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Are they called running backs, half backs or tail backs? Regardless, these guys do the dirty work and score points for your fantasy team. One handoff could easily turn into an 80-yard touchdown if you have a star athlete. There are so many all-time greats, so determining the best running backs of all time is a tall task.
NFL offenses have significantly changed over the years, but the guy in the backfield is still the one scoring touchdowns. Raw stats, highlight reels and playoff success are only a few factors to determine the best running backs in NFL history. Here are the top 12 guys to lace them up.
12. Derrick Henry
Are they called running backs, half backs or tail backs? Regardless, these guys do the dirty work and score points for your fantasy team. One handoff could easily turn into an 80-yard touchdown if you have a star athlete. There are so many all-time greats, so determining the best running backs of all time is a tall task.
NFL offenses have significantly changed over the years, but the guy in the backfield is still the one scoring touchdowns. Raw stats, highlight reels and playoff success are only a few factors to determine the best running backs in NFL history. Here are the top 12 guys to lace them up.
Derrick Henry has one of the best resumes of active running backs due to his longevity. His consistency over 10 seasons makes him a unicorn, despite taking a decade’s worth of wear and tear. The University of Alabama product has rushed for over 13,000 yards and could climb up the list.
The fascinating part about Henry’s career is his first eight seasons. He played for the Tennessee Titans — one of the most dismal franchises in the league — but he’s made the most of every snap, despite waiting until his third season to break out. The move to Baltimore has rejuvenated his career, with over 3,500 yards and 32 touchdowns in two seasons.
Key Accomplishments
- 4x All-Pro selections
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
- 2x rushing yards leader
- 2020 Offensive Player of the Year
11. Gale Sayers
Gale Sayers may be too much of a throwback for modern NFL fans. However, Chicago Bears loyalists remember him as one of the franchise’s best running backs of all time. The Kansas native dominated the first five years he played pro football. His rookie season included 22 touchdowns over 14 games — a record that stands tall even today.
The Kansas Comet had a short career due to injuries, but he played long enough to change the position as you knew it. Instead of relying on power, Sayers had elusiveness and multidirectional speed. Once in the open field, he could take it to the house.
Key Accomplishments
- 4x All-Pro selections
- 1969 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
- 4x Pro Bowl selections
- 1960s All-Decade Team
10. O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson lived a troubled life from a young age. However, his on-field performance warrants an argument for one of the best running backs in NFL history. Simpson also excelled in track, demonstrating his prowess in multiple sports and overall athleticism. He is among the 23 running backs selected No. 1 overall in the draft and spent most of his career in Buffalo.
The Juice changed the perception of running backs by proving they could be workhorses. In 1973, Simpson became the first player to exceed 2,000 rushing yards in a season. He needed only 14 games to accomplish this feat, further adding to his impressive stat line. Despite his stellar performance, the Bills only made the playoffs once in his tenure.
Key Accomplishments
- 1973 NFL MVP
- 4x rushing yards leader
- 5x All-Pro selections
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
9. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell was simply built differently. The Texas Longhorn won the Heisman Trophy in college before being selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Oilers — now Tennessee Titans. It’s rare for a team to take a running back with the top pick, but Campbell proved his worth. Despite only playing eight seasons, he scored 74 touchdowns and scored 9,407 yards.
Campbell set himself apart through strength and relentlessness. The Oilers star always ran like he was angry and had something to prove. Tackling him alone was a feat in itself, as it often took multiple defenders to tackle him. In fact, his strength required specialized thigh pads that became standard for other players.
Key Accomplishments
- 1979 NFL MVP
- 3x Offensive Player of the Year
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
- 3x All-Pro selections
8. Eric Dickerson
The Los Angeles Rams have had numerous stellar running backs in their franchise history. Eric Dickerson is undoubtedly among the best, thanks to a highly accomplished decade of play. The Texas native had a short prime that prevents him from being on the Mount Rushmore of running backs, but his peak play made him a dominant player in the late 1980s.
Dickerson was arguably the decade’s best running back, as he finished with over 13,000 yards for his career. He excelled in his first four seasons, accumulating nearly 7,000 yards and 57 total touchdowns. The Rams and Colts star brought a new level of speed and power to the game.
