New England Patriots all-time rushing touchdown leaders starts with Jim Nance, the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns. The Patriots are best known for Tom Brady, passing records and championship offenses, but the team’s rushing history has plenty of physical, productive and underrated players.
Nance and Sam Cunningham built the early power-running foundation. Corey Dillon gave New England one of the most important rushing seasons in franchise history. Steve Grogan adds a quarterback twist to the list. LeGarrette Blount became a goal-line machine. Curtis Martin, Tony Collins, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Rhamondre Stevenson and Don Calhoun all left their own mark in the Patriots’ rushing record book.
This ranking uses regular-season rushing touchdowns with the New England Patriots only. It does not include playoff touchdowns, preseason touchdowns or rushing touchdowns from other NFL teams.
Table of Contents
- How This Patriots Rushing TDs List Works
- 1. Jim Nance — 45 Rushing TDs
- 2. Sam Cunningham — 43 Rushing TDs
- 3. Corey Dillon — 37 Rushing TDs
- 4. Steve Grogan — 35 Rushing TDs
- 5. LeGarrette Blount — 34 Rushing TDs
- 6. Curtis Martin — 32 Rushing TDs
- 6. Tony Collins — 32 Rushing TDs
- 8. BenJarvus Green-Ellis — 29 Rushing TDs
- 9. Rhamondre Stevenson — 28 Rushing TDs
- 10. Don Calhoun — 23 Rushing TDs
- Biggest Takeaways From the Patriots Rushing TDs List
- Full Ranking Table
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- More Patriots and NFL Rankings
How This Patriots Rushing TDs List Works
This list ranks the New England Patriots career rushing touchdown leaders by regular-season rushing TDs recorded with the Patriots franchise. That includes the Boston Patriots era, but it does not include touchdowns scored with another NFL team.
That matters for players like Corey Dillon, Curtis Martin and LeGarrette Blount. Each had a larger NFL story outside New England, but this list only counts what they did while wearing a Patriots uniform.
Rushing touchdowns also need role context. Some players were every-down backs. Some were short-yardage specialists. Some, like Steve Grogan and Tom Brady, were quarterbacks who added touchdowns on the ground. The stat is simple, but the stories behind it are different.
For the yardage version of this franchise leaderboard, check out the Patriots all-time rushing yards leaders.
1. Jim Nance — 45 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 45 rushing touchdowns, 5,323 rushing yards, 1,323 carries, 4.0 yards per carry, 94 games with the Patriots.
Jim Nance is the New England Patriots’ all-time rushing touchdowns leader. His 45 rushing TDs still sit at the top of the franchise record book, giving him one of the strongest rushing résumés in team history.
Nance was a powerful fullback during the Boston Patriots era, and he gave the franchise a true workhorse identity. He could handle volume, finish drives and punish defenses in a style that fit the football of his time.
His lead over Sam Cunningham is narrow, but it has lasted for decades. That makes Nance one of the most important offensive players in early Patriots history.
2. Sam Cunningham — 43 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 43 rushing touchdowns, 5,453 rushing yards, 1,385 carries, 3.9 yards per carry, Patriots all-time rushing yards leader.
Sam Cunningham ranks second in Patriots career rushing touchdowns and first in franchise rushing yards. That combination makes him one of the greatest running backs in New England history.
Cunningham was a physical, dependable runner who could carry the offense through tough yards. He gave the Patriots consistency for years and remains the standard for career rushing yardage in the franchise record book.
He finished only two rushing touchdowns behind Jim Nance, so the top of this list is extremely close. Cunningham may not own the touchdown record, but his overall Patriots rushing legacy is elite.
3. Corey Dillon — 37 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 37 rushing touchdowns, 3,180 rushing yards, 753 carries, 4.2 yards per carry, 43 games with New England.
Corey Dillon ranks third in Patriots career rushing touchdowns despite playing only three seasons with the team. That tells you how dominant his New England peak was.
Dillon arrived in 2004 and immediately gave the Patriots a different kind of rushing force. He was powerful, decisive and dangerous near the goal line, helping balance an offense that already had championship-level quarterback play.
His Patriots career was short, but it was highly productive. In terms of touchdown impact per season, Dillon has one of the best cases of any running back in franchise history.
4. Steve Grogan — 35 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 35 rushing touchdowns, 2,176 rushing yards, 445 carries, 4.9 yards per carry, longtime Patriots quarterback.
Steve Grogan being fourth on this list is one of the most interesting parts of Patriots rushing history. He was a quarterback, but his legs were a major part of his game.
Grogan played with toughness and physicality, often taking hits that modern quarterbacks rarely face. He could scramble, run designed plays and finish drives himself near the goal line.
