Most Career Rushing Yards by a Philadelphia Eagles Player
When you think of the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s easy to picture the iconic passing game led by quarterbacks like Donovan McNabb and, more recently, Jalen Hurts. But for the Eagles to succeed, they’ve always needed powerful runners who set the tone on the ground — and these 10 backs did just that.
LeSean “Shady” McCoy stands at the top of this list as the Eagles’ all-time rushing leader, with a franchise-record 6,792 yards. His electric style, complete with ankle-breaking cuts and an innate ability to find the end zone, made McCoy the engine of the offense for years. His run was filled with highlight-reel moments, but perhaps none bigger than the 2010 season when he earned his first rushing title.
Right behind McCoy is Wilbert Montgomery, who helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl berth in 1980. Montgomery’s powerful running style and consistency on the field made him one of the best to wear the green and white, finishing his career with 6,538 yards.
Brian Westbrook, another key member of the Eagles’ offense in the 2000s, ranks 3rd on the list with 5,995 yards. Westbrook wasn’t just a rusher; his versatility as both a runner and a receiver made him an essential weapon in Andy Reid’s offensive scheme.
Other standouts include Steve Van Buren, the franchise’s first-ever superstar back, and Duce Staley, whose blend of power and finesse helped him become a fan favorite. The diverse nature of this list — from bruisers to speedsters — showcases the depth of the Eagles’ rushing legacy.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Tom Woodeshick – 3,563 Yards
A steady contributor in the 1960s, Woodeshick powered through defenses with old-school grit.
9. Timmy Brown – 3,703 Yards
A dual-threat weapon, Brown helped redefine the running back role for the Eagles in his era.
8. Miles Sanders – 3,708 Yards
Before heading elsewhere in free agency, Sanders delivered burst and balance in the modern Eagles offense.
7. Ricky Watters – 3,794 Yards
Though his time in Philly was short, Watters made it count with three straight 1,000-yard seasons.
6. Randall Cunningham – 4,482 Yards
One of the most electric QBs ever, Cunningham wasn’t just throwing bombs — he was a nightmare on the ground too.
5. Duce Staley – 4,807 Yards
Tough, dependable, and beloved in Philly, Duce helped bridge the gap between eras of Eagles football.
4. Steve Van Buren – 5,860 Yards
A Hall of Famer and four-time rushing champ, Van Buren laid the foundation for every back to follow.
3. Brian Westbrook – 5,995 Yards
Versatile and dangerous, Westbrook was a modern-day Swiss Army knife in Andy Reid’s offense.
2. Wilbert Montgomery – 6,538 Yards
Montgomery carried the Eagles to a Super Bowl berth in 1980, becoming a franchise icon in the process.
1. LeSean McCoy – 6,792 Yards
“Shady” dazzled with ankle-breaking cuts and big-play ability. His time in Philly was peak highlight-reel magic.
From LeSean McCoy to Steve Van Buren, these are the Eagles’ all-time rushing leaders
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Eagles History
This list includes every Eagles player to rush for 821 or more career yards — from all-time great LeSean McCoy to quarterbacks like Randall Cunningham and Jalen Hurts who moved the chains with their legs.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LeSean McCoy | 6792 |
| 2 | Wilbert Montgomery | 6538 |
| 3 | Brian Westbrook | 5995 |
| 4 | Steve Van Buren | 5860 |
| 5 | Duce Staley | 4807 |
| 6 | Randall Cunningham | 4482 |
| 7 | Ricky Watters | 3794 |
| 8 | Miles Sanders | 3708 |
| 9 | Timmy Brown | 3703 |
| 10 | Tom Woodeshick | 3563 |
| 11 | Donovan McNabb | 3249 |
| 12 | Tom Sullivan | 3135 |
| 13 | Jalen Hurts | 3133 |
| 14 | Clarence Peaks | 2927 |
| 15 | Keith Byars | 2672 |
| 16 | Billy Ray Barnes | 2391 |
| 17 | Herschel Walker | 2344 |
| 18 | Anthony Toney | 2294 |
| 19 | Charlie Garner | 2261 |
| 20 | Correll Buckhalter | 2155 |
| 21 | Heath Sherman | 2130 |
| 22 | Saquon Barkley | 2005 |
| 23 | Michael Vick | 1998 |
| 24 | Frank Ziegler | 1926 |
| 25 | Swede Hanson | 1907 |
| 26 | Mike Hogan | 1758 |
| 27 | Bosh Pritchard | 1734 |
| 28 | Jim Parmer | 1636 |
| 29 | Earl Gros | 1623 |
| 30 | Ernie Steele | 1337 |
| 31 | Darren Sproles | 1331 |
| 32 | Boston Scott | 1295 |
| 33 | Po James | 1215 |
| 34 | Ryan Mathews | 1200 |
| 35 | Michael Haddix | 1189 |
| 36 | Kenneth Gainwell | 1185 |
| 37 | Dave Smukler | 1099 |
| 38 | Cyril Pinder | 1083 |
| 39 | Jack Hinkle | 1067 |
| 40 | Carson Wentz | 1061 |
| 41 | D’Andre Swift | 1049 |
| 42 | Hubie Oliver | 1029 |
| 43 | Earnest Jackson | 1028 |
| 44 | Jordan Howard | 958 |
| 45 | Ted Dean | 893 |
| 46 | Leroy Harris | 884 |
| 47 | Bryce Brown | 878 |
| 48 | Izzy Lang | 872 |
| 49 | Wendell Smallwood | 850 |
| 50 | Dorsey Levens | 821 |
Philadelphia’s running backs have been as diverse as the city itself — from bruisers to shifty speedsters, the Eagles’ all-time rushing list is loaded with names that defined eras. LeSean McCoy’s legacy stands atop the pile, but he’s in legendary company with icons like Van Buren, Westbrook, and Montgomery close behind.
FAQ SECTION
Who is the Eagles’ all-time leading rusher?
LeSean McCoy leads all Eagles players with 6,792 rushing yards during his time in Philly.
Has any quarterback made the Eagles’ rushing top 10?
Yes — Randall Cunningham ranks 6th all-time with 4,482 rushing yards, a testament to his dual-threat greatness.
Which Eagle had the most rushing yards before McCoy?
Wilbert Montgomery held the franchise record with 6,538 yards until McCoy surpassed him in the 2010s.
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