Key Accomplishments
- 5x All-Pro selections
- 6x Pro Bowl selections
- 4x rushing yards leader
- 1980s All-Decade Team
7. Emmitt Smith
It’s easy to put the NFL’s all-time leading rusher on the list. Emmitt Smith finished his career with an astounding 18,355 yards — nearly 2,000 more than second place. The Dallas Cowboys star benefited from an excellent supporting cast, featuring a monster offensive line and Hall of Famers like Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin.
Emmitt Smith’s greatness was evident in the 1993 season, when he held out for the first two games. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was reluctant to give him a big contract and spend more of the team’s salary. However, Jones had no choice after Dallas started 0-2. He paid Smith, who still led the league in rushing despite giving everyone else a head start.
Key Accomplishments
- 1993 NFL MVP
- Super Bowl XXVIII MVP
- 5x All-Pro selections
- 4x NFL rushing leader
6. Marshall Faulk
The Greatest Show on Turf needed Marshall Faulk as the engine in the backfield. While he’s best known as a running back, Faulk was just as good a receiver as the wideouts. With Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt on the perimeter, the Rams’ running back excelled. The sky was the limit to his offensive prowess as he was a stellar dual-threat athlete.
Faulk had no weaknesses in his game. He was reliable in pass protection while Kurt Warner commanded passing plays. You could count on him to take 20 carries while also catching at a top level. Some compare him to Christian McCaffrey — a modern-day NFL stat leader. Faulk
Key Accomplishments
- 2000 NFL MVP
- 6x All-Pro selections
- 3x NFL Offensive Player of the Year
- 7x Pro Bowl selections
5. LaDainian Tomlinson
Invested football fans remember LaDainian Tomlinson and how he was a top fantasy football asset for a decade. That said, he was also pretty good in real life. LT had speed, toughness and durability, which powered him to over 13,600 yards for his career. The TCU product set records in the mid-2000s, such as his 31-touchdown season in 2006. His ability to throw the ball opened up the Chargers’ offense even more.
Tomlinson moved the game forward by being a complete running back. The Texas native excelled in the receiving game and was an excellent goal-to-go player. While the league was shifting toward passing, he remained the focal point of the Chargers’ scheme. Tomlinson’s teams had trouble getting past top stars like Tom Brady, but his stardom was evident.
Key Accomplishments
- 2006 NFL MVP
- 5x All-Pro selections
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
- 2x rushing yards leader
4. Adrian Peterson
When discussing the best running backs of the 2000s, Adrian Peterson better be on your list. He was a top prospect since his days at Palestine High School, supercharging himself to an excellent NFL career. Peterson’s 14,918 yards are good enough for fifth all-time and the most of 21st-century athletes.
While Peterson’s stats are great, his 2012 season says it all. He was recovering from a torn ACL and MCL that he suffered in December 2011, but the injury only motivated him to outshine the rest. Peterson rushed for over 2,000 yards that season and came close to beating Eric Dickerson’s record.
Key Accomplishments
- 2012 NFL MVP
- 7x All-Pro selections
- 7x Pro Bowl selections
- 3x rushing yards leader
3. Jim Brown
Jim Brown played in the days when your helmet was made to be a battering ram. The New York native was among the first standout running backs in NFL history once the Cleveland Browns drafted him in 1957. He put the league on notice by winning three MVPs over his nine-year career. Brown could’ve done more in his stellar career, but he retired to enter acting.
The Cleveland Browns star was the do-it-all guy, racking up over 12,000 rushing yards over nine years. Brown stands out among the best running backs of all time due to his agility. Opposing defenses knew he’d get the ball on almost every snap. His size, speed and power made other coaches scratch their heads.
Key Accomplishments
- 3x NFL MVP
- NFL 100th Anniversary Team
- 8x NFL rushing yards leader
- 9x All-Pro selections
2. Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is a rare player who had incredible success in college and the NFL. While at Oklahoma State, he won the Heisman Trophy and numerous other accolades. Once he got to Detroit, he set the league on fire. Sanders ran for nearly 1,500 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. Each year, he set the bar higher for himself and his competitors.
Sanders played for 10 seasons and set several records, such as the most seasons with 1,500 or more rushing yards. Despite his small frame, he was shifty enough to consistently make defenders miss. What some fans forget is that he played without a fullback for most of his career, so he had to create running lanes and rely on his spin move.