His 35 rushing touchdowns show that he was more than just a passer. Grogan was one of the most complete offensive weapons New England had before the modern passing era.
5. LeGarrette Blount — 34 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 34 rushing touchdowns, 2,917 rushing yards, 677 carries, 4.3 yards per carry, two Super Bowl wins with New England.
LeGarrette Blount ranks fifth in Patriots career rushing touchdowns, and his New England role was clear: finish drives with power. When the Patriots needed short-yardage toughness, Blount was one of the best backs they had.
His 2016 season was especially memorable, as he became a touchdown machine and gave New England a physical rushing identity around Tom Brady’s passing attack.
Blount did not need to be a classic all-purpose back to matter. He had a defined role, played it extremely well and turned that role into a top-five spot on the Patriots rushing TD list.
6. Curtis Martin — 32 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 32 rushing touchdowns, 3,799 rushing yards, 958 carries, 4.0 yards per carry, 45 games with New England.
Curtis Martin is tied for sixth in Patriots career rushing touchdowns, which is impressive because he only played three seasons in New England.
Martin was instantly productive. He gave the Patriots a polished, reliable, high-volume running back who could carry the offense and score near the goal line.
His larger NFL legacy continued after he left New England, but his Patriots chapter was excellent. Had he stayed longer, Martin almost certainly would have pushed much higher on this list. He also belongs in the larger best running backs of all-time conversation.
6. Tony Collins — 32 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 32 rushing touchdowns, 4,647 rushing yards, 1,191 carries, 3.9 yards per carry, 102 games with New England.
Tony Collins is tied with Curtis Martin at 32 rushing touchdowns. Collins was a smooth, versatile back who gave the Patriots steady rushing production during the 1980s.
He was not only a runner. Collins also brought receiving value, which made him a flexible offensive piece before running back versatility became as common as it is today.
His combination of rushing yardage and touchdowns keeps him high on multiple Patriots career leaderboards.
8. BenJarvus Green-Ellis — 29 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 29 rushing touchdowns, 2,064 rushing yards, 510 carries, 4.0 yards per carry, 53 games with New England.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis ranks eighth in Patriots career rushing touchdowns. He was never the flashiest back, but he was reliable, tough and trusted in scoring situations.
Green-Ellis fit the Patriots’ offense because he protected the ball, accepted his role and finished runs with discipline. That made him valuable in a system where mistakes were not tolerated.
His touchdown total shows how productive he was around the goal line. He may not always get mentioned with the biggest Patriots names, but his place on this list is well-earned.
9. Rhamondre Stevenson — 28 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 28 rushing touchdowns, 3,669 rushing yards, 836 carries, 4.4 yards per carry, active Patriots running back.
Rhamondre Stevenson is already ninth in Patriots career rushing touchdowns, and he is the active player on this list with the clearest chance to keep climbing.
Stevenson brings power, balance and receiving ability to New England’s offense. His rushing yardage total is already among the best in franchise history, and his touchdown total is now close to several players ahead of him.
If he stays healthy and continues handling important carries, Stevenson can move past BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Curtis Martin, Tony Collins and maybe even the top five. His Patriots story is still being written.
10. Don Calhoun — 23 Rushing TDs
Patriots Stats & Accolades: 23 rushing touchdowns, 3,391 rushing yards, 820 carries, 4.1 yards per carry, 93 games with New England.
Don Calhoun rounds out the top 10 in Patriots career rushing touchdowns. He was a steady backfield presence for New England during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Calhoun was not always a headline name, but he produced enough to remain high in the team’s rushing record book. His 3,391 rushing yards also show that he was more than just a short-yardage option.
His top-10 spot reflects dependable production across a long Patriots career.
Biggest Takeaways From the Patriots Rushing TDs List
The biggest takeaway is how close the top two are. Jim Nance leads with 45 rushing touchdowns, while Sam Cunningham is right behind him with 43.
The second takeaway is Corey Dillon’s short-term dominance. He played only 43 games with New England but still scored 37 rushing touchdowns, which is why his Patriots peak remains so respected.
The third takeaway is Rhamondre Stevenson’s climb. He is already in the top 10 and still active, so this leaderboard could change quickly if he keeps scoring for New England.
