NFL’s Best Running Back Seasons Year-by-Year

Welcome to a comprehensive exploration of the NFL’s top running backs every season over the past three decades. From the elusive moves of Barry Sanders to the powerhouse performances of Derrick Henry, these gridiron giants have captivated fans and rewritten record books. Join us as we delve into the dynamic careers, remarkable achievements, and lasting legacies of these iconic players who have defined the essence of football excellence. These are the best running back seasons year-by-year since 1990.

1990 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Barry Sanders

• Rushing Stats: 1,470 yards, 14 touchdowns, 5.3 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 480 yards, 3 touchdowns, 36 receptions
• Accolades: Dominated both the rushing and receiving games with his dynamic versatility, making significant contributions in every game.

Runner-Up: Thurman Thomas

• Rushing Stats: 1,297 yards, 11 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 532 yards, 2 touchdowns, 49 receptions

1991 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Barry Sanders

• Rushing Stats: 1,548 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4.5 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 307 yards, 1 touchdown, 41 receptions
• Highlights: Led the NFL in rushing yards, showcasing his exceptional ability to elude defenders and extend plays.

Runner-Up: Thurman Thomas

• Rushing Stats: 1,407 yards, 7 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 631 yards, 5 touchdowns, 62 receptions

1992 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Emmitt Smith

• Rushing Stats: 1,713 yards, 18 touchdowns, 4.6 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 335 yards, 1 touchdown, 59 receptions
• Accolades: NFL rushing leader, played a crucial role in his team’s playoff success, demonstrating stellar performance throughout the season.

Runner-Up: Thurman Thomas

• Rushing Stats: 1,487 yards, 9 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 626 yards, 3 touchdowns, 58 receptions

1993 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Emmitt Smith

• Rushing Stats: 1,486 yards, 9 touchdowns, 5.3 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 414 yards, 1 touchdown, 57 receptions
• Performance: Key factor in his team’s deep playoff run, showcasing exceptional performance in critical games.

Runner-Up: Jerome Bettis

• Rushing Stats: 1,429 yards, 7 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 244 yards

1994 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Barry Sanders

• Rushing Stats: 1,883 yards, 7 touchdowns, 5.7 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 283 yards, 1 touchdown, 44 receptions
• Highlights: Demonstrated unmatched elusiveness and explosive play-making ability throughout the season, leading the NFL in rushing yards.

Runner-Up: Emmitt Smith

• Rushing Stats: 1,484 yards, 21 touchdowns, 4.0 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 341 yards, 1 touchdown, 50 receptions

1995 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Emmitt Smith

• Rushing Stats: 1,773 yards, 25 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 375 yards, 62 receptions
• Record: Set an NFL record for most touchdowns in a season, pivotal in his team’s success during the postseason.

Runner-Up: Barry Sanders

• Rushing Stats: 1,500 yards, 11 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 398 yards, 1 touchdown, 48 receptions

1996 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Terrell Davis

• Rushing Stats: 1,538 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4.5 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 310 yards, 1 touchdown, 36 receptions
• Accolades: Notable for his significant impact during the playoffs, driving his team deep into the postseason with standout performances.

Runner-Up: Barry Sanders

• Rushing Stats: 1,533 yards, 11 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 147 yards, 24 receptions

1997 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Barry Sanders

• Rushing Stats: 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns, 6.1 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 305 yards, 3 touchdowns, 33 receptions
• Legacy: Recorded one of the finest seasons in NFL history, breaking the 2,000-yard rushing mark.

Runner-Up: Terrell Davis

• Rushing Stats: 1,750 yards, 15 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry- Receiving Stats: 287 yards, 42 receptions

1998 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Terrell Davis

• Rushing Stats: 2,008 yards, 21 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 217 yards, 2 touchdowns, 25 receptions
• Achievements: His spectacular season included breaking the 2,000-yard rushing mark, earning him numerous accolades and solidifying his status as one of the elite backs of the era.

