Most Career Rushing Yards by a Pittsburgh Steelers Player
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ rushing legacy is as tough and gritty as the team itself. Known for their smash-mouth football, the Steelers have had an elite group of running backs who pounded the ball downfield and wore out defenses. Leading the charge for decades were two Hall of Famers — Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis.
Franco Harris, the iconic face of the Steelers’ ground game, tops the list with an impressive 11,950 rushing yards. Harris’s blend of consistency and clutch performances made him an immortal figure in Pittsburgh’s history, including his unforgettable “Immaculate Reception.” The hallmark of his career was his ability to deliver in the most pivotal moments, particularly in the postseason.
Jerome Bettis, also known as “The Bus,” sits second with 10,571 yards, leaving a legacy of power running that defined a generation. Bettis was more than just a bruiser; his leadership and ability to move the chains were key to the Steelers’ success in the 2000s, culminating in a Super Bowl win during the 2005 season.
Coming in third is Willie Parker, whose breakaway speed earned him the nickname “Fast Willie.” Parker’s most iconic moment was his 75-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XL, a play that still echoes in Steelers’ lore. Le’Veon Bell, ranked fourth, was one of the most patient, dynamic backs the league has seen, transforming the Steelers’ offense with his ability to find holes and deliver game-changing plays.
Najee Harris, still climbing the ranks as Pittsburgh’s future, rounds out the top six. His powerful combination of vision and strength has already earned him a spot among Steelers legends, and he’s likely to move up even further as his career progresses.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Rocky Bleier – 3,865 Yards
A Vietnam War veteran turned four-time Super Bowl champion, Bleier’s story is as legendary as his toughness.
9. Barry Foster – 3,943 Yards
His 1992 Pro Bowl season was one for the books, helping the Steelers back into playoff form.
8. Dick Hoak – 3,965 Yards
A loyal workhorse for the Steelers in the ’60s, Hoak later coached running backs for decades — truly a franchise staple.
7. Frank Pollard – 3,989 Yards
A quiet grinder in the ’80s, Pollard provided reliable production during transitional years for Pittsburgh.
6. Najee Harris – 4,312 Yards
Still active and climbing, Najee’s blend of size, vision, and power has already landed him on this historic list.
5. John Henry Johnson – 4,381 Yards
The Hall of Famer was the first Steelers back to crack 1,000 yards in a season and did it with bruising force.
4. Le’Veon Bell – 5,336 Yards
At his peak, Bell was a patient, punishing dual-threat back who dictated games with his tempo and vision.
3. Willie Parker – 5,378 Yards
“Fast Willie” was the speed to balance the Steelers’ power identity — his 75-yard Super Bowl run still echoes.
2. Jerome Bettis – 10,571 Yards
“The Bus” wasn’t just a nickname — he was a punishing force who plowed through defenders and carried Pittsburgh to glory.
1. Franco Harris – 11,950 Yards
The face of Steelers rushing. Harris’s consistency and clutch performances, including the “Immaculate Reception,” make him an immortal in black and gold.
From Franco Harris to Jerome Bettis, these are the Steelers’ all-time rushing yard leaders
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Steelers History
This list includes every Steelers player to rush for 738 or more career yards — from all-time legends like Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis to versatile quarterbacks like Kordell Stewart and Big Ben who made an impact on the ground.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franco Harris | 11950 |
| 2 | Jerome Bettis | 10571 |
| 3 | Willie Parker | 5378 |
| 4 | Le’Veon Bell | 5336 |
| 5 | John Henry Johnson | 4381 |
| 6 | Najee Harris | 4312 |
| 7 | Frank Pollard | 3989 |
| 8 | Dick Hoak | 3965 |
| 9 | Barry Foster | 3943 |
| 10 | Rocky Bleier | 3865 |
| 11 | Rashard Mendenhall | 3549 |
| 12 | Walter Abercrombie | 3343 |
| 13 | Fran Rogel | 3271 |
| 14 | Merril Hoge | 3115 |
| 15 | John Fuqua | 2942 |
| 16 | Tom Tracy | 2717 |
| 17 | Kordell Stewart | 2561 |
| 18 | James Conner | 2302 |
| 19 | Terry Bradshaw | 2257 |
| 20 | Preston Pearson | 2243 |
| 21 | Lynn Chandnois | 1934 |
| 22 | Earnest Jackson | 1921 |
| 23 | Amos Zereoue | 1698 |
| 24 | Jaylen Warren | 1674 |
| 25 | Sidney Thornton | 1512 |
| 26 | Bill Dudley | 1504 |
| 27 | Joe Geri | 1500 |
| 28 | Bam Morris | 1395 |
| 29 | Ben Roethlisberger | 1373 |
| 30 | Tim Worley | 1338 |
| 31 | Erric Pegram | 1322 |
| 32 | DeAngelo Williams | 1250 |
| 33 | Warren Williams | 1191 |
| 34 | Earl Gros | 1174 |
| 35 | Isaac Redman | 1148 |
| 36 | Ray Mathews | 1057 |
| 37 | Richard Huntley | 1024 |
| 38 | Johnny Clement | 991 |
| 39 | Benny Snell Jr. | 982 |
| 40 | Leroy Thompson | 980 |
| 41 | Duce Staley | 978 |
| 42 | Warren Heller | 972 |
| 43 | Jonathan Dwyer | 971 |
| 44 | Mewelde Moore | 962 |
| 45 | Jerry Nuzum | 930 |
| 46 | Willie Asbury | 868 |
| 47 | Dick Riffle | 855 |
| 48 | Bull Karcis | 816 |
| 49 | Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala | 751 |
| 50 | Verron Haynes | 738 |
From Super Bowl icons to silent workhorses, the Steelers’ rushing history is a blueprint for old-school football excellence. Franco Harris may sit atop the yardage mountain, but Jerome Bettis, Le’Veon Bell, and Najee Harris have each carried the torch in their own unique ways. It’s a list packed with grit, greatness, and ground-and-pound pride.
FAQ SECTION
Who is the all-time rushing leader for the Steelers?
Franco Harris holds the top spot with 11,950 career rushing yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Which current Steelers player is on the list?
Najee Harris ranks 6th all-time and continues to climb the ranks as the team’s featured back.
Did Jerome Bettis rush for over 10,000 yards as a Steeler?
Yes — Bettis racked up 10,571 rushing yards during his time in Pittsburgh, second-most in franchise history.
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