The 10 Greatest Fullbacks in NFL History
The fullback position has a rich and storied history in the National Football League. Once a central figure in the offensive backfield, the role of the fullback has evolved over the decades, adapting to the changing landscape of the game. From bulldozing lead blockers to versatile weapons in the passing game, these unsung heroes have played a crucial part in the success of some of the league's most iconic franchises.
In this comprehensive ranking, we'll explore the 10 greatest fullbacks to ever grace the gridiron, evaluating their impact, statistics, and overall contributions to the game. These players not only excelled at their primary duties but also left an indelible mark on the sport, paving the way for future generations of fullbacks.
Methodology
To determine the 10 greatest fullbacks in NFL history, we've established a set of criteria that takes into account various factors, including:
- Statistical Production: Rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, and overall offensive contributions.
- Longevity and Consistency: The ability to maintain a high level of performance over an extended career.
- Postseason Success: Contributions to championship-winning teams and individual playoff performances.
- Accolades and Recognition: Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and other league-wide accolades.
- Innovative Play Style: Fullbacks who pushed the boundaries of the position and influenced the evolution of the game.
The time period covered in this ranking spans the entire history of the NFL, from the league's inception to the present day. Without further ado, let's dive into the 10 greatest fullbacks in NFL history.
The 10 Greatest Fullbacks in NFL History
10. Larry Csonka
Regarded as one of the most punishing runners in NFL history, Larry Csonka was the backbone of the Miami Dolphins' dominant offense during the 1970s. A bruising fullback known for his relentless style, Csonka played a crucial role in the Dolphins' back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1973.
Over his 11-year career, Csonka amassed 8,081 rushing yards and 69 touchdowns, earning four Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors. His physical running style and ability to grind out tough yards made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
9. Marion Motley
A true pioneer of the fullback position, Marion Motley was a dominant force in the early days of the NFL. Combining size, speed, and power, Motley was a trailblazer who helped break down racial barriers in the league.
Despite playing in a segregated league for the majority of his career, Motley's impact was undeniable. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro, amassing 4,720 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns. Motley's blend of physicality and athleticism paved the way for future generations of fullbacks.
8. Mike Alstott
Known as the "A-Train," Mike Alstott was a bruising fullback who spent his entire 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Alstott was a key cog in the Buccaneers' offense, serving as a powerful lead blocker and a reliable goal-line option.
Despite never leading the league in any major statistical category, Alstott's consistency and impact were undeniable. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro, finishing his career with 5,088 rushing yards and 71 total touchdowns. Alstott's punishing running style and ability to convert in short-yardage situations made him an invaluable asset for the Buccaneers.
7. John Riggins
A true workhorse in the NFL, John Riggins is best remembered for his dominant performance in Super Bowl XVII, where he rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown to lead the Washington Redskins to victory. Riggins was a bruising fullback who thrived in the power-running game, using his size and strength to wear down opposing defenses.
Over his 14-year career, Riggins amassed 11,352 rushing yards and 104 total touchdowns, earning one Pro Bowl selection and a First-Team All-Pro nod. His ability to excel in both the regular season and the playoffs cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fullbacks in NFL history.
6. Franco Harris
A key component of the Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty in the 1970s, Franco Harris was a versatile fullback who excelled as both a runner and a receiver. His most iconic moment came in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game, when he made the "Immaculate Reception" to secure a victory for the Steelers.
Harris finished his career with 12,120 rushing yards, 2,287 receiving yards, and 91 total touchdowns. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro, and a Super Bowl MVP. Harris' combination of power, agility, and pass-catching ability made him a true dual-threat in the Steelers' offense.
5. Jim Brown
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history, Jim Brown's impact on the game transcends the fullback position. A dominant force of nature, Brown combined size, speed, and unparalleled strength to terrorize opposing defenses.
During his nine-year career, all with the Cleveland Browns, Brown amassed 12,312 rushing yards and 106 total touchdowns. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, eight-time First-Team All-Pro, and the 1957 NFL MVP. Brown's combination of physical dominance and game-breaking ability cemented his status as one of the most unstoppable players in league history.
4. Cookie Gilchrist
A true pioneer of the fullback position, Cookie Gilchrist was a dominant force in the American Football League during the 1960s. Standing at 6'3" and weighing over 250 pounds, Gilchrist was a physical specimen who used his size and power to overwhelm opposing defenses.
