Most Career Rushing Yards by a Detroit Lions Player
When you think of the Detroit Lions and their rich football history, one name stands above the rest — Barry Sanders. With 15,269 career rushing yards, Sanders is not only the top rusher in Lions history, but also one of the most electrifying backs the NFL has ever seen. Behind him lies a list of underrated stars who also made their mark on the franchise, from the explosive Billy Sims to the steady Dexter Bussey.
The Lions’ rushing history spans decades, blending the power and explosiveness of players like Sanders and Sims with the hard-nosed, dependable running of backs like Bussey and James Stewart. What stands out is the variety of styles — from the flash of Sims’ speed to the consistent grind of players like Altie Taylor. These backs, each in their own way, helped carve out Detroit’s identity as a team with a proud, punishing ground game.
TOP 10 LIST
10. James Stewart – 2,890 Yards
Stewart gave Detroit a much-needed boost in the early 2000s with back-to-back solid seasons. He wasn’t flashy, but his reliability kept the offense moving.
9. Kevin Jones – 3,067 Yards
Jones had a promising start with a 1,100-yard rookie season but never quite reached those heights again. Still, his blend of speed and power earned him a top 10 spot.
8. Mel Farr – 3,072 Yards
Farr was a bright light for the Lions in the late 1960s and early ‘70s. His tough running earned him two Pro Bowls and respect from defenders league-wide.
7. Ace Gutowsky – 3,077 Yards
A true old-school runner, Gutowsky was the Lions’ go-to back in the 1930s. His total still holds up nearly a century later — a testament to his grit.
6. James Jones – 3,452 Yards
Jones was a steady option during the mid-‘80s, providing strong runs and dependable hands. He often flew under the radar but delivered results.
5. Nick Pietrosante – 3,933 Yards
The 1960 Rookie of the Year, Pietrosante was a bruiser who ran with purpose. He was a fan favorite thanks to his physicality and effort.
4. Altie Taylor – 4,297 Yards
Taylor quietly put together six straight seasons of strong production in the 1970s. His versatility made him a valuable asset to Detroit’s offense.
3. Dexter Bussey – 5,105 Yards
The most consistent back in a turbulent decade, Bussey ran hard in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. He’s still third all-time, a mark that shows how steady he was.
2. Billy Sims – 5,106 Yards
Before injuries cut his career short, Sims was electric. He was a Pro Bowl machine and a scoring threat every time he touched the ball.
1. Barry Sanders – 15,269 Yards
No debate here. Barry Sanders was poetry in motion — unstoppable, untouchable, and unforgettable. He led the NFL in rushing four times and retired early while still in his prime. The GOAT.
Ranking the 10 best career rushing yard totals in Detroit Lions history
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Detroit Lions History
From Barry Sanders’ dazzling dominance to scrappy fullbacks and dual-threat QBs, this list highlights every Lions player to rush for 873 or more career yards in franchise history.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barry Sanders | 15269 |
| 2 | Billy Sims | 5106 |
| 3 | Dexter Bussey | 5105 |
| 4 | Altie Taylor | 4297 |
| 5 | Nick Pietrosante | 3933 |
| 6 | James Jones | 3452 |
| 7 | Ace Gutowsky | 3077 |
| 8 | Mel Farr | 3072 |
| 9 | Kevin Jones | 3067 |
| 10 | James Stewart | 2890 |
| 11 | Dutch Clark | 2772 |
| 12 | Dan Lewis | 2698 |
| 13 | Greg Landry | 2502 |
| 14 | Steve Owens | 2451 |
| 15 | Bob Hoernschemeyer | 2439 |
| 16 | Jahmyr Gibbs | 2357 |
| 17 | Kevin Smith | 2346 |
| 18 | Ernie Caddel | 2311 |
| 19 | Joique Bell | 2235 |
| 20 | Horace King | 2081 |
| 21 | Bobby Layne | 1793 |
| 22 | David Montgomery | 1790 |
| 23 | Bill Shepherd | 1699 |
| 24 | D’Andre Swift | 1680 |
| 25 | Jamaal Williams | 1667 |
| 26 | Glenn Presnell | 1593 |
| 27 | Tom Watkins | 1582 |
| 28 | Doak Walker | 1520 |
| 29 | Garry James | 1510 |
| 30 | Camp Wilson | 1453 |
| 31 | Rick Kane | 1443 |
| 32 | Reggie Bush | 1303 |
| 33 | Ameer Abdullah | 1251 |
| 34 | Kerryon Johnson | 1225 |
| 35 | Howard Cassady | 1223 |
| 36 | Gene Gedman | 1221 |
| 37 | Matthew Stafford | 1198 |
| 38 | Shawn Bryson | 1177 |
| 39 | Amos Marsh | 1157 |
| 40 | John Henry Johnson | 1145 |
| 41 | Lew Carpenter | 1043 |
| 42 | Maurice Morris | 1036 |
| 43 | Theo Riddick | 1023 |
| 44 | Tom Nowatzke | 989 |
| 45 | Bill Triplett | 969 |
| 46 | Jahvid Best | 945 |
| 47 | Lloyd Cardwell | 905 |
| 48 | Lawrence Gaines | 892 |
| 49 | Rodney Peete | 884 |
| 50 | Tobin Rote | 873 |
Barry Sanders’ reign at the top is one of the most dominant in NFL history — and it’s not even close. But the Lions have a deep history of talented backs, from the high-flying Billy Sims to the dependable Dexter Bussey. These ten names helped carry the pride of Detroit, one yard at a time.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Lions record for most career rushing yards?
Barry Sanders leads all Lions rushers with 15,269 career rushing yards — one of the highest totals in NFL history.
Is anyone close to breaking Barry Sanders’ record?
No — Barry’s lead is overwhelming. The next closest player, Billy Sims, has less than one-third of Sanders’ total.
Are any Hall of Famers on this list?
Yes — Barry Sanders is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Billy Sims also had a Hall-worthy peak before injuries shortened his career.
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