Most Career Rushing Yards by a Washington Commanders Player
The Washington Commanders have always been synonymous with gritty, smashmouth football. Their ground game, filled with dynamic running backs, has often powered the offense through both the toughest seasons and the most memorable moments. From John Riggins, the Hall of Famer known for his bruising running style, to Clinton Portis, the versatile back who was a dual-threat for much of the 2000s, Washington has been home to some of the most powerful rushers in NFL history.
At the top of the list is John Riggins, the heart and soul of the franchise’s running game with 7,472 career rushing yards. Riggins, famously known as “The Diesel,” was the MVP of Super Bowl XVII and will forever be remembered for his electrifying 43-yard touchdown run in the Super Bowl. His punishing style of running defined an era of Washington football, and no one has come close to touching his rushing record yet.
Next in line is Clinton Portis, who ranks second with 6,824 rushing yards. Known for his explosive versatility, Portis brought big-play ability and consistency to the Commanders’ offense. His four 1,000-yard seasons in Washington solidified his place among the franchise’s elite backs.
Larry Brown and Stephen Davis round out the top four, both leaving an indelible mark on the team during their time. Brown, who won the NFL MVP award in 1972, and Davis, a powerful back in the late 90s, were the engine of Washington’s offense during their respective eras.
The list also includes players like Alfred Morris, who was a crucial part of the team’s offense during the early 2010s, and Terry Allen, who set the single-season rushing touchdown record for the team with 21 in 1996.
Washington’s backfield has been a key element in their identity, and the players on this list—whether explosive or bruising—have carried the team to many of its most memorable seasons. From the powerful, punishing runs of Riggins to the finesse and versatility of Portis, these backs embody what it means to be a Commander.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Ladell Betts – 3,176 Yards
A reliable backup who stepped up big in 2006, Betts had a brief but solid run in Washington’s backfield.
9. Mike Thomas – 3,359 Yards
The 1975 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Thomas brought energy and production in the late ’70s.
8. Cliff Battles – 3,511 Yards
Battles was Washington’s original ground-game legend, leading the league in rushing back in the 1930s.
7. Earnest Byner – 3,950 Yards
Known for his consistency and toughness, Byner was a steady contributor through the early ‘90s.
6. Terry Allen – 4,086 Yards
Allen had a monster season in 1996 with 21 rushing touchdowns, still among the NFL’s best single-season totals.
5. Alfred Morris – 4,713 Yards
A sixth-round steal, Morris hit the ground running with 1,600+ yards as a rookie and never looked back.
4. Stephen Davis – 5,790 Yards
Davis was a bruising, downhill runner who punished defenses during his prime in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
3. Larry Brown – 5,875 Yards
Before Riggins, it was Brown who defined Washington’s running game — and he won MVP honors in 1972.
2. Clinton Portis – 6,824 Yards
Dynamic and do-it-all, Portis was the face of the offense for much of the 2000s, bringing elite vision and quickness.
1. John Riggins – 7,472 Yards
The Diesel. Riggins embodied power running, including a Super Bowl MVP performance and a Hall of Fame legacy.
John Riggins leads the all-time rushing list for Washington with over 7,400 yards
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Commanders History
This list includes every Commanders player to rush for 866 or more career yards — from bruising Hall of Famers like Riggins to explosive dual-threat QBs who changed the game in D.C.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Riggins | 7472 |
| 2 | Clinton Portis | 6824 |
| 3 | Larry Brown | 5875 |
| 4 | Stephen Davis | 5790 |
| 5 | Alfred Morris | 4713 |
| 6 | Terry Allen | 4086 |
| 7 | Earnest Byner | 3950 |
| 8 | Cliff Battles | 3511 |
| 9 | Mike Thomas | 3359 |
| 10 | Ladell Betts | 3176 |
| 11 | Don Bosseler | 3112 |
| 12 | George Rogers | 2909 |
| 13 | Charlie Harraway | 2659 |
| 14 | Antonio Gibson | 2643 |
| 15 | Brian Robinson Jr. | 2329 |
| 16 | Rob Goode | 2257 |
| 17 | Joe Washington | 2070 |
| 18 | Ricky Ervins | 2026 |
| 19 | Andy Farkas | 1966 |
| 20 | Adrian Peterson | 1940 |
| 21 | Joe Theismann | 1815 |
| 22 | Brian Mitchell | 1751 |
| 23 | Dick James | 1741 |
| 24 | Dick Todd | 1573 |
| 25 | Gerald Riggs | 1557 |
| 26 | Charley Taylor | 1488 |
| 27 | Robert Griffin III | 1480 |
| 28 | Clarence Harmon | 1374 |
| 29 | Reggie Brooks | 1358 |
| 30 | Keith Griffin | 1343 |
| 31 | Jim Musick | 1313 |
| 32 | Charlie Justice | 1284 |
| 33 | Chris Thompson | 1194 |
| 34 | Kelvin Bryant | 1186 |
| 35 | Johnny Olszewski | 1164 |
| 36 | Bob Seymour | 1146 |
| 37 | Frank Akins | 1142 |
| 38 | Roy Helu | 1132 |
| 39 | Leo Elter | 1116 |
| 40 | Frank Filchock | 1087 |
| 41 | A.D. Whitfield | 981 |
| 42 | Ed Sutton | 974 |
| 43 | Matt Jones | 950 |
| 44 | Ryan Torain | 942 |
| 45 | Robert Kelley | 906 |
| 46 | Wilbur Moore | 901 |
| 47 | Wilbur Jackson | 897 |
| 48 | Jayden Daniels | 891 |
| 49 | Rock Cartwright | 889 |
| 50 | Billy Ray Barnes | 866 |
Whether it was the bulldozing style of John Riggins or the finesse of Clinton Portis, Washington has always had a deep bench of backfield talent. These top 10 runners carried the offense — and the franchise — during some of its most memorable moments.
FAQ SECTION
Who has the most rushing yards in Washington Commanders history?
John Riggins leads the franchise with 7,472 career rushing yards.
How many 1,000-yard seasons did Clinton Portis have in Washington?
Clinton Portis posted four 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the team.
Which Washington RB had the most rushing TDs in a single season?
Terry Allen scored 21 rushing touchdowns in 1996 — a single-season record for the franchise.
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