Over his eight-year career, Gilchrist rushed for 8,045 yards and 69 touchdowns, earning three AFL All-Star selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor. His bruising running style and ability to grind out tough yards made him a centerpiece of the Buffalo Bills' offense during the team's early years in the AFL.
3. Earl Campbell
Nicknamed the "Tyler Rose," Earl Campbell was a dominant and punishing runner who left an indelible mark on the NFL during the late 1970s and early 1980s. A physical specimen at 6'1" and 232 pounds, Campbell used his size, strength, and speed to overwhelm defenders and establish himself as one of the most feared runners in the league.
In his rookie season, Campbell rushed for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning the NFL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. Over his eight-year career, he amassed 9,407 rushing yards and 74 total touchdowns, making five Pro Bowls and being named a First-Team All-Pro four times. Campbell's relentless running style and ability to break tackles made him a true force of nature in the NFL.
2. Larry Johnson
A dominant force in the Kansas City Chiefs' offense during the early 2000s, Larry Johnson was a versatile and productive fullback who excelled as both a runner and a receiver. Johnson's combination of size, power, and agility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses to contain.
Over his eight-year career, Johnson rushed for 6,223 yards and 55 touchdowns, while also adding 2,150 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro in 2006, when he led the NFL in rushing yards (1,789) and rushing touchdowns (17). Johnson's ability to impact the game in multiple ways cemented his status as one of the greatest fullbacks of his era.
1. Bronko Nagurski
Widely regarded as the greatest fullback in NFL history, Bronko Nagurski was a true pioneer of the position. Standing at 6'2" and weighing over 235 pounds, Nagurski was a physical specimen who used his size, strength, and power to overwhelm opponents.
Nagurski played both ways, excelling as a fullback on offense and a defensive tackle on defense. During his 10-year career, he was a four-time All-Pro selection and a member of the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team. Nagurski's combination of size, speed, and versatility made him a dominant force in the early days of the NFL, paving the way for future generations of fullbacks.
Honorable Mentions
While the 10 players listed above stand out as the greatest fullbacks in NFL history, there are several other notable players who narrowly missed the cut:
- Marion Barber III: A punishing runner who spent the majority of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, Barber was a two-time Pro Bowler and a key contributor to the team's success in the late 2000s.
- William Floyd: A versatile fullback who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers, Floyd was a three-time Pro Bowler and a valuable asset in both the running and passing game.
- Tom Rathman: A reliable and consistent fullback who spent his entire 11-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, Rathman was a two-time Super Bowl champion and a two-time Pro Bowler.
- Lorenzo Neal: A dominant lead blocker who played for several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Baltimore Ravens, Neal was a four-time Pro Bowler and a key contributor to the success of many star running backs.
The Evolution of the Fullback Position
The fullback position has undergone a significant transformation over the years, adapting to the changing landscape of the NFL. In the early days of the league, fullbacks were primarily used as lead blockers, paving the way for dominant running games. Players like Bronko Nagurski and Marion Motley exemplified this physical, power-oriented style of play.
As the game evolved, the fullback position began to incorporate more versatility, with players like Franco Harris and Larry Johnson showcasing their ability to contribute both as runners and receivers. The rise of the West Coast offense and the emphasis on short, high-percentage passes further expanded the role of the fullback in the passing game.
In the modern NFL, the fullback position has become increasingly specialized, with teams often utilizing a combination of lead blockers and pass-catching specialists. The decline in traditional power-running schemes has led to a diminished role for the fullback in some offenses, but players like Kyle Juszczyk have demonstrated the continued value of a versatile, multi-dimensional player at the position.
Conclusion
The 10 players highlighted in this ranking have left an indelible mark on the NFL, redefining the fullback position and paving the way for future generations of players. From the physical dominance of Bronko Nagurski to the versatility of Franco Harris, these fullbacks have embodied the very essence of the game, showcasing the power, athleticism, and skill that have made the position a crucial component of successful offenses.
As the game continues to evolve, the role of the fullback may continue to change, but the legacy of these 10 players will endure. They represent the pinnacle of excellence at the position, setting the standard for what it means to be a great fullback in the National Football League.