Key Accomplishments
- 10x All-Pro selections
- 10x Pro Bowl selections
- 4x NFL rushing yards leader
- 1997 NFL MVP
1. Walter Payton
The 1985 Chicago Bears were an all-time team known for their defense. However, Walter Payton anchored the offense for years. He took a couple of seasons to get going, but he made his mark. This powerhouse played for 13 seasons and showcased terrific durability, finishing with over 16,700 yards. He’s only behind Smith for the top spot.
Football was still changing in the ‘70s and ‘80s, with Payton leading the helm. He contributed by making the running back position more versatile, adding receiving and superb blocking to his game. While his nickname was Sweetness, he was anything but pleasant to defenders. He brought back the stiff-arm, which players were using less in his era.
Key Accomplishments
- 8x All-Pro selections
- 9x Pro Bowl selections
- 1977 NFL MVP
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
How to Determine the Best Running Backs Ever
The best running back of all time debate has occurred in sports bars, talk radio stations and barber shops worldwide. However, it’s essential to leave behind your personal biases and team allegiances. Here are 10 criteria for determining the top guys.
| Total rushing yards | High rushing totals reflect their ability to be the offense’s focal point. |
| Yards per carry (YPC) | YPC indicates the player’s efficiency and ability to move the chains. |
| All-purpose yards | Rushing, receiving and return yards matter for determining versatility. |
| Peak dominance | How long was he considered the best running back in the NFL? |
| Pass protection | While it’s not on the stat sheet, pass protection is essential for running backs. |
| Longevity | Durability is a skill and a testament to the player’s toughness. |
| Impact on winning | The running back should elevate their team and contend for titles. |
| Era dominance | Head-to-head competition with other running backs is considered. |
| System versatility | The athlete should succeed across multiple offensive schemes and playbooks. |
| Positional legacy | The running back’s impact on the position is essential for his legacy. |
Honorable Mentions
The NFL’s list of all-time great running backs is longer than a CVS receipt. Here are some guys with stellar careers who fell just short of the mark:
- Frank Gore: Longevity alone earns Gore some brownie points, considering his 16,000 career rushing yards over 16 seasons.
- Curtis Martin: Despite being a third-round pick, Martin received five Pro Bowl selections.
- Warrick Dunn: Dunn proved that undersized guys can be three-down backs.
- Bo Jackson: Bo’s NFL career was cut short, but he’s undeniably among America’s greatest athletes. He could even excel as a placekicker if he tried!
- Tony Dorsett: Dorsett revolutionized the game by introducing high speed and shiftiness to a traditional power game.
Gauging the Best Running Backs in NFL History
The running back position has significantly shifted from the days of Jim Brown and Walter Payton. Now, you’re expected to catch like Marshall Faulk and power through like Derrick Henry. Each decade had defining players and forced defenses to adjust. Future stars may approach the list, but it’ll be tough to outperform these legacies.
Derrick Henry has one of the best resumes of active running backs due to his longevity. His consistency over 10 seasons makes him a unicorn, despite taking a decade’s worth of wear and tear. The University of Alabama product has rushed for over 13,000 yards and could climb up the list.
The fascinating part about Henry’s career is his first eight seasons. He played for the Tennessee Titans — one of the most dismal franchises in the league — but he’s made the most of every snap, despite waiting until his third season to break out. The move to Baltimore has rejuvenated his career, with over 3,500 yards and 32 touchdowns in two seasons.
Key Accomplishments
- 4x All-Pro selections
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
- 2x rushing yards leader
- 2020 Offensive Player of the Year
11. Gale Sayers
Gale Sayers may be too much of a throwback for modern NFL fans. However, Chicago Bears loyalists remember him as one of the franchise’s best running backs of all time. The Kansas native dominated the first five years he played pro football. His rookie season included 22 touchdowns over 14 games — a record that stands tall even today.
The Kansas Comet had a short career due to injuries, but he played long enough to change the position as you knew it. Instead of relying on power, Sayers had elusiveness and multidirectional speed. Once in the open field, he could take it to the house.
Key Accomplishments
- 4x All-Pro selections
- 1969 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
- 4x Pro Bowl selections
- 1960s All-Decade Team
10. O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson lived a troubled life from a young age. However, his on-field performance warrants an argument for one of the best running backs in NFL history. Simpson also excelled in track, demonstrating his prowess in multiple sports and overall athleticism. He is among the 23 running backs selected No. 1 overall in the draft and spent most of his career in Buffalo.
