Most Career Rushing Yards by an Arizona Cardinals Player
The Arizona Cardinals might not be the first team that comes to mind when you think of ground-and-pound running backs, but their rushing history tells a different story. With a franchise-best 7,999 yards, Ottis Anderson set the bar high — and no one has come close. From the dual-threat dynamic of Terry Metcalf to the current powerhouse James Conner, this list takes you through the best backs in Arizona history.
The list isn’t just about flashy numbers — it’s about the hard work, grit, and impact these players had on the field. There are the recognizable names like Ottis Anderson and Stump Mitchell, but don’t sleep on guys like Johnny Roland or Charley Trippi, who quietly dominated in their own right.
For fans of gritty running backs, this ranking provides a chance to relive the days when the Arizona Cardinals were a force on the ground.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Ollie Matson – 3,331 Yards
Matson was a two-way superstar and Olympic medalist whose rare athleticism made him one of the most feared runners of the 1950s. He brought speed, power, and Hall of Fame talent to the Cardinals’ backfield.
9. Wayne Morris – 3,375 Yards
A steady force in the late ’70s, Morris carved out a productive career with little fanfare. His 3,375 rushing yards came from tough, between-the-tackles carries and consistent work ethic.
8. Terry Metcalf – 3,438 Yards
Metcalf was electric — a human highlight reel every time he touched the ball. Though known for his versatility, his rushing totals alone make him one of Arizona’s best backs.
7. John David Crow – 3,489 Yards
Crow was built for collisions, racking up nearly 3,500 yards in the 1960s. He could run over defenders or make them miss, earning four Pro Bowl nods in the process.
6. Charley Trippi – 3,506 Yards
A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Trippi played everywhere — QB, RB, DB — but still posted elite rushing numbers. His 3,506 yards are even more impressive considering the era he played in.
5. Johnny Roland – 3,608 Yards
Roland provided stability in the late ’60s with five straight seasons of solid production. His patient style and nose for yardage made him a Cardinals mainstay.
4. James Conner – 3,668 Yards (Active)
Conner continues to climb the ranks with his bruising, downhill style. With another strong season or two, he could challenge the top three.
3. Jim Otis – 3,863 Yards
Otis was the definition of old-school football: smashmouth, no-nonsense, effective. The fullback quietly racked up big numbers during the 1970s.
2. Stump Mitchell – 4,649 Yards
Mitchell’s elusive running style made him one of the most exciting Cardinals players of the 1980s. Despite flying under the national radar, his impact was undeniable.
1. Ottis Anderson – 7,999 Yards
The undisputed king of Arizona’s rushing attack. Anderson exploded as a rookie with 1,600+ yards and never slowed down. His powerful style and ridiculous production still top the charts decades later.
Ranking the 10 best single-game rushing performances in Arizona Cardinals history
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in Arizona Cardinals History
This list highlights every Cardinals player who ran for at least 774 rushing yards during their career with the team — from Ottis Anderson’s dominant stretch to versatile backs who carved out their own legacy.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ottis Anderson | 7999 |
| 2 | Stump Mitchell | 4649 |
| 3 | Jim Otis | 3863 |
| 4 | James Conner | 3668 |
| 5 | Johnny Roland | 3608 |
| 6 | Charley Trippi | 3506 |
| 7 | John David Crow | 3489 |
| 8 | Terry Metcalf | 3438 |
| 9 | Wayne Morris | 3375 |
| 10 | Ollie Matson | 3331 |
| 11 | David Johnson | 3128 |
| 12 | Kyler Murray | 3020 |
| 13 | Earl Ferrell | 2950 |
| 14 | Elmer Angsman | 2908 |
| 15 | Edgerrin James | 2895 |
| 16 | Beanie Wells | 2471 |
| 17 | Pat Harder | 2371 |
| 18 | Johnny Johnson | 2326 |
| 19 | Prentice Gautt | 2307 |
| 20 | Willis Crenshaw | 2228 |
| 21 | Joe Childress | 2210 |
| 22 | Marcel Shipp | 2197 |
| 23 | Ronald Moore | 1973 |
| 24 | Michael Pittman | 1945 |
| 25 | Johnny Olszewski | 1933 |
| 26 | Andre Ellington | 1750 |
| 27 | Larry Centers | 1736 |
| 28 | MacArthur Lane | 1736 |
| 29 | Tim Hightower | 1733 |
| 30 | Marshall Goldberg | 1644 |
| 31 | Kenyan Drake | 1598 |
| 32 | Adrian Murrell | 1595 |
| 33 | Chase Edmonds | 1551 |
| 34 | Donny Anderson | 1531 |
| 35 | Garrison Hearst | 1503 |
| 36 | Cid Edwards | 1384 |
| 37 | Bill Triplett | 1306 |
| 38 | Mal Hammack | 1278 |
| 39 | Thomas Jones | 1264 |
| 40 | Steve Jones | 1195 |
| 41 | Emmitt Smith | 1193 |
| 42 | Jake Plummer | 1183 |
| 43 | George Grosvenor | 1070 |
| 44 | Doug Russell | 1048 |
| 45 | Chris Johnson | 1023 |
| 46 | Kerwynn Williams | 971 |
| 47 | Neil Lomax | 969 |
| 48 | John Grigas | 943 |
| 49 | Billy Cross | 826 |
| 50 | Anthony Thompson | 774 |
Ottis Anderson’s dominance is still unmatched, but James Conner is knocking on the door of the top three. From legends like Matson and Trippi to overlooked producers like Johnny Roland and Jim Otis, this list covers every era of Cardinals football. Whether it was brute force or breakaway speed, each of these backs left a legacy — one carry at a time.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Cardinals record for most career rushing yards?
Ottis Anderson holds the all-time rushing record for the Cardinals with 7,999 yards.
Is James Conner still playing for the Cardinals?
Yes — James Conner is active and ranks 4th with 3,668 rushing yards, with room to rise further.
Are any Hall of Famers included?
Yes — Ollie Matson and Charley Trippi both appear on this list and are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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