Running backs are the engine of every great offense, capable of changing the game with a burst of speed or a jaw-dropping play. These electrifying athletes racked up yards, broke records, and delivered the NFL’s most iconic moments. Here’s a look at the 15 greatest running backs to ever grace the gridiron.
Jim Brown
As a true NFL icon, Jim Brown was ahead of his time. His bruising style and sheer dominance in the 1950s and ’60s left defenders grasping at air. Brown set a standard few could match, with eight rushing titles in nine seasons and never rushing under 1,000 yards.
Emmitt Smith
No discussion about NFL running backs is complete without the league’s all-time rushing leader with 18,355 yards, Emmitt Smith. Smith wasn’t flashy but was incredibly consistent. He led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles with durability and vision, which made him an irreplaceable cog in Dallas’s 1990s dynasty.
Walter Payton
Nicknamed “Sweetness,” he is regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history. A versatile powerhouse, he excelled at running, blocking, catching, and even throwing passes. Payton retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards, a record that stood until Emmitt Smith surpassed it in 2002.
Barry Sanders
Defenders feared Barry Sanders’ elusive running style. With a staggering 15,269 rushing yards, he consistently dazzled fans with ankle-breaking cuts. In 1997, Barry rushed for 2,053 yards and earned the NFL MVP award alongside Brett Favre. Even without a Super Bowl, his legacy as one of the greatest is undeniable.
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson was a touchdown machine. The 31-touchdown season in 2006 set a new NFL record that made him MVP that year. But it wasn’t just the touchdowns; Tomlinson’s versatility as a runner and receiver allowed him to become one of the most prominent offensive forces of the 2000s.
Eric Dickerson
With his trademark goggles and upright running style, Eric was hard to miss. His 2,105 rushing yards in 1984 still stand as an NFL single-season record. Dickerson’s breakaway speed and endurance helped him power through defenses and made him one of the most formidable runners ever.
Adrian Peterson
Few players ran as violently as Adrian Peterson. In 2011, he made an incredible comeback from a devastating knee injury. Peterson came within eight yards of surpassing Eric Dickerson’s single-season running record (2,097 yards) in 2012. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Peterson’s energetic bursts and hard-nosed style exemplified perseverance and talent.
Marshall Faulk
Faulk revolutionized the running back position by excelling as both a rusher and receiver. Winning the Offensive Player of the Year thrice, Faulk was instrumental in the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf.” With 12,279 yards and 100 touchdowns, Faulk retired as the NFL’s ninth-ranked rusher.
Gale Sayers
Injuries may have cut Gale Sayers’ career short, but his impact was immense. Sayers racked up four Pro Bowl selections in just seven seasons with his incredible speed and shiftiness. His legendary six-touchdown game in 1965 and his record 22 touchdowns in a rookie season highlight his remarkable talent.
Tony Dorsett
Bringing speed and grace to the Cowboys’ offense, Dorsett’s ability to break open a game was unmatched. His record-setting 99-yard touchdown run still stands as one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. Dorsett’s career was filled with jaw-dropping runs, a Super Bowl victory, and over 12,739 rushing yards.
Marcus Allen
Famous for his Super Bowl XVIII MVP performance, where he ran for a then-record 74-yard touchdown, he could rise to the occasion when it mattered most. He became one of the NFL’s smoothest runners, earning MVP honors and shaking off defenders while rushing or catching out of the backfield.
Franco Harris
Best known for the “Immaculate Reception,” Franco Harris was pivotal in the Steelers’ four Super Bowl titles during the 1970s. Harris wasn’t just a great running back; he was a winner. His consistency and clutch playoff performances earned him nine Pro Bowl selections and made him a Pittsburgh legend.
Earl Campbell
Nicknamed “The Tyler Rose,” his punishing running style left many flat on their backs. This player’s relentless drive and agility allowed him to bulldoze through defenders. Despite winning three consecutive NFL rushing titles and MVP awards, he became a folk hero in Houston due to his toughness.
Thurman Thomas
Thurman played an essential role in the Buffalo Bills’ four straight Super Bowl appearances in the ’90s. Thomas was a dynamic athlete who could run, catch, and block with the best of them. His ability to wear down defenses contributed to his impressive career total of 12,074 rushing yards.
O.J. Simpson
Despite off-field controversies, O.J. Simpson’s on-field greatness can’t be ignored. In just 14 games, Simpson became the first NFL player to carry for more than 2,000 yards in a season (1973). Simpson’s speed, vision, and record-breaking ability earned him six Pro Bowl selections and an MVP award.
15 Legendary Running Backs Who Dominated the NFL