Best Running Quarterbacks Ever – Lamar Jackson
#7 – Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson isn’t even in the top 5?! Am I crazy? Hear me out! Now before you bring out your pitchforks, consider this. Lamar Jackson only has a single full NFL season under his belt. After RG3’s rookie season, many were willing to crown him immediately, but I think very differently in the context of an all-time list. Yes he had the best rushing season ever for a Quarterback, but I don’t consider him a top 5 running QB of all-time yet.
Lamar Jackson is nothing we have seen before. I repeat, nothing we have seen before. I may have lived through the Mike Vick era, but I’m here to tell you that Lamar Jackson is faster and a better runner than Vick. It’s only fitting that Lamar Jackson shattered Vick’s single season rushing yard record without even playing in week 16 on route to his MVP season.
All this being said, his ability as a passer needs to improve to rapidly move up on this list. He proved himself as a rusher, but his accuracy leaves much to be desired this early in his career.
Best Running Quarterbacks Ever – Fran Tarkenton
#6 – Fran Tarkenton
If you are in complete shock that Fran Tarkenton is ahead of Lamar, it’s time to brush up on your history. Don’t worry, I’m here to help. This is after all the pioneer for running Quarterbacks.
I’ve mentioned it already, but Fran was the perfect example of someone who did not want to rack up rushing yards himself. Tarkenton mastered the ability to extend plays behind the line of scrimmage and in turn find the open man down field. Tarkenton prospered off his quickness and would constantly bob and weave making plays last way longer than they should have. It was common practice for defenders who attempted to tackle Tarkenton to stay put. Yes, you could chase after him, but the chances are he would run side-to-side for 50 yards and make his way back to you.
When Fran Tarkenton retired, he essentially held every possible Quarterback record. Sadly Fran Tarkenton wasn’t able to win a Super Bowl from his 3 appearances, but his impact as a pioneer to the position has not gone unnoticed.
Best Running Quarterbacks Ever – Russell Wilson
#5 – Russell Wilson
It’s shocking how many people overlook Russell Wilson when talking about the best running Quarterbacks ever let alone today. The go to fan response is that Cam and Lamar need to be higher up on this list, but have you forgotten just how good Russell Wilson is and has become?
I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but Russell Wilson really uses his running ability as a last option. Fans love to see running QBs roll out and gain the yards themselves while juking or running over defenders, but that is not Russ. He’s more methodical. Wilson always has his eyes down field and is always looking to connect with a receiver down field. That doesn’t always result in the highlight play, but it can be equally as impressive.
He won’t rack up the rushing yards like Lamar or the rushing touchdowns like Cam, but I can safely say that he is the most complete Quarterback of the bunch. Russell Wilson has quietly become the best all-around Quarterback in the NFL today. For that reason I have him kicking off the top 5 for best running Quarterbacks ever.
