Ranking The 10 Best NFL Running Backs of All Time

In pro football, few positions capture the imagination of fans quite like the running back. With their lightning-quick feet and bulldozer strength, these superstars can single handedly shift NFL betting lines. But who truly stands atop the mountain as the best  National Football League (NFL) backs of all time?

From the bone-crushing power of Jim Brown to the elusive wizardry of Barry Sanders, the NFL has seen its fair share of backfield brilliance. These rushing monsters have left defenders grasping at air, broken countless tackles, and sprinted into the record books. But what makes an RB genuinely great? Is it the raw numbers, the highlight-reel plays, or that intangible "it" factor that separates the legends from the merely good?

It's time to settle the debate once and for all – who really is the GOAT of the ground game?

Ranking The National Football League Running Backs of All Time

These players have the unique ability to change the course of a game with a single carry, showcasing a blend of speed, power, and agility. Here, we rank the 10 best NFL running backs of all time, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the game.

1. Jim Brown: Often considered the greatest running back of all time, Jim Brown dominated the NFL during his nine-season career with the Cleveland Browns. Leading the league in rushing yards eight times, Brown retired with 12,312 rushing yards and 106 touchdowns.
2. Barry Sanders: Barry Sanders’ elusive running style and incredible vision made him a nightmare for defenders. Despite retiring abruptly, Sanders amassed 15,269 rushing yards, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1997 NFL MVP award.
3. Walter Payton: Known as “Sweetness,” Walter Payton was a versatile back who excelled in rushing, receiving, and even passing. He retired as the all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards and left an indelible mark on the Chicago Bears franchise.
4. Emmitt Smith: The all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith accumulated 18,355 yards over his 15-year career. Smith’s durability and consistency were key to the Dallas Cowboys’ three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.
5. Eric Dickerson: Eric Dickerson’s upright running style and breakaway speed helped him set the single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards in 1984. Over his career, Dickerson rushed for 13,259 yards and 90 touchdowns.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson: LT was a touchdown machine, scoring 145 rushing touchdowns, the second-most in NFL history. His 2006 season, where he set the single-season touchdown record with 31, earned him the NFL MVP award.
7. O.J. Simpson: Before his off-field controversies, O.J. Simpson was a groundbreaking running back. Simpson was the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season (1973), and he finished his career with 11,236 rushing yards.
8. Marshall Faulk: The former Ram revolutionized the running back position with his dual-threat capability. Faulk was equally effective as a rusher and receiver, finishing his career with over 19,000 total yards and 136 touchdowns.
9. Adrian Peterson: All Day’s combination of power and speed has made him one of the most feared backs of his generation. Peterson ranks fifth all-time in rushing yards and holds the single-game rushing record with 296 yards.
10. Gale Sayers: Despite a career shortened by injuries, Gale Sayers’ impact was undeniable. Known for his incredible agility and speed, Sayers averaged 5.0 yards per carry and was a dual-threat as a return specialist.

These ten running backs have each left a lasting legacy on the NFL, showcasing a blend of talent, determination, and athleticism that set them apart from their peers. Their performances have not only thrilled fans but also set benchmarks for future generations of running backs to aspire to. Whether through record-breaking seasons or memorable moments, these players have cemented their place in football history.

Who is the fastest running back in NFL history?

When it comes to pure, unadulterated speed, few positions in the NFL can match the electrifying pace of a top-tier running back. But who truly holds the crown as the fastest running back in NFL history?

First up, we've got to talk about Bo Jackson. This two-sport phenom wasn't just fast; he was a human lightning bolt in cleats. Jackson reportedly ran a 4.13 40-yard dash at the 1986 NFL Combine, though official electronic timing wasn't used back then. Still, anyone who watched Bo play knows he had that extra gear that left defenders in the dust.

But let's fast forward to more recent times. Chris Johnson, aptly nicknamed "CJ2K," set the official NFL Combine record with a blistering 4.24 40-yard dash in 2008. This Tennessee Titan turned that speed into production on the field, becoming one of only seven players in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

We can't talk about speed without mentioning Jamaal Charles. This Kansas City Chiefs legend averaged a mind-boggling 5.4 yards per carry over his career, the highest of any running back in NFL history with at least 750 carries. Charles could turn a small gap into a house call faster than you could say "touchdown."

