Best Football Running Backs of All Time

Barry Sanders is the best! And always will be... L. T. Is good but he will never be like Payton Or Sanders

Detroit's first-round draft pick, 1989. . .Electrifying running style. . .First player to rush for 1,000 yards his first 10 seasons. . .Led NFL in rushing four times. . .NFL's MVP, 1997. . .Gained 2,053 yards including record 14 straight 100-yard games, 1997. . .Career rushing record: 15,269 yards, 99 TDs. . .First- or second-team All-NFL each of his 10 seasons. . .Selected to 10 Pro Bowls.

if you were coaching in a superbowl tomorrow and could choose any rb in history to play for you......uuuuuuuuuuuuu.....thats right, no doubt, barry!

Easily one of the greatest players to grace the nfl

Amazing! RUSHED FOR SO MANY YARDS HAD CANCER AND LANDED ON HIS HEAD NUMEROUS TIME ALL TIME GREAT ENOUGH SAID! Go walter

I have to go with payton. I think everyone on this list has earned a their spot here. Except I don't think peterson should be here quite yet but in a few years adrian peterson will be one of tops for sure. I've seen all of these guys highlights and I don't care what order their in but the top five should be Payton, Sanders, Brown, Smith, and Campbell. I go with payton because he can run, pass, and catch. He was also good man off the field. Who else on this list led their team 15-1. He also suffered from cancer and still went on and played

He has more rushing yards than anybody else

ginn19

Rushed for the most yards, can break tackles, won 3 superbowls, was one of the triplets, and is a florida gator! He is definitely #1!

amazing breaks so many tackles would be number one if did not go to the cardinals

He gained more yards in fewer games and season than any other running back, didn't miss a game due in injuries.

Jim brown ran with holes in his shoes a plastic helmet and under unbelievable weather conditions and never missed a game in 9yrs also he didn't avoid hits he just ran you over

he should be number 1. he is a great player who never gave up and always looked to get more yards. he was poor but it didn't matter because he was too much for people they couldn't handle him.

+11Fast, Agile, Smart, Strong, Breaks tackles like the tackler is a QB, catches and runs like a WR. Never doubt LT, to come up big.

henryperson

+7Lets see the stats and compare...159 touchdowns and 13404 rushing yards... LT will fly past the great emmit smith in TDs and will run further then barry guaranteed and maybe even walter... Laugh out loud the funny thing is people actually think he as to be constant to reach these goals... He's so close any average human could break them in his situation

+5I like where he sits on this list... I think it's pretty accurate
I think when it's all said and done hel have all the records and all, but I don't think he will accept being considered number one, he is way to humble.

But he's the greatest in my eyes

He's too young in his career, he will be a great but he isn't yet. He need a few more years before he can be his high on the list. There are so many other greater running backs that should take his spot.

Peterson has averaged 1,445.2 rushing yards and 13.5 touchdowns per season in his first four years in the league.

1000 rushing yards so quick somone put tape and that boys hands and it'll be the end for every other team as we know it

dissthisnoob

Set 'em up and knock 'em down and if they don't go down, then just drag them on down the field!

This man is a hard player and he can run the better ball than any body!

hannahbanana

Earl Campbell was a battering ram for many years till they wore him out by running him too much.

+3This guy was amazing. He could step buy or run over linebackers. He flew past DBs. At his peak he was so good he was lining up as a reciever. He picked defenses apart and set many records. He was so smart, his coaches used to say he was like having a second quarterback on the field. Super bowl champ, leage mvp, rushing leader,record holder, and probowler,he is a lock for the hall of fame.

+2Faulk was my favorite of all time, don't get me wrong it doesn't bother me about a few of the names ahead of him, but peterson practically gave away the game in the nfc championship, faulk rarely fumbled, and never in such a clutch moment

Nemesis57

When you played marshall's team you had to game plan for a full threat, both as a running back and as a receiver. He would line up as in the back field or as a wide out. When he ran he was not just elusive he was poerful as well.

+6He held a very long record and is a true legend in the game

+1No body was like Dick, he was the man, fast, tall and could break for the long run like OJ.

+1The best there was and best there may ever be, his only problem was maybe wanting to much money and complaining about it. And I agree he should have be much higher in the order and for sure ahead of Payton, he was in the same scope of Barry Sanders.

P

He said he always wanted to be remembered as the guy who fought to get that extra one or two yards. Mission accomplished.

SUPER BOWL XL

NUFF SAID

Llamadog182

GREATEST POWER BACK EVER. 6TH ALL TIME RUSHING YET HE IS TENTH ON THIS LIST. BEHIND PLAYERS LIKE ADRIAN PETERSON?

