Most Rushing Yards in NFL History (All-Time Career Leaders)

When you think of the greatest NFL running backs in NFL history, it starts with yardage — lots of it. This list honors the ironmen of the NFL backfield: players who carried the rock year after year and built legacies one rushing attempt at a time. From Emmitt Smith’s untouchable mark to Adrian Peterson’s power runs, these are the players with the most rushing yards in NFL history.

Table of Contents – Most Rushing Yards in NFL History

• Top 10 Career Rushing Yard Leaders
• Rushing Yards Tier List (Top 150)
• Conclusion
• FAQ: Most Rushing Yards in NFL History

Top 10 Career Rushing Yard Leaders

10. Tony Dorsett – 12,739 Rushing Yards
A smooth runner with game-breaking speed, Dorsett racked up yardage as a Dallas Cowboy legend. His 99-yard run remains one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.

9. Eric Dickerson – 13,259 Rushing Yards
Known for his upright running style and goggles, Dickerson still holds the single-season rushing record. His burst and vision made him unstoppable in the ’80s.

8. Jerome Bettis – 13,662 Rushing Yards
“The Bus” was a punishing runner who wore down defenses. His late-career run with the Steelers culminated in a Super Bowl win and a ticket to Canton.

7. LaDainian Tomlinson – 13,684 Rushing Yards
LT was a touchdown machine and one of the most complete backs ever. His mix of agility, speed, and power made him a nightmare to defend.

6. Curtis Martin – 14,101 Rushing Yards
The most underrated name on this list. Martin was the definition of consistency, quietly putting together one of the greatest careers ever as a Jet and Patriot.

5. Adrian Peterson – 14,918 Rushing Yards
A freak of nature. Peterson’s violent running style and insane recovery from injury make him a modern legend. He was never just playing — he was punishing.

4. Barry Sanders – 15,269 Rushing Yards
No one made defenders look sillier. Sanders was pure electricity, retiring early but still managing to crack the top five. He’s a what-if wrapped in greatness.

3. Frank Gore – 16,000 Rushing Yards
Longevity personified. Gore played like a tank for nearly two decades, staying productive long after others faded. A model of toughness and consistency.

2. Walter Payton – 16,726 Rushing Yards
“Sweetness” was more than a nickname — it was how he played. Payton did it all: run, catch, block, lead. His legacy is written all over NFL history.

1. Emmitt Smith – 18,355 Rushing Yards
The undisputed king of the ground game. Smith’s durability, vision, and success with the Cowboys gave him the rushing crown — and no one’s come close since because of longevity.

Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and Frank Gore top the list of NFL all-time rushing yards leaders.

Top 150 NFL Career Rushing Yards Leaders

Rushing Yards Tier List (Visual Breakdown)

Tiered breakdown of the top career rushing yard leaders in NFL history.

Conclusion

These running backs didn’t just eat up yardage — they defined decades of football with the most rushing yards in NFL history. From Smith’s consistency to Sanders’ magic and Peterson’s raw power, this top 10 represents the best of the best. As the game evolves, the list may change, but the legends at the top built their resumes on every carry, yard, and broken tackle. 

FAQ: Most Rushing Yards in NFL History

Who has the most rushing yards in NFL history?
Emmitt Smith holds the record with 18,355 career rushing yards.

How many running backs have rushed for over 15,000 yards?
Only four: Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Frank Gore, and Barry Sanders.

Which active player has the most rushing yards?
As of now, Derrick Henry is the closest active player, but still well outside the top 10.

Is Barry Sanders the best RB ever?
Barry Sanders is the best running back in NFL history even after retiring early. He did the most with the least because of pure talent.

Does this include playoff stats?
No, this list includes regular season rushing yards only.

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