Most Career Rushing Yards by a New York Jets Player
The New York Jets are often thought of as a team that’s struggled to find sustained offensive success, but their rushing attack tells a much richer story. Over the years, the Jets have been home to some of the NFL’s toughest and most dependable backs — from Hall of Fame stars to underrated grinders.
At the top of the Jets’ rushing leaderboard is Curtis Martin, the heart and soul of the Jets’ ground game. With 10,302 rushing yards, Martin was the epitome of consistency. His ability to churn out tough yards and lead the offense with grace made him one of the best to ever wear the green and white. His work ethic and leadership set the standard for future backs.
Freeman McNeil, the smooth runner who quietly dominated for over a decade, ranks second with 8,074 rushing yards. McNeil’s quickness and ability to make defenders miss helped define the Jets’ offense in the 1980s and 1990s. He’s remembered as one of the most underrated players in franchise history.
Other greats on this list include the powerful Emerson Boozer, who dominated with his toughness, and Matt Snell, who cemented his place in Jets lore with a Super Bowl-winning performance. These players, among others, helped build the Jets’ ground game as a defining feature of the team.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Adrian Murrell – 3,447 Yards
Murrell was a bright spot in the mid-’90s, providing consistent production on struggling Jets teams.
9. Bill Mathis – 3,589 Yards
A member of the inaugural Jets squad (then the Titans), Mathis was a workhorse in the AFL era.
8. Bilal Powell – 3,675 Yards
A quiet grinder who outlasted multiple coaching changes, Powell was a reliable backfield presence for nearly a decade.
7. Thomas Jones – 3,833 Yards
Jones brought a veteran spark to the Jets’ offense, peaking with a Pro Bowl season and back-to-back playoff runs.
6. John Riggins – 3,880 Yards
Before his Hall of Fame career in Washington, “The Diesel” started his journey by bulldozing defenders in New York.
5. Johnny Hector – 4,280 Yards
A versatile threat, Hector was equally effective on the ground and in the passing game throughout the ’80s.
4. Matt Snell – 4,285 Yards
A Super Bowl III legend, Snell was a powerful runner who scored the Jets’ only touchdown in their historic upset.
3. Emerson Boozer – 5,135 Yards
Boozer was all heart and hustle, known for his toughness and longevity during the Jets’ golden years.
2. Freeman McNeil – 8,074 Yards
McNeil was a smooth runner and three-time Pro Bowler who quietly became one of the franchise’s most dependable backs.
1. Curtis Martin – 10,302 Yards
A model of consistency, Martin ranks as one of the NFL’s greatest ever. His work ethic and leadership defined a generation of Jets football.
From Curtis Martin to Adrian Murrell, these are the Jets’ all-time rushing kings
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Jets History
This list includes every Jets player to rush for 445 or more yards in their career — from Curtis Martin’s Hall of Fame dominance to short-term stars like LaDainian Tomlinson and Isaiah Crowell.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curtis Martin | 10302 |
| 2 | Freeman McNeil | 8074 |
| 3 | Emerson Boozer | 5135 |
| 4 | Matt Snell | 4285 |
| 5 | Johnny Hector | 4280 |
| 6 | John Riggins | 3880 |
| 7 | Thomas Jones | 3833 |
| 8 | Bilal Powell | 3675 |
| 9 | Bill Mathis | 3589 |
| 10 | Adrian Murrell | 3447 |
| 11 | Shonn Greene | 3423 |
| 12 | Brad Baxter | 2928 |
| 13 | Scott Dierking | 2901 |
| 14 | Chris Ivory | 2724 |
| 15 | Clark Gaines | 2552 |
| 16 | Breece Hall | 2333 |
| 17 | Kevin Long | 2190 |
| 18 | Blair Thomas | 2009 |
| 19 | Bruce Harper | 1829 |
| 20 | Leon Washington | 1782 |
| 21 | Johnny Johnson | 1752 |
| 22 | LaMont Jordan | 1277 |
| 23 | Roger Vick | 1231 |
| 24 | Matt Forte | 1194 |
| 25 | LaDainian Tomlinson | 1194 |
| 26 | Michael Carter | 1079 |
| 27 | Mark Smolinski | 960 |
| 28 | Le’Veon Bell | 863 |
| 29 | Richard Todd | 821 |
| 30 | Dick Christy | 803 |
| 31 | Tom Newton | 772 |
| 32 | Al Dorow | 770 |
| 33 | Brad Smith | 767 |
| 34 | Richie Anderson | 722 |
| 35 | Steve Davis | 708 |
| 36 | Isaiah Crowell | 685 |
| 37 | Cedric Houston | 676 |
| 38 | Chris Johnson | 663 |
| 39 | Frank Gore | 653 |
| 40 | Ty Johnson | 652 |
| 41 | Dwayne Crutchfield | 649 |
| 42 | Geno Smith | 647 |
| 43 | Elijah McGuire | 591 |
| 44 | Mike Augustyniak | 567 |
| 45 | Carl Garrett | 566 |
| 46 | George Nock | 534 |
| 47 | Joe McKnight | 502 |
| 48 | Zach Wilson | 498 |
| 49 | Dewey Bohling | 450 |
| 50 | Cliff McClain | 445 |
The Jets may not always be known for high-powered offenses, but their backfield history tells a different story. With Hall of Famers, playoff legends, and underappreciated grinders, the franchise has seen decades of rushing excellence. From Curtis Martin’s Hall of Fame consistency to Freeman McNeil’s silky smooth runs, these ten men powered Gang Green on the ground.
FAQ SECTION
Who is the Jets’ all-time rushing leader?
Curtis Martin leads the Jets with 10,302 rushing yards, making him the only Jet to cross 10k.
Did John Riggins play most of his career with the Jets?
No — Riggins started with the Jets but is best known for his Hall of Fame career in Washington.
How many Jets have rushed for over 5,000 yards?
Only three players — Curtis Martin, Freeman McNeil, and Emerson Boozer — have passed the 5,000-yard mark with the team.
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