Most Career Rushing Yards by a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be best known for their elite defense and high-powered passing game, but their ground game has a rich history, thanks to some of the NFL’s most underrated rushing legends. From the bruising power of James Wilder to the dynamic versatility of Mike Alstott, these backs wore down defenses and carried Tampa’s offense for decades.
At the top of the Bucs’ all-time rushing list is James Wilder, a true bell-cow back. With 5,957 career rushing yards, Wilder’s 1984 season remains iconic. His 407 touches in that season made him the NFL’s ultimate workhorse, a feat that still stands as a franchise record for carries in a single season. Wilder’s grit and durability set the tone for the franchise’s offensive identity.
Next in line is the fan-favorite Mike Alstott. A fullback by position but a star in his own right, Alstott’s 5,088 yards helped him carve out his legendary status in Tampa Bay. Known for his punishing style, Alstott’s toughness was on full display throughout his six Pro Bowls, and his iconic runs continue to be part of Bucs history.
Other standout names include Warrick Dunn, who not only provided consistent rushing yards with 4,986 yards but also brought his speed and character to Tampa’s offense, and Doug Martin, the “Muscle Hamster” whose 1,454-yard season in 2015 made him one of the league’s most feared backs.
These backs, along with Cadillac Williams and Ronald Jones II, are some of the Bucs’ all-time best, blending grit, power, and versatility to establish the foundation for Tampa Bay’s rushing success.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Ronald Jones II – 2,174 Yards
Jones showed flashes of brilliance during Tampa’s Super Bowl run, including a near-1,000-yard season in 2020.
9. Errict Rhett – 2,853 Yards
A bright spot during some tough seasons in the mid-90s, Rhett gave the Bucs consistent production early in his career.
8. Ricky Bell – 3,057 Yards
The former No. 1 overall pick had his best season in 1979, rushing for over 1,200 yards and leading the Bucs to the NFC Championship.
7. Reggie Cobb – 3,061 Yards
Cobb cracked the 1,000-yard mark in 1992 and quietly put together several solid seasons in red and pewter.
6. Michael Pittman – 3,362 Yards
A versatile back who played a key role in Tampa’s first Super Bowl title, Pittman was a dual-threat weapon.
5. Cadillac Williams – 3,677 Yards
The 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year came out blazing before injuries derailed what looked like a stellar career.
4. Doug Martin – 4,633 Yards
“Muscle Hamster” had two monster Pro Bowl seasons, including 1,454 yards in 2015, and was the heartbeat of Tampa’s offense when healthy.
3. Warrick Dunn – 4,986 Yards
Known for his speed and character, Dunn was a key offensive piece in the late ‘90s and formed a dynamic duo with Alstott.
2. Mike Alstott – 5,088 Yards
A fullback by trade but a fan favorite by heart, Alstott bulldozed his way into Bucs lore with six Pro Bowls and unmatched toughness.
1. James Wilder – 5,957 Yards
Wilder was the Bucs’ ultimate bell-cow back, holding franchise records for carries and yards. His 1984 season (407 touches!) was a one-man show.
James Wilder tops the Bucs’ all-time rushing leaderboard, with Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn close behind
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Buccaneers History
This list includes every Buccaneers player to rush for 297 or more career yards — from all-time bruisers like James Wilder and Mike Alstott to surprising dual-threat QBs who snuck into the top 50.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Wilder | 5957 |
| 2 | Mike Alstott | 5088 |
| 3 | Warrick Dunn | 4986 |
| 4 | Doug Martin | 4633 |
| 5 | Cadillac Williams | 3677 |
| 6 | Michael Pittman | 3362 |
| 7 | Reggie Cobb | 3061 |
| 8 | Ricky Bell | 3057 |
| 9 | Errict Rhett | 2853 |
| 10 | Ronald Jones II | 2174 |
| 11 | Rachaad White | 2084 |
| 12 | Earnest Graham | 2047 |
| 13 | Peyton Barber | 1987 |
| 14 | LeGarrette Blount | 1939 |
| 15 | Leonard Fournette | 1847 |
| 16 | Jerry Eckwood | 1845 |
| 17 | Gary Anderson | 1159 |
| 18 | Bucky Irving | 1122 |
| 19 | Lars Tate | 1056 |
| 20 | Jameis Winston | 1044 |
| 21 | Charles Sims | 958 |
| 22 | Bobby Rainey | 956 |
| 23 | Josh Freeman | 922 |
| 24 | Louis Carter | 913 |
| 25 | James Owens | 911 |
| 26 | Jacquizz Rodgers | 910 |
| 27 | Vinny Testaverde | 905 |
| 28 | Doug Williams | 879 |
| 29 | William Howard | 809 |
| 30 | Johnny Davis | 721 |
| 31 | Jimmy DuBose | 704 |
| 32 | Steve Young | 658 |
| 33 | Trent Dilfer | 650 |
| 34 | Thomas Jones | 627 |
| 35 | Mel Carver | 621 |
| 36 | Vince Workman | 575 |
| 37 | Baker Mayfield | 541 |
| 38 | Ed Williams | 522 |
| 39 | Shaun King | 424 |
| 40 | Derrick Ward | 409 |
| 41 | Aaron Stecker | 402 |
| 42 | Jeff Smith | 396 |
| 43 | Ke’Shawn Vaughn | 384 |
| 44 | Reggie Brooks | 368 |
| 45 | Jerry Ellison | 358 |
| 46 | Mike James | 351 |
| 47 | Ron Springs | 339 |
| 48 | Nathan Wonsley | 339 |
| 49 | Sean Tucker | 331 |
| 50 | Anthony Davis | 297 |
Tampa Bay’s all-time rushing list is filled with underappreciated legends and versatile backs who defined toughness. James Wilder still stands atop the mountain, but names like Alstott and Dunn brought their own brand of excellence to Raymond James Stadium. Whether fullback or feature back, the Bucs have had some serious ground-game grit.
FAQ SECTION
Who has the most rushing yards in Buccaneers history?
James Wilder leads the Buccaneers with 5,957 career rushing yards.
Is Mike Alstott the only fullback on the list?
Yes — Alstott is the only fullback in the top 10, with 5,088 yards and a reputation as one of the toughest runners in NFL history.
Who had the highest single-season rushing total among these players?
Doug Martin had the biggest single-season mark, rushing for 1,454 yards in 2015.
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