Runner-Up: Jamal Anderson

• Rushing Stats: 1,846 yards, 14 touchdowns, 4.5 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 319 yards, 2 touchdowns, 27 receptions

1999 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Marshall Faulk

• Rushing Stats: 1,381 yards, 7 touchdowns, 5.5 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 1,048 yards, 5 touchdowns, 87 receptions
• Versatility: Redefined the role of a running back with his dual-threat capability, setting high standards in both rushing and receiving categories.

Runner-Up: Edgerrin James

• Rushing Stats: 1,553 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4.2 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 586 yards, 4 touchdowns, 62 receptions

2000 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Marshall Faulk

• Rushing Stats: 1,359 yards, 18 touchdowns, 5.4 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 830 yards, 8 touchdowns, 81 receptions.
• Accolades: Faulk’s dynamic play style and dual-threat capabilities made him a pivotal player, contributing significantly to his team’s offense both on the ground and through the air.

Runner-Up: Edgerrin James

• Rushing Stats: 1,709 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4.4 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 594 yards, 5 touchdowns, 63 receptions.

2001 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Marshall Faulk

• Rushing Stats: 1,382 yards, 12 touchdowns, 5.3 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 765 yards, 9 touchdowns, 83 receptions.
• Highlights: Faulk continued to excel as an all-purpose back, leading the league in total touchdowns and showcasing his versatility.

Runner-Up: Priest Holmes

• Rushing Stats: 1,555 yards, 8 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 614 yards, 2 touchdowns, 62 receptions.

2002 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Priest Holmes

• Rushing Stats: 1,615 yards, 21 touchdowns, 5.2 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 672 yards, 3 touchdowns, 70 receptions.
• Accolades: Holmes set the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns in a season, highlighting his scoring efficiency and crucial role in his team’s offense.

Runner-Up: Ricky Williams

• Rushing Stats: 1,853 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 363 yards, 1 touchdown, 47 receptions.

2003 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Priest Holmes

• Rushing Stats: 1,420 yards, 27 touchdowns, 4.4 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 690 yards, 74 receptions.
• Highlights: Holmes’ prolific touchdown scoring continued, tying his own record for most in a season, solidifying his status as one of the premier backs in the league.

Runner-Up: Jamal Lewis

• Rushing Stats: 2,066 yards, 14 touchdowns, 5.3 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 205 yards, 26 receptions.

2004 NFL Season

Best Running Back: LaDainian Tomlinson

• Rushing Stats: 1,335 yards, 17 touchdowns, 3.9 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 441 yards, 1 touchdown, 53 receptions.
• Accolades: Tomlinson’s all-around skills made him a standout player, leading his team in both rushing and receiving categories.

Runner-Up: Curtis Martin

• Rushing Stats: 1,697 yards, 12 touchdowns, 4.6 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 245 yards, 2 touchdowns, 41 receptions.

2005 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Shaun Alexander

• Rushing Stats: 1,880 yards, 27 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 78 yards, 1 touchdown, 15 receptions.
• Record: Alexander set an NFL record for most rushing touchdowns in a season, playing a key role in his team’s successful campaign.

Runner-Up: Tiki Barber

• Rushing Stats: 1,860 yards, 9 touchdowns, 5.2 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 530 yards, 2 touchdowns, 54 receptions.

2006 NFL Season

Best Running Back: LaDainian Tomlinson

• Rushing Stats: 1,815 yards, 28 touchdowns, 5.2 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 508 yards, 3 touchdowns, 56 receptions
• Highlights: Tomlinson set the NFL record for most touchdowns in a season, showcasing his legendary status with a historic performance.

Runner Up: Larry Johnson

• Rushing Stats: 1,789 yards, 17 touchdowns, 5.2 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 410 yards, 2 touchdowns, 41 receptions

2007 NFL Season

Best Running Back: LaDainian Tomlinson

• Rushing Stats: 1,475 yards, 15 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 475 yards, 3 touchdowns, 60 receptions
• Accolades: Continued his elite performance with a strong follow-up to his record-breaking season, leading the league in touchdowns.

