Most Career Rushing Yards by a Miami Dolphins Player
The Miami Dolphins may be most famous for Dan Marino’s arm, but their legacy in the backfield is just as impressive. At the top of this list is Larry Csonka, whose 6,737 career rushing yards remain the gold standard for the franchise. Known for his punishing, hard-nosed style, Csonka was the heart and soul of the Dolphins’ Super Bowl runs in the early ’70s, bulldozing through defenses and leading the team to glory.
Right behind Csonka is Ricky Williams, whose combination of skill and unpredictability helped him rack up 6,436 rushing yards and redefine the Dolphins’ identity in the early 2000s. Williams’ brilliance on the field, mixed with his larger-than-life persona off it, made him one of the most fascinating players in franchise history. The Dolphins’ ground game has been a blend of power, speed, and finesse — from Csonka’s relentless running to the dynamic playmaking of Ronnie Brown and the explosive talent of Lamar Miller.
The list is filled with Hall of Fame-caliber players like Csonka, and others who brought consistent value like Tony Nathan and Jim Kiick. It’s a testament to the long-standing importance of the running back position in the Dolphins’ offense, whether it was pounding the ball or catching passes out of the backfield.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Delvin Williams – 2,632 Yards
Though his time in Miami was short, Williams made a big impact in the late ’70s, posting a 1,000-yard season and earning Pro Bowl honors.
9. Mark Higgs – 2,648 Yards
A steady contributor in the early ’90s, Higgs led the team in rushing for three straight seasons with consistent output.
8. Lamar Miller – 2,930 Yards
A smooth runner with big-play ability, Miller gave the Dolphins multiple 1,000-yard seasons before moving on in free agency.
7. Karim Abdul-Jabbar – 3,063 Yards
Don’t let the name confuse you — this Abdul-Jabbar made his mark in Miami with a breakout rookie season and a league-leading 15 rushing TDs in 1997.
6. Tony Nathan – 3,543 Yards
Known for his dual-threat abilities, Nathan was a crucial part of Miami’s offense in the 1980s, contributing both on the ground and through the air.
5. Jim Kiick – 3,644 Yards
Part of the legendary 1972 undefeated squad, Kiick was a reliable and physical runner during Miami’s dynasty years.
4. Mercury Morris – 3,877 Yards
A lightning-fast threat in the backfield, Morris shared duties with Csonka but still made history with a 1,000-yard season in the perfect season campaign.
3. Ronnie Brown – 4,815 Yards
Famous for running the “Wildcat” offense, Brown was a dynamic weapon throughout the 2000s and a consistent force in Miami’s offense.
2. Ricky Williams – 6,436 Yards
One of the most talented and enigmatic runners in NFL history, Williams delivered dominant seasons and helped redefine the Dolphins’ identity in the early 2000s.
1. Larry Csonka – 6,737 Yards
The heart and soul of the Dolphins’ early success, Csonka bulldozed his way into Canton with punishing runs and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons during Miami’s Super Bowl runs.
The Dolphins’ all-time rushing leaders, featuring legends like Larry Csonka and Ricky Williams
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Dolphins History
This list includes every Dolphins player to rush for 471 or more yards in their career — from Hall of Fame fullbacks to modern speedsters like Mostert and Achane.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Larry Csonka | 6737 |
| 2 | Ricky Williams | 6436 |
| 3 | Ronnie Brown | 4815 |
| 4 | Mercury Morris | 3877 |
| 5 | Jim Kiick | 3644 |
| 6 | Tony Nathan | 3543 |
| 7 | Karim Abdul-Jabbar | 3063 |
| 8 | Lamar Miller | 2930 |
| 9 | Mark Higgs | 2648 |
| 10 | Delvin Williams | 2632 |
| 11 | Andra Franklin | 2232 |
| 12 | Raheem Mostert | 2181 |
| 13 | Benny Malone | 2129 |
| 14 | Lamar Smith | 2107 |
| 15 | Reggie Bush | 2072 |
| 16 | Bernie Parmalee | 1959 |
| 17 | Lorenzo Hampton | 1949 |
| 18 | Jay Ajayi | 1924 |
| 19 | Sammie Smith | 1787 |
| 20 | Woody Bennett | 1744 |
| 21 | De’Von Achane | 1707 |
| 22 | Kenyan Drake | 1532 |
| 23 | Don Nottingham | 1524 |
| 24 | Norm Bulaich | 1498 |
| 25 | Daniel Thomas | 1480 |
| 26 | Gary Davis | 1389 |
| 27 | Myles Gaskin | 1355 |
| 28 | Troy Stradford | 1332 |
| 29 | Ryan Tannehill | 1210 |
| 30 | Travis Minor | 1133 |
| 31 | Ron Davenport | 1127 |
| 32 | Terry Kirby | 1037 |
| 33 | Bob Griese | 994 |
| 34 | Sammy Morris | 981 |
| 35 | Irving Spikes | 934 |
| 36 | Leroy Harris | 929 |
| 37 | Jay Fiedler | 834 |
| 38 | David Woodley | 771 |
| 39 | J.J. Johnson | 748 |
| 40 | Frank Gore | 722 |
| 41 | Jeff Wilson | 637 |
| 42 | Salvon Ahmed | 593 |
| 43 | Joe Carter | 589 |
| 44 | Stan Mitchell | 548 |
| 45 | Joe Auer | 544 |
| 46 | Marc Logan | 523 |
| 47 | Jesse Chatman | 515 |
| 48 | John Avery | 503 |
| 49 | Damien Williams | 477 |
| 50 | Bobby Humphrey | 471 |
The Miami Dolphins’ rushing history is built on physicality, attitude, and a few unforgettable personalities. From Csonka’s hard-nosed grit to Ricky’s unpredictable brilliance, these backs each helped shape Miami’s legacy. While the franchise often leaned on its aerial attack, the ground game has been just as essential to its greatest moments.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the record for most rushing yards in Dolphins history?
Larry Csonka leads the franchise with 6,737 career rushing yards.
How many running backs have rushed for over 4,000 yards for Miami?
Three Dolphins have surpassed 4,000 rushing yards: Csonka, Ricky Williams, and Ronnie Brown.
Is Lamar Miller on the top 10 Dolphins rushing list?
Yes, Lamar Miller ranks 8th all-time in Dolphins rushing history with 2,930 yards.
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