Kansas All-America. . .Exceptional break-away runner. . .Scored rookie record 22 TDs, 132 points, 1965. . .Led NFL rushers, 1966, 1969. . .Named all-time NFL halfback, 1969. . . All-NFL five straight years. . .Player of Game in three Pro Bowls. . .Career totals: 9,435 combined net yards, 4,956 yards rushing, 336 points. . . NFL lifetime kickoff return leader.

Throw out the statistics and watch a few games Sayers played... a joy to watch.

I've been watching football since 1964 and I've never seen a runner like, or better than Sayers. First he was elusive, so much so that Barry Sanders is the only top back that could compare with him. He broke tackles like no else, he seemed to run through them. And he was fast. In the open field, he was like poetry in motion, a beauty to behold.

He is what he is but he still is top three of all time to me. Top ten list is for nfl stats not for moral stats.

This guy is so elusive, he even got away with murder! Seriously though, he piled up thousands of yards playing for a Bills team that wasn't very good.

haha wow what a list Adrian "I fumble" Peterson a bit early guys come on. LT love him but number four. OJ's not my number one but wow 12 behind Jerome Bettis as well sick... what is this kids 10-15 years old on here

dwells1285

Best back ever - just didn't get to play long enough

Bo was a tremendous back, I would have loved to see him able to play out his career. The greatest two star athlete of all time.

Name a RB that combined more power, speed and could hit the hole or beat the defense to the corner more than Bo Jackson? His talent was never seen before him and hasn't been seen since.

It was tragic to lose him to injury before we could see him get even better than he was...

corebare32

Terrell is by far the best when he played. If you look back at him in tape he had skills that I don't think any other back in the league has possessed. He won a superbowl without eyesight! He played well his whole career and it is not fair he is cut short on the list because of an injury. He was a pure beast.

By far one of the most talented backs of all time. The only thing that holds him baack is his injuries. If this competition was based off of pure skills in their prime, Davis easily deserves to be near the top of this list. He was just dominant in his first few years to not go recognized.

His numbers for his first 5 seasons are very similar to adrian peterson (and Terrell only played 4 games his fith year).

Heisman. Held NCAA all time rushing record until Ricky Williams. College hall of fame. Nfl Super Bowl winner. Nfl hall of fame. One of the few who dominated in every level of football

Greatest ever. If he ran behind the offensive line that Emmitt Smith did, he would have the most yards ever... Not Emmitt

One of the most underrated players

noahhurrle

Herschel is the greatest man to ever step on a football feild, he has god given talent...... he just lost his chance, he got shafted....

big man
big skill
fast
big heart
usfl team went to title all years when he played with them
best back id say

Herschel,

Wouldl you take the time to talk to me. It might be a matter of life and death. I watched your special tonightt and I want you you help me. Please

Michael

I'm not going to kill myself, but need to talk to you.

4.24 is like the speed of light. Damn you peter~ The best runningback is CHRiS.!
It might be eyeshield 21... no... Panther that came out in eyeshield 21..
PANTHER RAN 4.1 secs! It's dang awesome.

You shouldn't be on this list if you've only had one good season! Its a shame he is this high on the list, he has potential but you can't just give a slot after 3 years of ball!

Chris should be at least number 3 at the best running backs he's fast as lighning and since adrian peterson is up there he should be past him

This guy could not carry some of the best backs jocks.. Look at the body of work.. You can not be great with no support. Bush is top 50 maybe..

what the... have you seen this he should be in the top ten. if you throw the ball to him he will catch it for a td if you give it to him its another td so you guys need to get your facts straight

amazing player! instinct and roughness in combination... never going out of bounds!

“this guy is just unstoppable, and props to John for being one of the only white runninbacks to makes this list

bore5

“The best power back of all time. The best halfback in Redskin's History. The 2nd best halfback in nfl history, next to walter payton.

“he got it when it was needed - a north south runner - that never let his team down.

I am embarassed for everyone that he is ranked so low. Any student of the game knows he is one of the all-time greats. The fact that he is often overlooked by amateurs making lists is a testament to his humbleness. But if you question his greatness, just look at his accomplishments - they speak for themselves.

chambon

ok this list is not as retarted as the basketball one but its pretty damn retarted. the 1st 2 are good but number 3 does not earn it yet what happens if he gets hurt. and adrian peterson number 6 its his 2nd year! maybe they could be the greatest but you dont know what could happen to them erick deserves top 7 and jim brown deserves number 3 and larry csonca should be in there he is amazing. and jim brown had the most yards per carry. and my final one gale sayers deserves top 20. and marcus allen should up there to.

fortebros777

Truly the greatest.He could run,catch,block,and throw.He has asuperbowl mvp and has 123 td's

If you look at total stats he has more rushing TD's in his career than your top ten guys

The fact that he played at the university of Alabama makes me love him. Roll tide!