In his prime, Adrian Peterson was a freak of nature who combined raw power with breakaway speed. Darren McFadden blazed a 4.33 40-yard dash at the 2008 Combine. And let's not forget about current speedsters like Raheem Mostert, who was clocked at 23.1 mph during a game in 2020, the fastest ball carrier speed recorded since NFL Next Gen Stats began tracking in 2016.

So, who's the fastest of them all? It's a photo finish, but based on official numbers and on-field impact, Johnson takes the crown as the fastest running back in NFL history. 

Who are the top-ranked running backs in the NFL right now?

Let's shift gears and talk about the cream of the current crop. Who are the best-ranked running backs in the NFL?

First up, San Francisco’s own Super Man do it all superstar Christian McCaffrey. This 49ers dynamo is a dual-threat nightmare for defenses. In 2023, he led the league in rushing yards (1,459) and was second in rushing touchdowns (14). And if that wasn’t enough, he also caught 67 passes for 564 yards. If stats rule the land, call McCaffrey the king of the castle and the lord of the manner.

Next on the list is Derrick Henry, aka "King Henry." This Baltimore Ravens bruiser is the perfect throwback to the power backs of old, with a modern twist of breakaway speed. Henry has led the league in rushing yards twice and rushing touchdowns twice in the past four seasons. When he gets a full head of steam, good luck trying to bring him down!

We can't forget about Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers. This guy led the league in rushing yards in 2022 with 1,653 yards. He's got that rare combination of power, vision, and agility that keeps defenses guessing.

Let's not sleep on Nick Chubb either. This Cleveland Browns star has been a model of consistency, averaging over 5 yards per carry in each of his first five seasons. That's the kind of reliability that makes coaches sleep easier at night.

Rounding out our list, we've got young guns like Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts and, my personal favorite right now, Breece Hall of the New York Jets. These guys have shown flashes of brilliance and could be the next big things in the NFL running back world.

Who is the best running back of all time in the NFL?

Now we're getting into the nitty-gritty, folks. Determining the best RB of all time is like trying to pick your favorite child – it's challenging, controversial, and bound to start some heated debates at the family barbecue. But hey, who doesn’t love a fun war of words?

Many old-school fans will tell you that Jim Brown is the undisputed GOAT. And they've got a point. Brown led the NFL in rushing yards in eight out of his nine seasons, averaging a mind-boggling 104.3 yards per game over his career. He was a human bulldozer with the speed of a cheetah, retiring at the top of his game.

But, before you run off to give Brown the award, Barry Sanders might have something to say about that. This Detroit Lions legend was poetry in motion, with moves that would make a ballerina jealous. Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his ten seasons, including 2,053 yards in 1997. And let's not forget, he retired in his prime, leaving us all wondering what could have been.

Then there's Walter Payton, affectionately known as "Sweetness." Payton was the epitome of consistency and durability, finishing his career with 16,726 rushing yards. He could run, catch, block, and even throw the occasional pass. Talk about a complete package!

We can't have this conversation without mentioning Emmitt Smith. The NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards, Smith was the backbone of the Dallas Cowboys dynasty in the 1990s. He may not have had the flashiest style, but he got the job done.

And what about more recent stars? LaDainian Tomlinson. (one of the players that made me fall in love with pro football) was a touchdown machine, setting the single-season record with 31 total TDs in 2006.

Lastly, rolling back to Minnesota for a second, AP was a force of nature in his prime, coming within 9 yards of breaking the single-season rushing record in 2012.

What makes a running back one of the best in the NFL?

First and foremost, we've got to talk about vision. The best running backs in the NFL have a sixth sense when finding holes in the defense. They can spot a gap before it even opens up like they've got a crystal ball hidden in their helmet. It's not just about running fast; it's about running smart.

Next up, we've got agility. The ability to change direction on a dime, to make defenders miss with a quick juke or a spin move – that's what turns a 5-yard gain into a 50-yard touchdown. Think Sanders leaving defenders grasping at air or Tomlinson dancing through traffic like he's at a salsa competition.