Runner Up: Adrian Peterson

• Rushing Stats: 1,341 yards, 12 touchdowns, 5.6 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 268 yards, 1 touchdown, 19 receptions

2008 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Michael Turner

• Rushing Stats: 1,699 yards, 17 touchdowns, 4.5 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 41 yards, 0 touchdowns, 6 receptions
• Impact: Dominated the ground game with the highest rushing touchdowns for the season.

Runner Up: Adrian Peterson

• Rushing Stats: 1,760 yards, 10 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 125 yards, 0 touchdowns, 21 receptions

2009 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Chris Johnson

• Rushing Stats: 2,006 yards, 14 touchdowns, 5.6 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 503 yards, 2 touchdowns, 50 receptions
• Achievements: Johnson joined the exclusive 2,000-yard club, setting an NFL record for total yards from scrimmage.

Runner Up: Adrian Peterson

• Rushing Stats: 1,383 yards, 18 touchdowns, 4.4 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 436 yards, 0 touchdowns, 43 receptions

2010 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Arian Foster

• Rushing Stats: 1,616 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 604 yards, 2 touchdowns, 66 receptions
• Highlights: Led the league in rushing, establishing himself as a top dual-threat back.

Runner Up: Jamaal Charles

• Rushing Stats: 1,467 yards, 5 touchdowns, 6.4 yards per carry
• Receiving Stats: 468 yards, 3 touchdowns, 45 receptions

2011 NFL Season

Best Running Back: LeSean McCoy

• Rushing Stats: 1,309 yards, 17 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 315 yards, 3 touchdowns, 48 receptions.
• Highlights: McCoy led the NFL in touchdowns this season, showcasing his scoring ability and dynamic playmaking as a dual-threat back.

Runner Up: Maurice Jones-Drew

• Rushing Stats: 1,606 yards, 8 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 374 yards, 3 touchdowns, 43 receptions.

2012 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Adrian Peterson

• Rushing Stats: 2,097 yards, 12 touchdowns, 6.0 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 217 yards, 1 touchdown, 40 receptions.
• Highlights: Peterson’s monumental rushing effort fell just short of the all-time single-season rushing record, earning him MVP honors.

Runner Up: Marshawn Lynch

• Rushing Stats: 1,590 yards, 11 touchdowns, 5.0 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 196 yards, 1 touchdown, 23 receptions.

2013 NFL Season

Best Running Back: LeSean McCoy

• Rushing Stats: 1,607 yards, 9 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 539 yards, 2 touchdowns, 52 receptions.
• Highlights: McCoy led the league in rushing, showcasing his elusive running style and effectiveness in Chip Kelly’s fast-paced offense.

Runner Up: Jamaal Charles

• Rushing Stats: 1,287 yards, 12 touchdowns, 5.0 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 693 yards, 7 touchdowns, 70 receptions.

2014 NFL Season

Best Running Back: DeMarco Murray

• Rushing Stats: 1,845 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 416 yards, 0 touchdowns, 57 receptions.
• Highlights: Murray’s robust rushing totals helped him set a franchise record for rushing yards in a season.

Runner Up: Le’Veon Bell

• Rushing Stats: 1,361 yards, 8 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 854 yards, 3 touchdowns, 83 receptions.

2015 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Adrian Peterson

• Rushing Stats: 1,485 yards, 11 touchdowns, 4.5 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 222 yards, 0 touchdowns, 30 receptions.
• Highlights: Peterson led the NFL in rushing yards, proving his dominance after returning from suspension and injury.

Runner Up: Doug Martin

• Rushing Stats: 1,402 yards, 6 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 271 yards, 1 touchdown, 33 receptions.

2016 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott

• Rushing Stats: 1,631 yards, 15 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 363 yards, 1 touchdown, 32 receptions.
• Highlights: Elliott led the league in rushing as a rookie, showcasing his explosive power and speed.

Runner Up: David Johnson

• Rushing Stats: 1,239 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4.2 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 879 yards, 4 touchdowns, 80 receptions.