Alexander should be better higher rated than 'Adrian Peterson' and 'Tiki

+2It is harder to find a more inspirational moment in the game of the football than "the immaculate reception" and the trans formative effect it had on one of the greatest teams in history and on the career of this--certainly one of the top five. Power, speed, attitude, and LUCK. I'd rather be lucky than good--Franco was both.

+2how in the world is franco below stinking bush and these other no names back

+2really? Brian westbrook and chris johnson ahead of Franco harris I say he should be in the top ten

The NFL Hall of Fame should be ashamed of itself. The Vikings were a.500 team at best the year before Chuck Foreman arrived. The next year the Viking were playing in the Super Bowl. He was catalyst behind their success. Chuck was a warrior and played that way. Chuck Foreman-2012 Hall of Fame!

chuch was the man who changed the way you play the runningback on Dfence.

This says it all http://chuckforeman44.net/

Come on talk about a workhouse, ten seasons over 1000 yards, number 4 all time in rushing, with Testeverde and Pennington as his QB's, who both had season ending injuries. C-Mart not as flashy as Tomlinson or Peterson, but consistency is key.

Curtis Martin....What a player. He was drafted in the 3rd round and look where he got. He had 10+ 1000 yard seasons, and probably would've had 11 if he wasn't injured. I'd rate him 4th. Barry #1, Walter #2, Emmit #3, and Curtis #4. He was so consistent, and even at his 10th season, he had his career year.

Curtis Martin was soo consistent!! I mean, not like 958 yard, 976 yards, I'm talking about 1400, 1300, 1500,1600, c'mon, he's the 4th bet ever! Give him some credit.

If he was a little bigger, he'd be too good for the NFL

herkfoot14

Brian Westbrook is one of the most explosive backs to run, catch or return the ball. He has great speed and cutting capability, still playing at a high level he will continue to push himself to be where he deserves, in the hall.

easily best all purpose back ever maybe faulk has him beat but not by much

Thurmanator best all purpose back ever don't sleep on the fact barry backed him up. G. o. a. t

This guys the best i mean he has been to 5 pro bowls went to 4 super bowls and is on the bills wall of fame and hes a 2nd round pick(40) this guys the best

+2200 yard rushing game after 200 yard rushing game like Barry he would have got the all time record if he didnt retire early.Simply the best even with no one blocking for him like LT has. Put lt on a team with bad blockers then see what happens to this flase profit.

I think he should be in top 20 because like brian westbrook wasn't even that good and tiki should at least be in front of him. Also he is better because tiki was so much more faster.

He rocks he only played for ten years butt he beat a lot of records

“Adrian Peterson ahead of Csonka as well as OJ, marcus A. Franco, Riggins, Foreman, dorsett, Sayers, Campbell, Dickerson. and Reggie Bush hadn't proved a thing and Bo didn't even play long enough. Darren Mcffaden being one # behind csonka is a disgrace to Zonk. Not saying these guys aren't great, just not proven!

rtdavis

“one of the all time greats should be top 15 way better than cedric benson

“Larry Csonka is way higher then number 32 on the alltime best running backs. You should all go home lay down and think about where you put him. Boo hoo

He's the fastest recorded running back ever and he is number 28 he's got 12000 yards rushing for crying out loud

10,000 yards and counting...

he should be way up there cause he can beat reggie bush

Freakishly strong, amazingly fast. He’s already over 4,000 yards in college through less than three years and is sharing time with Felix Jones, who’s closing in on 3,000 yards himself.

He is a beast that make defenses gameplan just for him. He came in second to Troy Smith for the heisman. He is great!!!!!!!!!!!!

He should be way up there
he is better than Marshel Faulk and Faulk is in like the top 10
just cuz he is smokin the mary jane doesnt mean he shouldn't b higher

ballanico23

Ricky Williams is the man, just look at his old highlights he kicked some major ass!

are you guys kiddin me! ricky williams is the best ever.

Totally agree, he has gotta be way up in the top ten, not to mention that he has 60 tds and he's still going at only 28 years old. This guy is a beast and he's always breaking through tackles and he never gives up. He's my favorite running back in the whole league.