But let's not forget about power. The best backs aren't just elusive; they can also lower their shoulder and bulldoze through tackles when needed. Guys like Brown and Earl Campbell could run through defenders like they were made of tissue paper.

Speed, of course, is crucial. The ability to outrun defenders in the open field can turn a good run into a great one. Just ask Johnson or Charles how vital that extra gear can be.

Durability is another crucial factor. The NFL season is a grueling marathon, and the best backs must be able to take a licking and keep ticking. Smith's longevity was a big part of what made him great.

Let's not overlook receiving ability. In today's NFL, the best backs must also be threats in the passing game. Guys like Marshall Faulk and Roger Craig were pioneers in this regard, and modern backs like Christian McCaffrey are taking it to a whole new level.

Finally, there's that intangible "it" factor—the ability to rise to the occasion in big moments, to put the team on their back when it matters most. It's what separates the good from the great and the great from the legends.

Which NFL running back has the most rushing yards in a single season?

One name stands above the rest regarding single-season rushing yards: Eric Dickerson. This Los Angeles Rams legend set the bar so high in 1984 that it's still standing tall today.

In that magical '84 season, Dickerson galloped to a mind-boggling 2,105 rushing yards. That's over 131 yards per game, folks! He was like a runaway freight train, leaving defenders in his wake and statisticians scrambling to keep up.

But let's not act like Dickerson's record has gone unchallenged. Oh no, we've had some close calls over the years. Adrian Peterson came within a whisker of breaking the record in 2012, finishing with 2,097 yards – just 8 yards shy of Dickerson's mark. Peterson's run was awe-inspiring, considering he was coming off a significant knee injury the year before. Talk about a comeback!

Jamal Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens made a strong push in 2003, racking up 2,066 yards. In his penultimate season in 1997, Sanders dazzled his way to 2,053 yards. And let's not forget about Henry, who, in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, became the eighth player to break the 2,000-yard barrier, finishing with 2,027 yards.

Other members of the exclusive 2,000-yard club include O.J. Simpson (who was the first to do it in 1973), Terrell Davis (1998), and Johnson (2009). Each of these performances was nothing short of spectacular, but Dickerson's record still stands tall.

It's worth noting that Dickerson's record becomes even more impressive when you consider the evolution of the NFL. In today's pass-happy league, it's becoming increasingly rare to see a running back get the workload needed to challenge this record. Dickerson carried the ball a whopping 379 times in his record-setting season!

Who are some of the best dual-threat running backs in NFL history?

First up, we've got to talk about Faulk. This Hall of Famer was the prototype for the modern dual-threat back. In 1999, Faulk became the second player in NFL history to have over 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. He was a key cog in "The Greatest Show on Turf" offense of the St. Louis Rams, proving that a running back could be just as dangerous catching passes as running with the ball.

LT is another name that springs to mind. Tomlinson wasn't just a rushing machine; he was a receiving threat and even threw the occasional touchdown pass! In his record-setting 2006 season, Tomlinson rushed for 1,815 yards, caught 56 passes for 508 yards, and even threw for 20 yards and two touchdowns.

Of course, we can’t forget Roger Craig. This 49ers legend was the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, achieving the feat in 1985. Craig paved the way for future dual-threat backs, showing that running backs could be integral parts of the passing game.

Players like Matt Forte and Le'Veon Bell have carried on this tradition in recent years. Forte had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in his first eight seasons, a testament to his consistency as a runner and receiver. Bell's patient running style and soft hands made him a nightmare for defenses during his prime years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And let's not forget about current stars like McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara. These guys are redefining what it means to be a dual-threat back in the modern NFL. McCaffrey's 2019 season, with over 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving, put him in the elite company of Faulk and Craig.

These dual-threat backs have changed the game, forcing defenses to account for them not just in the run game but also in the passing game. They've added a new dimension to NFL offenses and have become some of the most valuable players in the league. In a game that's constantly evolving, these versatile backs prove that adaptability is vital to success in the NFL.