Running the gridiron is no easy feat. It demands agility, strength, and the fiercasmarts, turning mere mortals into legends of the turf. Throughout NFL history, some running backs have left an indelible mark on the game, shattering records and stiff-arming their way into the hearts of fans worldwide. The best of the best not only accumulated jaw-dropping statistics but also exhibited sheer dominance, versatility, and longevity. As we take a look at the top 10 best running backs of all time, we’ll honor those whose footprints are permanently etched in the end zones of history.
10. Eric Dickerson
Starting off our list is Eric Dickerson, the man who picked defenses apart with his elegant strides and speed. He burst onto the scene in 1983 with the Los Angeles Rams, securing Rookie of the Year honors and setting the stage for what would become a Hall of Fame career. Dickerson’s crowning achievement came in 1984 when he set the single-season rushing yardage record, accumulating 2,105 yards—a milestone that still stands today. With six Pro Bowl selections and five First-team All-Pro nods, Dickerson’s blend of smooth running style and breakaway speed rightfully earns him a spot among the greats.
9. LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson, often referred to as “LT,” was a touchdown machine for the San Diego Chargers. With an innate ability to find the end zone, Tomlinson set a single-season record in 2006 by scoring 28 rushing touchdowns. He was not just a pure runner; LT’s versatility showed in his catching abilities, making him a dual threat. LT’s 2006 MVP season was one for the ages, and over the course of his illustrious career, he tallied up 13,684 rushing yards and 145 rushing touchdowns, placing him high on the all-time lists in both categories.
8. Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk redefined the role of a running back with his prowess as both a runner and receiver, being the focal point of the “Greatest Show on Turf” with the St. Louis Rams. The 2000 NFL MVP could do it all, gliding past defenders and showcasing his catching abilities that were second to none at the position. With 12,279 career rushing yards and an additional 6,875 receiving yards, Faulk was a matchup nightmare and is one of just a few backs to have eclipsed 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving in a single season.
7. Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett’s ability to shake off defenders and sprint to daylight was a thing of beauty. His 99-yard touchdown run for the Dallas Cowboys remains one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. Dorsett excelled thanks to his vision and agility, culminating in 12,739 rushing yards and a spot in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. His contributions to the Cowboys’ victories and his consistent performance over his career make him a standout in the annals of NFL running backs.
6. Curtis Martin
Consistency is the hallmark of greatness, and Curtis Martin epitomized this trait. Despite not possessing the flash of some of his contemporaries, Martin grinded out yard after yard for the New England Patriots and New York Jets. His durability was remarkable; he rushed for over 1,000 yards in 10 of his 11 seasons in the league. With 14,101 rushing yards, Martin consistently pushed forward, earning him respect and a rightful place in Canton as a Hall of Famer.
5. Jim Brown
Jim Brown is often mentioned in discussions of the greatest football players of all time, and for good reason. In his nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Brown was nothing short of dominant. With a combination of power and speed unheard of at the time, Brown plowed through defenders, amassing 12,312 rushing yards and scoring 106 touchdowns. His 5.2 yards per carry average is a testament to the impact he had every time he touched the ball. A three-time MVP, Brown set the standard for what it meant to be a great running back.
4. Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders danced his way through defenses with an elusive style that was as breathtaking as it was effective. Despite playing behind less-than-stellar offensive lines with the Detroit Lions, Sanders made magic happen on the field, often turning negative plays into positive yardage with his jukes and spins. Sanders bowed out of the game while still in his prime, just shy of Walter Payton’s then-rushing record. With 15,269 yards and 10 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, Sanders’ highlight reel is unrivaled, cementing him as a legend of the game.
3. Emmitt Smith
The NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, carved out a 15-year career characterized by durability and productivity. Smith’s 18,355 rushing yards and 164 rushing touchdowns are a testament to his workhorse mentality. A key component of the Dallas Cowboys’ dynasty in the 1990s, Smith’s ability to perform in critical moments, including a memorable showing against the Giants with a separated shoulder, is the stuff of football lore. A three-time Super Bowl champion and the 1993 MVP, Smith’s place in the pantheon of running back royalty is undisputed.
2. Walter Payton
Known affectionately as “Sweetness,” Walter Payton’s grace on the football field was matched only by his toughness. The Chicago Bears stalwart was an ironman, missing just one game in his 13-year career. Payton racked up 16,726 rushing yards, a record at the time of his retirement. His versatility as a runner, blocker, and receiver made him a complete back and a nightmare to defend. Beyond his stats, Payton’s dedication to the game, exemplified by his grueling training routines, set a standard for future generations.
1. Jim Brown
We circle back to the legendary Jim Brown, who not only earns his second mention but is also crowned the best of the best. His name is synonymous with dominance, a kind of player who could both bulldoze and outrun defenders. Brown’s career was relatively short, but its impact was monumental. In an era when rushing the ball was the heart of the offense, Brown won an unprecedented eight rushing titles in nine seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, and his average of 104.3 yards per game remains the highest in NFL history. Brown’s influence extends far beyond the field, as he became an icon of strength and perseverance, embodying the essence of football excellence. His status as the greatest running back of all time is well-earned, reminding us that sometimes, the first to set a standard remains the one by which all others are measured.