The 5 Greatest Running Backs in NFL History

The running back position has long been considered the heart and soul of the National Football League. These elite ball carriers are the engines that power their teams, grinding out tough yards, breaking off explosive plays, and scoring touchdowns that captivate fans across the country. Identifying the true legends at this position is a challenging task, as the NFL has been blessed with an abundance of transcendent running back talent over the decades.

In compiling this list of the 5 greatest running backs in NFL history, I've taken a holistic approach, considering not just raw statistical production, but also the overall impact these players had on their teams, their eras, and the evolution of the game itself. Factors like longevity, efficiency, game-breaking ability, and championship pedigree all played a role in the ranking process. Without further ado, let's dive into the cream of the crop when it comes to NFL running backs.

#5: Marshall Faulk

When discussing the most versatile and dynamic offensive weapons in NFL history, Marshall Faulk's name has to be near the top of the list. A do-it-all back who excelled as both a runner and a receiver, Faulk was the engine that powered the "Greatest Show on Turf" St. Louis Rams teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Faulk's career got off to a strong start after being selected 2nd overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1994 NFL Draft. He immediately made an impact, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1994 and making the Pro Bowl in each of his first 5 seasons with the Colts. However, it was his move to the Rams in 1999 that truly cemented his legacy as an all-time great.

In his first season in St. Louis, Faulk put together one of the most dominant individual campaigns in NFL history. He racked up 2,429 total yards from scrimmage and 23 total touchdowns, winning both the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Faulk followed that up with 3 more 1st-team All-Pro selections over the next 4 seasons, helping the Rams win a Super Bowl title in 1999 and reach another Super Bowl in 2001.

Faulk's blend of power, speed, and receiving ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He finished his 12-year career with over 19,000 yards from scrimmage and 136 total touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the most versatile and productive offensive players of his era. Faulk's impact on the game is undeniable, and his place among the all-time greats is well-deserved.

#4: Walter Payton

When discussing the Mount Rushmore of NFL running backs, Walter "Sweetness" Payton's name is always near the top of the list. A true workhorse back who embodied toughness, determination, and an unrelenting will to win, Payton is rightly regarded as one of the greatest players to ever step foot on an NFL field.

Payton was selected 4th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1975 NFL Draft, and he immediately made an impact, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors that season. Over the next 12 years, Payton would go on to establish himself as the centerpiece of the Bears' offense, making 9 Pro Bowls and being named 1st-team All-Pro 5 times.

The numbers Payton put up during his illustrious career are staggering. He finished with 16,726 career rushing yards, which stood as the NFL record for over 17 years until Emmitt Smith surpassed him in 2002. Payton also found the end zone 110 times on the ground, and added another 492 receptions for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air. His combination of power, speed, and durability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Beyond the raw statistics, Payton's impact on the game was immeasurable. He was the driving force behind the Bears' 1985 Super Bowl championship team, a squad that is widely regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history. Payton's relentless running style and competitive fire inspired his teammates and captivated fans across the league. His legacy as one of the true icons of the sport is cemented.

#3: Barry Sanders

For a certain generation of NFL fans, the image of Barry Sanders effortlessly weaving through defenders, leaving them grasping at air, is the very embodiment of football excellence. A true artist with the ball in his hands, Sanders' combination of otherworldly agility, vision, and explosiveness made him one of the most electrifying players to ever step foot on an NFL field.

Drafted 3rd overall by the Detroit Lions in 1989, Sanders wasted no time in making his mark on the league. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in his debut season, and over the next 10 years, he established himself as the most dominant running back of his era. Sanders made the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons, was named 1st-team All-Pro 6 times, and won the NFL MVP award in 1997.

The numbers Sanders put up during his career are staggering. He finished with 15,269 rushing yards, the 3rd-highest total in NFL history, and found the end zone 99 times on the ground. But the raw statistics don't even begin to capture the true essence of Sanders' game. He was a highlight reel waiting to happen on every single snap, capable of turning any carry into a game-changing touchdown.

What makes Sanders' legacy all the more impressive is the fact that he retired at the peak of his powers, walking away from the game at just 30 years old. Had he played even a few more seasons, there's no telling how far he could have pushed the NFL's career rushing record. Nonetheless, Sanders' impact on the sport is undeniable. He revolutionized the running back position with his otherworldly athleticism and electrifying playmaking ability, cementing his status as one of the true icons of the game.

#2: Jim Brown

When discussing the Mount Rushmore of NFL running backs, one name that always has to be near the top of the list is Jim Brown. A physical specimen who combined unparalleled power with surprising agility and speed, Brown is widely regarded as the most dominant player at his position in league history.

Brown was selected 6th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 1957 NFL Draft, and he immediately made an impact, winning Rookie of the Year honors that season. Over the next 9 years, Brown would go on to establish himself as the most unstoppable force in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in each of his 9 seasons and being named 1st-team All-Pro 8 times.

The numbers Brown put up during his career are staggering, even by today's standards. He finished with 12,312 rushing yards, which was the NFL record for nearly 20 years until it was broken by Walter Payton. Brown also found the end zone 106 times on the ground, and added another 20 receiving touchdowns for good measure. His career yards per carry average of 5.2 is the highest in NFL history among players with at least 1,000 attempts.