2017 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Todd Gurley

• Rushing Stats: 1,305 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 788 yards, 6 touchdowns, 64 receptions.
• Highlights: Gurley’s outstanding performance helped him win the Offensive Player of the Year, contributing significantly to both the ground and air attack.

Runner Up: Le’Veon Bell

• Rushing Stats: 1,291 yards, 9 touchdowns, 4.0 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 655 yards, 2 touchdowns, 85 receptions.

2018 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Todd Gurley

• Rushing Stats: 1,251 yards, 17 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 580 yards, 4 touchdowns, 49 receptions.
• Highlights: Gurley’s prolific scoring helped him lead the league in touchdowns, making a pivotal impact on his team’s offensive success and cementing his status as a top player in the league.

Runner Up: Saquon Barkley

• Rushing Stats: 1,307 yards, 11 touchdowns, 5.0 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 721 yards, 4 touchdowns, 91 receptions.

2019 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Christian McCaffrey

• Rushing Stats: 1,387 yards, 15 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 1,005 yards, 4 touchdowns, 116 receptions.
• Highlights: McCaffrey’s outstanding season made him the third player in NFL history to record over 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in a single season, demonstrating unmatched versatility and elite skill as a dual-threat back.

Runner Up: Derrick Henry

• Rushing Stats: 1,540 yards, 16 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 206 yards, 2 touchdowns, 18 receptions.

2020 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Derrick Henry

• Rushing Stats: 2,027 yards, 17 touchdowns, 5.4 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 19 receptions, 114 yards, 0 touchdowns.
• Highlights: Henry excelled, exceeding 2,000 rushing yards and leading the NFL in rushing, which underscored his dominance and vital role in his team’s offensive strategy.

Runner Up: Dalvin Cook

• Rushing Stats: 1,557 yards, 16 touchdowns, 5.0 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 44 receptions, 361 yards, 1 touchdown.

2021 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Jonathan Taylor

• Rushing Stats: 1,811 yards, 18 touchdowns, 5.5 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 40 receptions, 360 yards, 2 touchdowns.
• Highlights: Jonathan Taylor emerged as a dynamic force, leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and explosiveness on the field.

Runner Up: Nick Chubb

• Rushing Stats: 1,259 yards, 8 touchdowns, 5.5 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 20 receptions, 174 yards, 1 touchdown.

2022 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Josh Jacobs

• Rushing Stats: 1,653 yards, 12 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 53 receptions, 400 yards, 0 touchdowns.
• Highlights: Josh Jacobs displayed exceptional versatility and effectiveness, delivering over 1,600 rushing yards and contributing significantly in the passing game, making him a key asset for his team’s offense.

Runner Up: Derrick Henry

• Rushing Stats: 805 yards, 6 touchdowns, 3.5 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 37 receptions, 296 yards, 0 touchdowns.

2023 NFL Season

Best Running Back: Christian McCaffrey

• Rushing Stats: 1,459 yards, 14 touchdowns, 5.4 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 67 receptions, 564 yards, 7 touchdowns.
• Highlights: Christian McCaffrey showcased his dynamic skill set, excelling in both rushing and receiving, making significant contributions to his team’s offense. His versatility and ability to produce big plays in multiple facets of the game distinguished him as one of the league’s top running backs.

Runner Up: Kyren Williams

• Rushing Stats: 1,144 yards, 12 touchdowns, 5.0 yards per attempt.
• Receiving Stats: 32 receptions, 206 yards, 3 touchdowns.

Discover the standout performers in the NFL’s running game over the last three decades.

Reflecting on the top NFL running backs year-by-year since 1990, it’s evident that these athletes have left an indelible mark on the league. From Barry Sanders’ elusive runs to Christian McCaffrey’s dual-threat dominance, each player has contributed uniquely to the game’s rich tapestry. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we look forward to the future, knowing that the legacy of these exceptional athletes will continue to inspire generations to come. These are the best running back seasons since 1990.

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