Most Career Rushing Yards by a Minnesota Vikings Player
The Minnesota Vikings are known for their rugged defense, but their running back history is just as rich, if not more. From the relentless pounding of Adrian Peterson to the dual-threat abilities of Dalvin Cook, the Vikings’ backfield has been filled with explosive playmakers who set the tone for a generation. Let’s break down the top 10 players in Vikings history with the most career rushing yards.
Adrian Peterson stands atop the Vikings’ all-time rushing list with 11,747 career yards. Known for his bruising style and unmatched speed, Peterson redefined the running back position for over a decade. His career includes an incredible 2,097-yard MVP season in 2012, cementing his legacy not just in Minnesota, but as one of the NFL’s greatest players.
Right behind him is Robert Smith, who ranks second with 6,818 yards. Smith was known for his incredible efficiency and vision, earning three Pro Bowl selections and having a career that should have been longer. He remains one of the best to ever wear the purple and gold.
In third place is Dalvin Cook with 5,993 career yards. Cook’s ability to make defenders miss with his agility and quickness made him one of the most exciting players in recent Vikings history. Although he’s no longer with the team, his place in the top 3 speaks to his immense impact during his tenure.
Other notable figures include Chuck Foreman, the dual-threat back who played in the 1970s and helped establish the foundation for the team’s rushing success, and Bill Brown, whose toughness and reliability made him one of the most beloved players in Vikings history.
From the explosive runs of Chris Johnson to Lorenzo White, the Vikings’ backfield has had numerous playmakers over the years. But it’s hard to imagine anyone surpassing Adrian Peterson for a long time. His dominance in both the franchise and NFL record books makes him an undisputed king of Vikings running backs.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Michael Bennett – 3,174 Yards
Known for his sprinter’s speed, Bennett brought quick-strike capability to the early 2000s Vikings offense.
9. Tommy Mason – 3,252 Yards
The first-ever draft pick in Vikings history, Mason delivered dependable production in the franchise’s early years.
8. Darrin Nelson – 4,231 Yards
Nelson was a dual-threat weapon out of the backfield, with over 4,200 rushing yards and soft hands in the pass game.
7. Dave Osborn – 4,320 Yards
Osborn brought power and grit to the Vikings offense during their four Super Bowl appearances in the ‘70s.
6. Ted Brown – 4,546 Yards
A consistent force in the ‘80s, Brown’s versatility made him a reliable option both on the ground and through the air.
5. Bill Brown – 5,757 Yards
Tough as nails, Brown was a fan favorite and a staple of the Vikings offense for over a decade.
4. Chuck Foreman – 5,887 Yards
Foreman was ahead of his time as a receiving back and posted five straight Pro Bowl seasons in the ’70s.
3. Dalvin Cook – 5,993 Yards
When healthy, Cook was electric. His combination of vision, balance, and burst made him one of the NFL’s most dangerous runners.
2. Robert Smith – 6,818 Yards
Smith’s career ended earlier than it should have, but not before he became one of the most efficient runners in franchise history.
1. Adrian Peterson – 11,747 Yards
An all-time great, AP dominated the 2010s with a violent, downhill style — including a 2,097-yard MVP season in 2012. No Vikings RB comes close.
Adrian Peterson leads the Vikings in career rushing yards by a massive margin
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Vikings History
This list includes every Vikings player to rush for 535 or more career yards — from all-time greats like Adrian Peterson to versatile quarterbacks and sneaky-productive backs who found their groove in Minnesota.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Peterson | 11747 |
| 2 | Robert Smith | 6818 |
| 3 | Dalvin Cook | 5993 |
| 4 | Chuck Foreman | 5887 |
| 5 | Bill Brown | 5757 |
| 6 | Ted Brown | 4546 |
| 7 | Dave Osborn | 4320 |
| 8 | Darrin Nelson | 4231 |
| 9 | Tommy Mason | 3252 |
| 10 | Michael Bennett | 3174 |
| 11 | Chester Taylor | 2797 |
| 12 | Terry Allen | 2795 |
| 13 | Fran Tarkenton | 2548 |
| 14 | Daunte Culpepper | 2476 |
| 15 | Alfred Anderson | 2374 |
| 16 | Alexander Mattison | 2370 |
| 17 | Herschel Walker | 2264 |
| 18 | Clint Jones | 2008 |
| 19 | Oscar Reed | 1968 |
| 20 | Jerick McKinnon | 1918 |
| 21 | Rickey Young | 1744 |
| 22 | Leroy Hoard | 1689 |
| 23 | Moe Williams | 1535 |
| 24 | Rick Fenney | 1508 |
| 25 | Latavius Murray | 1420 |
| 26 | Toby Gerhart | 1305 |
| 27 | Mewelde Moore | 1285 |
| 28 | Matt Asiata | 1259 |
| 29 | Scottie Graham | 1239 |
| 30 | Brent McClanahan | 1207 |
| 31 | Aaron Jones | 1138 |
| 32 | Onterrio Smith | 1123 |
| 33 | Ed Marinaro | 1007 |
| 34 | Robert Miller | 951 |
| 35 | Allen Rice | 934 |
| 36 | Tony Galbreath | 788 |
| 37 | Hugh McElhenny | 770 |
| 38 | Rich Gannon | 720 |
| 39 | Percy Harvin | 683 |
| 40 | Wade Wilson | 679 |
| 41 | Ty Chandler | 663 |
| 42 | D.J. Dozier | 643 |
| 43 | Christian Ponder | 639 |
| 44 | Amp Lee | 636 |
| 45 | Kirk Cousins | 579 |
| 46 | Mel Triplett | 567 |
| 47 | Jim Lindsey | 566 |
| 48 | Joe Kapp | 540 |
| 49 | Roger Craig | 535 |
| 50 | Tarvaris Jackson | 535 |
No one even sniffs Adrian Peterson’s crown in Minnesota — and that’s saying something considering the talent behind him. From Chuck Foreman’s silky jukes to Dalvin Cook’s explosive cuts, the Vikings have always had dangerous runners. But AP reigns supreme, and probably will for a long time.
FAQ SECTION
Who has the most rushing yards in Minnesota Vikings history?
Adrian Peterson holds the franchise record with 11,747 career rushing yards.
Has any Vikings player rushed for over 2,000 yards in a season?
Yes — Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards in 2012, just eight yards short of the NFL record.
Is Dalvin Cook still with the Vikings?
No, Cook departed the Vikings in 2023, but he remains third all-time in career rushing yards for the team.
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