But Brown's impact on the game went far beyond just the raw statistics. He was a physical specimen who transformed the running back position, setting a new standard for size, strength, and athleticism that players are still trying to emulate today. Brown's combination of power, speed, and agility made him virtually unstoppable, and he was the driving force behind the Browns' 1964 NFL championship team.

Off the field, Brown was also a trailblazer, using his platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was never afraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential athletes of his era. When the history of the NFL is written, Jim Brown's name will always be near the top of the list of all-time greats.

#1: Emmitt Smith

When it comes to the greatest running backs in NFL history, the debate often comes down to a handful of all-time legends. But when you consider the combination of longevity, production, and championship pedigree, there's a strong case to be made that Emmitt Smith stands alone atop the running back hierarchy.

Smith was selected 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990 NFL Draft, and he immediately made an impact, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors that season. Over the next 13 years, Smith would go on to establish himself as the most dominant and consistent running back of his era, making the Pro Bowl 8 times and being named 1st-team All-Pro 4 times.

The numbers Smith put up during his career are simply staggering. He finished with 18,355 rushing yards, the most in NFL history, and found the end zone 164 times on the ground, the 2nd-highest total ever. Smith's combination of power, vision, and durability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, as he routinely racked up 1,400+ yard seasons and led the league in rushing multiple times.

But what truly sets Smith apart is his championship pedigree. He was the driving force behind the Cowboys' dynasty of the 1990s, winning 3 Super Bowl titles and being named Super Bowl MVP in 1993. Smith's ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage, combined with his unparalleled consistency and longevity, makes him the clear choice as the greatest running back in NFL history.

Beyond the raw numbers and accolades, Smith's impact on the game is undeniable. He redefined the running back position with his blend of size, speed, and power, setting a new standard that players are still trying to emulate today. Smith's legacy as one of the true icons of the sport is cemented, and his place atop the running back hierarchy is well-deserved.

Honorable Mentions

While the top 5 running backs on this list stand out as the true cream of the crop, the NFL has been blessed with an abundance of legendary ball carriers over the decades. A few other names that deserve honorable mention in the discussion of the all-time greats include:

• Adrian Peterson: A physical freak who combined size, speed, and power like few others, Peterson finished his career with over 14,000 rushing yards and was a 7-time Pro Bowler.

• LaDainian Tomlinson: One of the most versatile and productive backs of his era, Tomlinson racked up over 18,000 total yards from scrimmage and scored 162 total touchdowns.

• Eric Dickerson: A dominant runner with a unique upright running style, Dickerson holds the single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards and finished his career with over 13,000 yards on the ground.

• Marcus Allen: A do-it-all back who excelled as both a runner and receiver, Allen won both the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP award during his illustrious career.

• Tony Dorsett: A lightning-quick back with breakaway speed, Dorsett finished his career with over 12,700 rushing yards and was a key cog in the Cowboys' dynasty of the 1970s.

While these players all have strong cases to be considered among the all-time greats, the top 5 on this list stand out as the true pantheon of NFL running back excellence.

Statistical Analysis and Impact on the Game

When comparing the all-time great running backs, the raw statistical production is an important factor, but it's not the only consideration. Efficiency metrics, era-adjusted performance, and overall impact on the game also play a crucial role in the evaluation process.

In terms of pure volume stats, Emmitt Smith stands alone atop the mountain with his 18,355 career rushing yards, the most in NFL history. However, when you factor in the era in which he played, Smith's dominance becomes even more impressive. He was the driving force behind the Cowboys' dynasty of the 1990s, racking up 4 rushing titles and leading the league in total touchdowns on multiple occasions.

Meanwhile, players like Jim Brown and Barry Sanders, while having shorter careers, were true game-changers who transformed the running back position with their unique blend of size, speed, and agility. Brown's career yards per carry average of 5.2 is the highest in NFL history, while Sanders' ability to make defenders miss in the open field was unparalleled.

Ultimately, what separates the true all-time greats from the rest is their ability to not just put up gaudy numbers, but to also elevate their teams and the game itself to new heights. Players like Payton, Faulk, and Allen were not just dominant individual performers, but also key cogs in championship-winning teams that left an indelible mark on the sport.

When you consider the full body of work - the statistics, the accolades, the championships, and the overall impact on the game - it's clear that the 5 running backs on this list stand alone as the true pantheon of NFL excellence at the position. Their legacies will continue to inspire and captivate football fans for generations to come.

Conclusion

The running back position has long been the heartbeat of the National Football League, with a rich history of transcendent talents who have captivated fans and transformed the game. In compiling this list of the 5 greatest running backs in NFL history, I've taken a holistic approach, considering not just raw statistical production, but also the overall impact these players had on their teams, their eras, and the evolution of the sport itself.

From the power and dominance of Jim Brown, to the electrifying playmaking ability of Barry Sanders, to the unparalleled consistency and championship pedigree of Emmitt Smith, this list represents the true pantheon of running back excellence. These players have left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring generations of fans and players alike with their unique blend of size, speed, and skill.

As the NFL continues to evolve, the running back position remains a crucial component of offensive success. While the game may change, the legacy of these all-time greats will endure, serving as a constant reminder of the transformative impact that elite ball carriers can have on the sport we love.