This list features every Broncos player who ran for 691 or more career yards — from Terrell Davis’ Hall of Fame legacy to dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks and surprise contributors.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Terrell Davis | 7607 |
| 2 | Floyd Little | 6323 |
| 3 | Sammy Winder | 5427 |
| 4 | Otis Armstrong | 4453 |
| 5 | Mike Anderson | 3822 |
| 6 | Knowshon Moreno | 3468 |
| 7 | John Elway | 3407 |
| 8 | Clinton Portis | 3099 |
| 9 | C.J. Anderson | 3051 |
| 10 | Jon Keyworth | 2653 |
| 11 | Tatum Bell | 2591 |
| 12 | Phillip Lindsay | 2550 |
| 13 | Javonte Williams | 2394 |
| 14 | Bobby Humphrey | 2386 |
| 15 | Melvin Gordon | 2222 |
| 16 | Willis McGahee | 1930 |
| 17 | Ronnie Hillman | 1845 |
| 18 | Dave Preston | 1793 |
| 19 | Gerald Willhite | 1688 |
| 20 | Gaston Green | 1685 |
| 21 | Olandis Gary | 1614 |
| 22 | Rob Lytle | 1451 |
| 23 | Rick Parros | 1330 |
| 24 | Bobby Anderson | 1281 |
| 25 | Donnie Stone | 1273 |
| 26 | Reuben Droughns | 1265 |
| 27 | Fran Lynch | 1258 |
| 28 | Wendell Hayes | 1198 |
| 29 | Royce Freeman | 1187 |
| 30 | Charley Mitchell | 1138 |
| 31 | Devontae Booker | 1103 |
| 32 | Billy Joe | 1061 |
| 33 | Selvin Young | 1032 |
| 34 | Lonnie Perrin | 1029 |
| 35 | Jim Jensen | 1019 |
| 36 | Rod Bernstine | 983 |
| 37 | Cookie Gilchrist | 975 |
| 38 | Joe Dawkins | 949 |
| 39 | Steve Sewell | 917 |
| 40 | Jaleel McLaughlin | 906 |
| 41 | Tim Tebow | 887 |
| 42 | Correll Buckhalter | 789 |
| 43 | Gene Mingo | 777 |
| 44 | Gene Lang | 757 |
| 45 | Montee Ball | 731 |
| 46 | Lance Ball | 718 |
| 47 | Tony Dorsett | 703 |
| 48 | Latavius Murray | 703 |
| 49 | Glyn Milburn | 698 |
| 50 | Travis Henry | 691 |
Terrell Davis’ dominance during the Broncos’ Super Bowl era is unmatched, but the list beneath him runs deep with underrated stars and modern workhorses. From Floyd Little’s Hall of Fame legacy to Elway’s QB scrambles and Portis’ two-year fireworks show, the Broncos’ rushing history is full of altitude and attitude.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Broncos record for most career rushing yards?
Terrell Davis leads all Broncos rushers with 7,607 career rushing yards.
Is John Elway really in the top 10?
Yes — Elway ranks 7th in Broncos history with 3,407 rushing yards, thanks to his scrambling ability during two decades at QB.
Are any Hall of Famers on this list?
Yes — Terrell Davis and Floyd Little are both enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
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