In my opinion he is the best running back in the game, and at the end of his career he could be in the top 10. He rushed for 1000 yards his last 6 seasons. HE is lightning quick, and is as strong as any fullback in the leage. His legs just keep pumping no matter what. He is extremely reliable, he has played through injuries, and he doesn't give up. If I were to have any runningback on my team it would be this guy.

if your gonna put him low in your rankings, at least put him in the 20's or something higher because this is just bullcrap. he is one of the best in today's football I think

As soon as he stops sharing carries with Fred Taylor Maurice will be dominating defenses. He's extremely fast and he can blow over defenders.

Priest Holmes is the bomb!

Priest Holmes is the was the heart of Kansas City.Without him Larry Johnson would not be even close to as good as he is.

whoa! Priest should be way up there. He was way better than Larry Johnson. They both excelled with great offensive lines, so they had a lot of help, but at least Priest could block and catch! (Look now, Chiefs have average offensive line now and Larry Johnson can't do a thing , just goes to show you)

Really? You gotta be kidding me! This list was made by a clown. Payton didn't just run. He blocked, was an excellent reciever and commanded the respect he deserved from his team and his opponents. His multiple playoff appearances and legendary super-bowl year are enough to get this guy into the top ten, but then you look at the numbers. The best there was.

Worst. List. Ever.
Walter is easily top 2, might even be able to beat out Jim Brown for the best of all time.

Are you kidding? #37? Sweetness was one of the best ever. He deserves to be number one. Lots of those years he racked up the yardage, he didn't have a great team but always seemed to put up big numbers.

He was dominant as any player ever could be. With only a leather helmet or none at all. If we are including players from older football, than Jim Thorpe is the best. Study about him and you will see what I mean.

Are you kidding me? Jim Thorpe easily makes the top fifteen for me. If you don't know who this is start studying.

jim thorpe is 54th?!? boy, kids today really need a history lesson about football. thorpe was one of the greatest all around athletes of all time. he would have dominated even if he played today. ran a ten flat in 100 meter.

He should be up there with Terrell Davis. One of the strongest back in NFL history.

“led league inrushing the year J. Brown didn't... was the bread and butter for the Packers during their "sweep" rushingyears

Marion barber should be the number 1 running back.

i'm not upset that he has to share time with julius jones... but if he was gettin' the carries every other teams... he would def. be one of the best backs in the league... and he's fun to watch... caus' he's gonna run every defender ova!

schmidyschmidybangbang

“2007 super bowl champ as a rookie didn't even get rookie of the year he is young but truly the best gonna do great things for the colts!

“lead the team in receptions last year and may very well lead the team this year and rushed for 1000 2 of his first 3 years in the league only played in 7 games his rookie year and led the team in rushing beat that

hey "Fast Willie" should be at least in the top 20 list. regie bush is not very good at all but willie needs to improve on runnig this season. GO STEELERS!

he fast strong run over big men playing for yers and 71 tochdowns

mike alstott is the best back he ran people over like nothing he dragged people across the field he carried people on his back while he ran he should be in top 3 because he was a freight train if anything got in his way he would destroy it!

“So underrated hes twice the back that Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson are.

Chris-1

“AMAZING 5 ONE THOUSAND YARD RUSHING SEASONS!

“most rushing yards of 2006 season did very well last year and did not even start all the games better then some of the other backs listed

+1two Heisman Trophy awards

Dude cedric benson is suuuupper tight

He is this low because of Steve Atwater, who did tried to tackle him head on and laid him out. He retired soon after as a result of that blow.

The Nigerian Nightmare! If you tried to tackle this guy head on he would level you. How is he this low on this list?

big dude dig heart runs people ever. Best ever period.

This entire list blows. The edge this far down proves it.

Yo give the cat some love. Lets be serious when he was on the Colts and healthy you were guaranteed at least 1,300 yards. He could have been better but playing alongside Manning, Manning got more touches. He also made Manning better by removing pressure through the play-action. Manning, Harrison, and James (The Modern Triplets), sure they don't have 3 rings like Aikman, Smith, and Irvin but don't doubt their skills. If James didn't "run" for the money he might also have a ring by now. Should be in top 20.

yougnr1116

He's averaging more than LT

“Rushed for over 2,000 a couple of years ago and still going strong!!

“Best stiff arm ever...no doubt about it.

“maybe not the best but a pioneer, and an excellent runner, and for that he deserves recognition

“One of the first, greatest running back in football history. Paving the way for newer legends. Easily one of the best backs ever to play the sport.