The Juice changed the perception of running backs by proving they could be workhorses. In 1973, Simpson became the first player to exceed 2,000 rushing yards in a season. He needed only 14 games to accomplish this feat, further adding to his impressive stat line. Despite his stellar performance, the Bills only made the playoffs once in his tenure.
Key Accomplishments
- 1973 NFL MVP
- 4x rushing yards leader
- 5x All-Pro selections
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
9. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell was simply built differently. The Texas Longhorn won the Heisman Trophy in college before being selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Oilers — now Tennessee Titans. It’s rare for a team to take a running back with the top pick, but Campbell proved his worth. Despite only playing eight seasons, he scored 74 touchdowns and scored 9,407 yards.
Campbell set himself apart through strength and relentlessness. The Oilers star always ran like he was angry and had something to prove. Tackling him alone was a feat in itself, as it often took multiple defenders to tackle him. In fact, his strength required specialized thigh pads that became standard for other players.
Key Accomplishments
- 1979 NFL MVP
- 3x Offensive Player of the Year
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
- 3x All-Pro selections
8. Eric Dickerson
The Los Angeles Rams have had numerous stellar running backs in their franchise history. Eric Dickerson is undoubtedly among the best, thanks to a highly accomplished decade of play. The Texas native had a short prime that prevents him from being on the Mount Rushmore of running backs, but his peak play made him a dominant player in the late 1980s.
Dickerson was arguably the decade’s best running back, as he finished with over 13,000 yards for his career. He excelled in his first four seasons, accumulating nearly 7,000 yards and 57 total touchdowns. The Rams and Colts star brought a new level of speed and power to the game.
Key Accomplishments
- 5x All-Pro selections
- 6x Pro Bowl selections
- 4x rushing yards leader
- 1980s All-Decade Team
7. Emmitt Smith
It’s easy to put the NFL’s all-time leading rusher on the list. Emmitt Smith finished his career with an astounding 18,355 yards — nearly 2,000 more than second place. The Dallas Cowboys star benefited from an excellent supporting cast, featuring a monster offensive line and Hall of Famers like Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin.
Emmitt Smith’s greatness was evident in the 1993 season, when he held out for the first two games. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was reluctant to give him a big contract and spend more of the team’s salary. However, Jones had no choice after Dallas started 0-2. He paid Smith, who still led the league in rushing despite giving everyone else a head start.
Key Accomplishments
- 1993 NFL MVP
- Super Bowl XXVIII MVP
- 5x All-Pro selections
- 4x NFL rushing leader
6. Marshall Faulk
The Greatest Show on Turf needed Marshall Faulk as the engine in the backfield. While he’s best known as a running back, Faulk was just as good a receiver as the wideouts. With Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt on the perimeter, the Rams’ running back excelled. The sky was the limit to his offensive prowess as he was a stellar dual-threat athlete.
Faulk had no weaknesses in his game. He was reliable in pass protection while Kurt Warner commanded passing plays. You could count on him to take 20 carries while also catching at a top level. Some compare him to Christian McCaffrey — a modern-day NFL stat leader. Faulk
Key Accomplishments
- 2000 NFL MVP
- 6x All-Pro selections
- 3x NFL Offensive Player of the Year
- 7x Pro Bowl selections
5. LaDainian Tomlinson
Invested football fans remember LaDainian Tomlinson and how he was a top fantasy football asset for a decade. That said, he was also pretty good in real life. LT had speed, toughness and durability, which powered him to over 13,600 yards for his career. The TCU product set records in the mid-2000s, such as his 31-touchdown season in 2006. His ability to throw the ball opened up the Chargers’ offense even more.
Tomlinson moved the game forward by being a complete running back. The Texas native excelled in the receiving game and was an excellent goal-to-go player. While the league was shifting toward passing, he remained the focal point of the Chargers’ scheme. Tomlinson’s teams had trouble getting past top stars like Tom Brady, but his stardom was evident.
Key Accomplishments
- 2006 NFL MVP
- 5x All-Pro selections
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
- 2x rushing yards leader
4. Adrian Peterson
When discussing the best running backs of the 2000s, Adrian Peterson better be on your list. He was a top prospect since his days at Palestine High School, supercharging himself to an excellent NFL career. Peterson’s 14,918 yards are good enough for fifth all-time and the most of 21st-century athletes.
While Peterson’s stats are great, his 2012 season says it all. He was recovering from a torn ACL and MCL that he suffered in December 2011, but the injury only motivated him to outshine the rest. Peterson rushed for over 2,000 yards that season and came close to beating Eric Dickerson’s record.