Full Ranking Table: New England Patriots All-Time Rushing Touchdown Leaders
Note: This table is sorted by regular-season rushing touchdowns with the Patriots only. It includes Boston Patriots and New England Patriots franchise stats, but not playoff rushing touchdowns or touchdowns from other teams.
| Rank | Player | From | To | Game | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Nance | 1965 | 1971 | 94 | 45 |
| 2 | Sam Cunningham | 1973 | 1982 | 107 | 43 |
| 3 | Corey Dillon | 2004 | 2006 | 43 | 37 |
| 4 | Steve Grogan | 1975 | 1990 | 149 | 35 |
| 5 | LeGarrette Blount | 2013 | 2016 | 49 | 34 |
| 6 | Curtis Martin | 1995 | 1997 | 45 | 32 |
| 6 | Tony Collins | 1981 | 1987 | 102 | 32 |
| 8 | BenJarvus Green-Ellis | 2008 | 2011 | 53 | 29 |
| 9 | Rhamondre Stevenson | 2021 | 2025 | 70 | 28 |
| 10 | Don Calhoun | 1974 | 1981 | 93 | 23 |
| 11 | Stevan Ridley | 2011 | 2014 | 52 | 22 |
| 11 | Tom Brady | 2000 | 2019 | 285 | 22 |
| 13 | Laurence Maroney | 2006 | 2010 | 45 | 21 |
| 13 | Antowain Smith | 2001 | 2003 | 45 | 21 |
| 15 | Damien Harris | 2019 | 2022 | 38 | 20 |
| 16 | Mosi Tatupu | 1978 | 1990 | 194 | 18 |
| 17 | John Stephens | 1988 | 1992 | 76 | 17 |
| 18 | Kevin Faulk | 1999 | 2011 | 161 | 16 |
| 19 | Carl Garrett | 1969 | 1972 | 51 | 15 |
| 20 | Sony Michel | 2018 | 2020 | 38 | 14 |
| 20 | Horace Ivory | 1977 | 1981 | 46 | 14 |
| 20 | Babe Parilli | 1961 | 1967 | 94 | 14 |
| 20 | Larry Garron | 1960 | 1968 | 99 | 14 |
| 24 | Leonard Russell | 1991 | 1993 | 43 | 13 |
| 24 | Andy Johnson | 1974 | 1982 | 94 | 13 |
FAQ: Most Rushing TDs in New England Patriots History
Who has the most rushing TDs in New England Patriots history?
Jim Nance has the most rushing touchdowns in New England Patriots history with 45 regular-season rushing TDs.
Who is second in Patriots career rushing touchdowns?
Sam Cunningham is second in Patriots career rushing touchdowns with 43 rushing TDs.
Who is third in New England Patriots career rushing TDs?
Corey Dillon is third with 37 rushing touchdowns for the Patriots.
Why are Curtis Martin and Tony Collins both ranked No. 6?
Curtis Martin and Tony Collins are tied with 32 rushing touchdowns. Because they share the same total, both are listed at No. 6, and the next player is ranked No. 8.
Is Rhamondre Stevenson in the Patriots top 10 rushing TD leaders?
Yes. Rhamondre Stevenson ranks ninth in Patriots career rushing touchdowns with 28 rushing TDs.
Are playoff rushing touchdowns included in this Patriots ranking?
No. This ranking uses regular-season rushing touchdowns with the Patriots only. Playoff touchdowns, preseason touchdowns and touchdowns from other teams are not included.
Conclusion: Jim Nance Still Leads the Patriots Rushing TD List
Jim Nance remains the New England Patriots career rushing touchdowns leader with 45, just ahead of Sam Cunningham at 43. Corey Dillon, Steve Grogan and LeGarrette Blount round out a strong top five that covers several different eras of Patriots football.
The active name to watch is Rhamondre Stevenson. He is already in the top 10 and close enough to move higher with a few more productive seasons. The top of the list is still a tougher climb, but Stevenson has already become one of the most productive rushing backs in New England history.
For now, the rushing touchdown crown still belongs to Nance. His record has survived decades, and it remains one of the most important individual marks in Patriots rushing history.
More Patriots and NFL Rankings
For more New England football history, check out our best New England Patriots players of all-time ranking, our best New England Patriots running backs of all-time, and our best New England Patriots quarterbacks of all-time.
You can also read our Patriots stat leaderboards for the Patriots all-time rushing yards leaders, Patriots all-time passing yards leaders, Patriots all-time passing touchdown leaders, Patriots all-time receiving yards leaders, Patriots all-time receiving touchdown leaders, Patriots all-time interceptions leaders, and Patriots all-time sacks leaders.
For more NFL history, visit our best running backs of all-time ranking and most rushing touchdowns in NFL history list.
For the rest of the AFC East, check out our best Buffalo Bills players of all-time, best New York Jets players of all-time, and best Miami Dolphins players of all-time rankings.
For every franchise, visit our all-time player rankings for every NFL franchise, or keep browsing the main NFL rankings page. For more daily football graphics and debates, follow SOG Football on Instagram.