Career cut short but should be in the top 20 all time. A dynamic runner with power and speed.

If you wear #20 in Detroit, then you must be special, and Billy Sims was! We used to call Barry Sanders, Billy Jr, as he wore #20 with pride as well. Sims could gallop down the sidelines for 80 yards while leaving everyone in his dust hence "another one bites the dust. " If he didn't get injured the current running backs would still be trying to break HIS records!

“Only Division I player in history to run for more than 2000 yards in back to back seasons

He just keeps putting up numbers, Beast of a player. Gets picked up by KC and everyone thought it was to back up Jamal Charles... but no it wasn't he had starter written all over him. He is 2nd only to LT for yards gained currently playing in the NFL

As one of the first black players in modern pro football, Motley was a pioneer for his sport, much like his baseball contemporary, Jackie Robinson. And like Robinson, Motley had to endure far more physical and verbal abuse than white ballplayers of his era. The Cleveland Browns’ fullback often took extra shots to his head or hands on the bottom of the pile after being tackled. However, that pile was usually several yards beyond the line of scrimmage because Motley, a bruiser at 6-1, 240, was very hard to tackle. “If you didn’t stop him at the line of scrimmage, you were in trouble,” Baltimore Colts’ Hall of Fame defensive tackle Art Donovan said.

Motley, along with quarterback Otto Graham, helped Cleveland win the All-American Football Conference title for four straight seasons. The Browns joined the NFL in 1950 and Motley, at age 30, led his new team to a championship and his new league in rushing with 810 yards and a gaudy 5.8 yards-per-carry average. In 1968, Motley became the first black player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The greatest before the greatest(PAYTON) YAWLL got to be up on this!
All he did was run over around and through would-be-tacklers.

Only Jim Brown, Walter Payton, and Earl Cambel are ahead of Marion Motlley.

“5.9 yard average, needs to stay healthy. will be something special if he is started next year.

“Great White Hope ! The man was amazing come playoff time ! Oh and don't forget Sydney Thorton , Tim Worley , Bam Morris , Barry Foster , Rocky Blier , Gordy Lockbomb , Yeah you read that right Gordy from Holly Cross drafted by the Mighty Steelers !!!!

Just because he was a running back for Southern California, doesn't mean he belongs in the category as th

Always was and soon will be the #1 running back in the league. Most consecutive rushing touchdowns in a season by a running back. Has great agility and can juke anyone put in front of him. Good player on and off the field.

+1Fat boy can run the ball.

“Helped Broncos reach SuperBowl XXIV!

“Paul Lowe of Oregon State University played for the Los Angeles and San Diego Chargers from 1960 through 1968. His blazing speed helped him gain nearly 5, 000 yards, the Chargers' all-time best, as is his 4. 89 yards-per-carry average, which was also the AFL's all-time best. He returned his first touch of the football in the American Football League for a 105 yard touchdown in the Chargers first-ever exhibition game, and had the Chargers' longest run from scrimmage with an 87-yard run in 1961. He had 1, 010 yards on just 136 carries for a 5. 7 yard average in 1963 and was the American Football League MVP in 1965 with 1, 121 yards rushing (14-game schedule), a two-time all-American Football League selection, and a halfback on the AFL's All-Time Team. Lowe had the American Football League's all-time highest rushing average, at 4. 89 yds/carry, and set a pro football record with six games in which he gained 100 or more yards on 14 or fewer carries. He is one of only twenty players who were in the American Football League for its entire ten-year existence.

“Clem Daniels of PRAIRIE VIEW A&M University was voted to All-Conference honors during his sophomore and junior years, and captained the NAIA National Championship team in his senior year. He was voted into Prairie View's Hall of Fame in 1992 and the California Black Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. Daniels was drafted in 1960 by the Dallas Texans. He was on the Texans' roster for 14 games in 1960, but saw little playing time behind Hall of Famer Abner Haynes. In 1961, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders, and spent seven stellar years there. He was an American Football League All-Star in 1963, '64, '65, '66 and '67.
In 1963, Daniels was the Sporting News' American Football League Most Valuable Player, with a 5. 1 yards/carry average, gaining 1, 099 yards. He was the All-Time leading rusher in the American Football League and was selected to the All-Time All-AFL Team.

“One of the best college backs ever but got injured in the pro level

Ahmad Bradshaw is better then whoever is at the top of this daggone list go Giants.

He is a tank. He's the beast on the field. He should be number 1 baby. Lets go beanie #1

Tough inside runner that gave morton and stabuch a good running game to open up the passing game. Also a change of pace to walt garrison.