Most Career Rushing Yards by a New England Patriots Player
The New England Patriots have been built on a foundation of balance, and their rushing game has played a vital role in their success over the years. At the top of this list is Sam Cunningham, whose 5,453 career rushing yards remain a defining achievement for the franchise. “Sam Bam” carried the load in the ‘70s with his punishing runs, leading the Patriots to numerous memorable victories and cementing his place as the franchise’s all-time rushing king.
Behind him, there are other legends like Jim Nance, whose 5,323 rushing yards came from a career filled with tough runs and two AFL rushing titles, and Curtis Martin, who went on to a Hall of Fame career with the Jets but made his mark in New England with 1,000-yard seasons and an unforgettable rookie year.
The evolution of the backfield continued with players like Corey Dillon, who powered the team to a Super Bowl, and Rhamondre Stevenson, whose power and vision have quickly shot him into the top 10 of the Patriots’ rushing leaderboard.
This list not only reflects the talent of the Patriots’ running backs but also speaks to the consistency and physicality that have defined the team’s identity over decades. Whether it was Cunningham’s ground-and-pound style or Faulk’s finesse in clutch moments, these backs played an essential role in New England’s story.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Larry Garron – 2,981 Yards
One of the Patriots’ earliest offensive stars, Garron’s contributions in the 1960s helped lay the foundation for the franchise’s growth.
9. Rhamondre Stevenson – 3,066 Yards
A modern workhorse, Stevenson’s power and vision have quickly vaulted him into the top 10 in just a few seasons.
8. Corey Dillon – 3,180 Yards
A key cog in New England’s 2004 Super Bowl team, Dillon delivered a monster season with 1,635 yards and remains one of the franchise’s best short-term stars.
7. John Stephens – 3,249 Yards
The 1988 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stephens was a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable Patriots era.
6. Don Calhoun – 3,391 Yards
A steady runner in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Calhoun gave the team durability and consistency during transitional years.
5. Kevin Faulk – 3,607 Yards
Known as the ultimate third-down back, Faulk was a do-it-all weapon who delivered in clutch moments across New England’s early dynasty years.
4. Curtis Martin – 3,799 Yards
Before his Hall of Fame run with the Jets, Martin was an instant impact player in New England, earning Rookie of the Year honors and rushing for 1,000+ yards in each of his three seasons.
3. Tony Collins – 4,647 Yards
Collins provided offensive balance during the mid-1980s, including a Pro Bowl campaign in 1983 where he topped 1,000 rushing yards.
2. Jim Nance – 5,323 Yards
A two-time AFL rushing champion, Nance was a bruising back in the late ’60s who once carried the ball over 300 times in a season — a true grinder.
1. Sam Cunningham – 5,453 Yards
“Sam Bam” was the Patriots’ power back throughout the 1970s, using his size and strength to rack up tough yards and lead the franchise in career rushing.
The Patriots’ top 10 career rushing yard leaders, from Sam Cunningham to Rhamondre Stevenson
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in New England Patriots History
This list includes every Patriots player to rush for 571 or more yards in their career — from fullback legends like Sam Cunningham to mobile QBs like Cam Newton and Steve Grogan.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sam Cunningham | 5453 |
| 2 | Jim Nance | 5323 |
| 3 | Tony Collins | 4647 |
| 4 | Curtis Martin | 3799 |
| 5 | Kevin Faulk | 3607 |
| 6 | Don Calhoun | 3391 |
| 7 | John Stephens | 3249 |
| 8 | Corey Dillon | 3180 |
| 9 | Rhamondre Stevenson | 3066 |
| 10 | Larry Garron | 2981 |
| 11 | LeGarrette Blount | 2917 |
| 12 | Stevan Ridley | 2817 |
| 13 | Antowain Smith | 2781 |
| 14 | Craig James | 2469 |
| 15 | Leonard Russell | 2437 |
| 16 | Laurence Maroney | 2430 |
| 17 | Mosi Tatupu | 2415 |
| 18 | Sony Michel | 2292 |
| 19 | Carl Garrett | 2235 |
| 20 | Steve Grogan | 2176 |
| 21 | Damien Harris | 2094 |
| 22 | BenJarvus Green-Ellis | 2064 |
| 23 | Andy Johnson | 2017 |
| 24 | Ron Burton | 1536 |
| 25 | Sammy Morris | 1486 |
| 26 | Dion Lewis | 1413 |
| 27 | Horace Ivory | 1336 |
| 28 | Mack Herron | 1298 |
| 29 | Bob Perryman | 1294 |
| 30 | James White | 1278 |
| 31 | Brandon Bolden | 1206 |
| 32 | Danny Woodhead | 1199 |
| 33 | Vagas Ferguson | 1163 |
| 34 | Robert Edwards | 1115 |
| 35 | Jim Crawford | 1078 |
| 36 | Tom Brady | 1037 |
| 37 | Rex Burkhead | 1026 |
| 38 | Josh Ashton | 950 |
| 39 | Babe Parilli | 949 |
| 40 | Shane Vereen | 907 |
| 41 | Terry Allen | 896 |
| 42 | Jim Plunkett | 817 |
| 43 | Mark van Eeghen | 744 |
| 44 | Robert Weathers | 733 |
| 45 | Marion Butts | 703 |
| 46 | Ezekiel Elliott | 642 |
| 47 | Jon Vaughn | 597 |
| 48 | Cam Newton | 592 |
| 49 | Billy Lott | 573 |
| 50 | Reggie Dupard | 571 |
The Patriots’ rushing history isn’t flashy — it’s foundational. These ten running backs helped power the team through multiple eras, from AFL beginnings to Super Bowl parades. Whether it was Cunningham’s bulldozing style or Faulk’s finesse in crunch time, each runner brought something essential to New England’s legacy.
FAQ SECTION
Who leads the Patriots in all-time rushing yards?
Sam Cunningham tops the list with 5,453 career rushing yards in New England.
Has any Patriots RB rushed for over 5,000 yards?
Yes, both Sam Cunningham and Jim Nance passed the 5,000-yard milestone.
Is Rhamondre Stevenson already a top 10 rusher for the Patriots?
Yes — with 3,066 yards and counting, Stevenson currently ranks 9th all-time.
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