NFL Top 10 Best Running Backs Ever – #10 Marcus Allen
#10 – Marcus Allen
Too many people regard Bo Jackson as the best running back in Raider history but forget about Marcus Allen. The reason is because of Al Davis’ favoritism for fast players forcing Marcus Allen into a timeshare. The reality is Marcus Allen is quietly one of the best dual threat running back of all-time helping the Raiders win a Super Bowl with one of the best runs in NFL history.
Marcus Allen was 33 years old when he hit free agency and the expectations were pretty low. In only his first season with the Chiefs he returned to greatness leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns. He helped lead the Chiefs to a 13-3 record while his old Raiders team finished 4-12.
It’s tricky to rank Allen because of the strange occurrence in the middle of his season, but if you look at his career as a whole he is well worth the top 10 selection. He is after all 6th all time in yards from scrimmage.
NFL Top 10 Best Running Backs Ever – #9 O.J. Simpson
#9 – O.J. Simpson
Let me preface by saying this list has nothing to do with personal life. Strictly football speaking, O.J. Simpson is without a doubt one of the top 10 running backs of all-time.
O.J. Simpson was the full package at the running back position for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills team he joined was always scraping the bottom of the barrel in the standings, but transformed the franchise.
Within 3 years O.J. Simpson exploded onto the scene. He went 5 straight seasons with over 1000 yards including one of those being a 2000 yard season which was the first time any running back achieved that milestone. It is even more impressive considering it was only a 14 game season. Add another 2 games and he would still hold the record. It is one of the best running back seasons ever.
NFL Top 10 Best Running Backs Ever – #8 Eric Dickerson
#8 – Eric Dickerson
Currently 9th all-time in rushing yards, Eric Dickerson had some of the best running back seasons ever. He exploded on the scene in his rookie season with an astounding 1808 rushing yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. His 13 fumbles are my main gripe about the superstar, but it was clear his was the most talented runner of his time.
The best season of his career would come only a season after. He broke the record for most rushing yards in a season with 2105 yards while also scoring 14 touchdowns.
The reason I have him so low is because he was blessed with arguably the best offensive line of any player on this list. Over his career he had 20 pro-bowl offensive linemen which only Emmitt Smith can compete for. He also fumbled the ball far too many times.
