Most Career Rushing Yards by a New Orleans Saints Player
While the New Orleans Saints have often been defined by their air attack, especially with Drew Brees under center, their running backs have also played a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity. At the top of this list is Alvin Kamara, a multi-dimensional back whose 6,779 career rushing yards make him the franchise’s all-time leader. Kamara’s ability to change a game with both his legs and his hands has made him one of the most dangerous weapons in Saints history, adding balance to an offense known for its explosive passing game.
Following closely behind Kamara is Mark Ingram, the hard-nosed Heisman winner, who laid the groundwork for the Saints’ run game in the 2010s with 6,500 yards and two 1,000-yard seasons. A perfect complement to the offense, Ingram’s powerful running and leadership were vital to New Orleans’ success.
Deuce McAllister, a fan favorite and true workhorse, brought power, agility, and consistency during his time with the Saints, while George Rogers and Dalton Hilliard were key contributors in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
The story of the Saints’ ground game is as rich and colorful as the city itself, from Kamara’s electrifying plays to the tough, gritty runs of players like Pierre Thomas and Ricky Williams. These backs, while often overshadowed by the team’s legendary quarterbacks, have set the stage for the Saints’ rushing legacy and continue to impress on and off the field.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Tony Galbreath – 2,865 Yards
Galbreath was a reliable contributor during the Saints’ early years, doing damage as both a rusher and receiver.
9. Ricky Williams – 3,129 Yards
Though his time in New Orleans was short-lived, Williams still made his mark with a pair of 1,000-yard seasons and punishing runs.
8. Chuck Muncie – 3,393 Yards
A Pro Bowler and fan favorite, Muncie’s blend of size and speed helped him dominate in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
7. Rueben Mayes – 3,408 Yards
The 1986 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Mayes exploded onto the scene and remains one of the franchise’s most electrifying early backs.
6. Pierre Thomas – 3,745 Yards
A Super Bowl hero and screen-pass master, Thomas was a dependable and clutch performer throughout the Brees era.
5. Dalton Hilliard – 4,164 Yards
A compact powerhouse, Hilliard gave the Saints a consistent running threat in the late ’80s and even notched a Pro Bowl nod in 1989.
4. George Rogers – 4,267 Yards
The 1981 No. 1 overall pick lived up to the hype, leading the league in rushing as a rookie and delivering back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
3. Deuce McAllister – 6,096 Yards
A fan favorite and team leader, Deuce was a powerful back who led the Saints through multiple playoff runs and still ranks among the team’s most beloved figures.
2. Mark Ingram – 6,500 Yards
The hard-charging Heisman winner from Alabama delivered two 1,000-yard seasons and was the perfect complement to the Saints’ dynamic offense.
1. Alvin Kamara – 6,779 Yards
Kamara’s dazzling cuts, elite receiving skills, and game-changing ability have made him one of the most dangerous weapons in Saints history — and the franchise’s all-time rushing leader.
The Saints’ top 10 career rushing yard leaders, from Alvin Kamara to Tony Galbreath
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Saints History
This list includes every Saints player to rush for 407 or more yards in their career — from elusive backs like Alvin Kamara to dual-threat quarterbacks like Taysom Hill and Archie Manning.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alvin Kamara | 6779 |
| 2 | Mark Ingram | 6500 |
| 3 | Deuce McAllister | 6096 |
| 4 | George Rogers | 4267 |
| 5 | Dalton Hilliard | 4164 |
| 6 | Pierre Thomas | 3745 |
| 7 | Rueben Mayes | 3408 |
| 8 | Chuck Muncie | 3393 |
| 9 | Ricky Williams | 3129 |
| 10 | Tony Galbreath | 2865 |
| 11 | Mario Bates | 2554 |
| 12 | Wayne Wilson | 2462 |
| 13 | Taysom Hill | 2437 |
| 14 | Reggie Bush | 2090 |
| 15 | Archie Manning | 2058 |
| 16 | Mike Strachan | 1902 |
| 17 | Craig Heyward | 1813 |
| 18 | Aaron Brooks | 1410 |
| 19 | Derek Brown | 1383 |
| 20 | Hokie Gajan | 1358 |
| 21 | Ray Zellars | 1351 |
| 22 | Latavius Murray | 1350 |
| 23 | Chris Ivory | 1307 |
| 24 | Jess Phillips | 1219 |
| 25 | Alvin Maxson | 1205 |
| 26 | Aaron Stecker | 1109 |
| 27 | Tony Baker | 1106 |
| 28 | Darren Sproles | 1067 |
| 29 | Tim Hightower | 923 |
| 30 | Fred McAfee | 897 |
| 31 | Earl Campbell | 833 |
| 32 | Gill Fenerty | 832 |
| 33 | Andy Livingston | 790 |
| 34 | Don McCall | 786 |
| 35 | Khiry Robinson | 766 |
| 36 | Bob Gresham | 764 |
| 37 | Lamar Smith | 723 |
| 38 | Mike Bell | 696 |
| 39 | Buford Jordan | 687 |
| 40 | Jimmy Rogers | 661 |
| 41 | Antowain Smith | 659 |
| 42 | Bill Butler | 655 |
| 43 | Vaughn Dunbar | 574 |
| 44 | Jim Strong | 524 |
| 45 | Tom Barrington | 493 |
| 46 | Jamaal Williams | 470 |
| 47 | Bobby Hebert | 452 |
| 48 | Troy Davis | 446 |
| 49 | Ernie Wheelwright | 427 |
| 50 | James Ford | 407 |
While the Saints are known for slinging the ball, their rushing legacy is quietly stacked. From Deuce to Kamara, these players brought balance, toughness, and highlight-reel moments to New Orleans. They weren’t just running backs — they were culture setters in the Crescent City.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Saints’ all-time rushing yards record?
Alvin Kamara is the all-time leader with 6,779 rushing yards and counting.
Did Mark Ingram ever lead the Saints in rushing yards?
Yes — he was the franchise leader before Kamara surpassed him, finishing with 6,500 yards.
Who was the Saints’ top rusher before the 2000s?
George Rogers and Dalton Hilliard led the charge in the 1980s with over 4,000 rushing yards each.
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