Key Accomplishments
- 2012 NFL MVP
- 7x All-Pro selections
- 7x Pro Bowl selections
- 3x rushing yards leader
3. Jim Brown
Jim Brown played in the days when your helmet was made to be a battering ram. The New York native was among the first standout running backs in NFL history once the Cleveland Browns drafted him in 1957. He put the league on notice by winning three MVPs over his nine-year career. Brown could’ve done more in his stellar career, but he retired to enter acting.
The Cleveland Browns star was the do-it-all guy, racking up over 12,000 rushing yards over nine years. Brown stands out among the best running backs of all time due to his agility. Opposing defenses knew he’d get the ball on almost every snap. His size, speed and power made other coaches scratch their heads.
Key Accomplishments
- 3x NFL MVP
- NFL 100th Anniversary Team
- 8x NFL rushing yards leader
- 9x All-Pro selections
2. Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is a rare player who had incredible success in college and the NFL. While at Oklahoma State, he won the Heisman Trophy and numerous other accolades. Once he got to Detroit, he set the league on fire. Sanders ran for nearly 1,500 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. Each year, he set the bar higher for himself and his competitors.
Sanders played for 10 seasons and set several records, such as the most seasons with 1,500 or more rushing yards. Despite his small frame, he was shifty enough to consistently make defenders miss. What some fans forget is that he played without a fullback for most of his career, so he had to create running lanes and rely on his spin move.
Key Accomplishments
- 10x All-Pro selections
- 10x Pro Bowl selections
- 4x NFL rushing yards leader
- 1997 NFL MVP
1. Walter Payton
The 1985 Chicago Bears were an all-time team known for their defense. However, Walter Payton anchored the offense for years. He took a couple of seasons to get going, but he made his mark. This powerhouse played for 13 seasons and showcased terrific durability, finishing with over 16,700 yards. He’s only behind Smith for the top spot.
Football was still changing in the ‘70s and ‘80s, with Payton leading the helm. He contributed by making the running back position more versatile, adding receiving and superb blocking to his game. While his nickname was Sweetness, he was anything but pleasant to defenders. He brought back the stiff-arm, which players were using less in his era.
Key Accomplishments
- 8x All-Pro selections
- 9x Pro Bowl selections
- 1977 NFL MVP
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
How to Determine the Best Running Backs Ever
The best running back of all time debate has occurred in sports bars, talk radio stations and barber shops worldwide. However, it’s essential to leave behind your personal biases and team allegiances. Here are 10 criteria for determining the top guys.
| Total rushing yards | High rushing totals reflect their ability to be the offense’s focal point. |
| Yards per carry (YPC) | YPC indicates the player’s efficiency and ability to move the chains. |
| All-purpose yards | Rushing, receiving and return yards matter for determining versatility. |
| Peak dominance | How long was he considered the best running back in the NFL? |
| Pass protection | While it’s not on the stat sheet, pass protection is essential for running backs. |
| Longevity | Durability is a skill and a testament to the player’s toughness. |
| Impact on winning | The running back should elevate their team and contend for titles. |
| Era dominance | Head-to-head competition with other running backs is considered. |
| System versatility | The athlete should succeed across multiple offensive schemes and playbooks. |
| Positional legacy | The running back’s impact on the position is essential for his legacy. |
Honorable Mentions
The NFL’s list of all-time great running backs is longer than a CVS receipt. Here are some guys with stellar careers who fell just short of the mark:
- Frank Gore: Longevity alone earns Gore some brownie points, considering his 16,000 career rushing yards over 16 seasons.
- Curtis Martin: Despite being a third-round pick, Martin received five Pro Bowl selections.
- Warrick Dunn: Dunn proved that undersized guys can be three-down backs.
- Bo Jackson: Bo’s NFL career was cut short, but he’s undeniably among America’s greatest athletes. He could even excel as a placekicker if he tried!
- Tony Dorsett: Dorsett revolutionized the game by introducing high speed and shiftiness to a traditional power game.
Gauging the Best Running Backs in NFL History
The running back position has significantly shifted from the days of Jim Brown and Walter Payton. Now, you’re expected to catch like Marshall Faulk and power through like Derrick Henry. Each decade had defining players and forced defenses to adjust. Future stars may approach the list, but it’ll be tough to outperform these legacies.
