Top 10 running backs of all time: Who is the best RB to ever play the game?

NFL running backs play significant roles in carrying the ball forward. They also receive handoffs from quarterbacks and protect the ball from opponents. It is one of the most physically demanding offensive positions that require strength, speed, and quickness. The top 10 running backs of all time set the bar high with their incredible stats and achievements.

Good running backs must have great awareness, speed, running, and blocking ability. Their vision is crucial to a team's success. The best running backs of all time broke numerous records and helped their teams win trophies. They have inspired many generations through their success.

Best running backs of all time as of 2023

Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders are among the greatest running backs of all time. They were incredible players who entertained fans with their brilliant skill sets.

Who is the best running back of all time?

Many NFL fans and experts consider Emmitt Smith the best in history. The NFL legend played for Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. Smith holds the record for the most rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns in the league.

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Is Bo Jackson one of the best running backs?

Jackson was one of the most talented running backs of his generation. He played football in college and won many accolades before joining the Los Angeles Raiders in the NFL. Jackson ranks no.39 in the list of "NFL 100 Greatest" RBs in history.

Best running backs of all time and their stats

NFL has produced incredibly talented RBs, but only the best have made it into the top ranking. Here is a breakdown of the finest players in the position based on their stats and achievements.

10. Tony Dorsett

Tony Dorsett posted eight 1,000-yard seasons and helped the Dallas Cowboys to clinch its historic second Super Bowl title. In 1983, he became the first RB in NFL history to run 99 yards for a touchdown. He also won the 1977 Offensive Rookie of the Year.

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NBA

• Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos
• Career: 1977-1988
• Attempts: 2,936 attempts
• Rushing yards: 12,739
• Rushing touchdowns: 77
• Receptions: 398
• Receiving yards: 3,554
• Receiving touchdowns: 13

9. Frank Gore

Frank managed nine 1,000-rushing-yard seasons during his career. He was one of the most talented players in the position. Gore also ranks among the 49ers' best-running backs of all time.

• Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets
• Career: 2005-2020
• Attempts: 3,735
• Rushing yards: 16,000
• Rushing touchdowns: 81
• Receptions: 484
• Receiving yards: 3,985
• Receiving touchdowns: 18

8. Eric Dickerson

Dickerson's speed and agility made him one of the best of his generation. In his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, he managed 57 touchdowns and nearly 7,000 yards. Erick won numerous awards, like the Offensive Rookie of the Year and the Offensive Player of the Year.

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NBA

• Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, Atlanta Falcons
• Career: 1983-1993
• Attempts: 2,996
• Rushing yards: 13,259
• Rushing touchdowns: 90
• Receptions: 281
• Receiving yards: 2,137
• Receiving touchdowns: 6

7. Adrian Peterson

The NFL legend recorded 11,747 rushing yards during his 10-year career with the Vikings. He broke the NFL's season game rushing record (296) and led the league in rushing thrice. Despite his dominance, Peterson does not rank among the best Arizona Cardinals' best running backs of all time because he only played for one season. His last team was the Seattle Seahawks in 2021.

• Teams: Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks
• Career: 2007-2020
• Attempts: 3,230
• Rushing yards: 14,918
• Rushing touchdowns: 120
• Receptions: 305
• Receiving yards: 2,474
• Receiving touchdowns: 6

6. Jim Brown

Brown is the only running back in NFL history to average more than 100 yards rushing per game. He led the NFL rushing eight times and earned three MVP awards in the American football league.

Who holds the record for the most touchdowns in the NFL?

NFL

• Team: Cleveland Browns
• Career: 1957-1965
• Attempts: 2,359
• Rushing yards: 12,312
• Rushing touchdowns: 106
• Receptions: 262
• Receiving yards: 2,499
• Receiving touchdowns: 20

5. LaDainian Tomlinson

Tomlinson holds the record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season (28) and ranks among the top 5 best running backs of all time. He won the NFL MVP and made it into the first All-Pro team three times. Tomlinson also got named to five Pro Bowls.

• Teams: San Diego Chargers, New York Jets
• Career: 2001-2011
• Attempts: 3,174
• Rushing yards: 13,684
• Rushing touchdowns: 145
• Receptions: 624
• Receiving yards: 4,772
• Receiving touchdowns: 17

4. Marshall Faulk

Faulk holds the record for most receptions among RBs in NFL history. He also has a 1,000-yard receiving season on his resume. The former Colts' RB also won three-time Offensive Player of the Year and one league MVP award.

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Football

• Teams: Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams
• Career: 1994 - 2006
• Attempts: 2,836 attempts
• Rushing yards: 12,279
• Rushing touchdowns: 100
• Receptions: 767
• Receiving yards: 6,875
• Receiving touchdowns: 36

3. Barry Sanders

The legendary Detroit RB averaged over 1,500 rushing yards per season. He also made the Pro Bowl in all ten seasons and won MVP in 1997. Sanders won two Offensive Player of the Year awards and the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1989.

• Team: Detroit Lions
• Career: 1989-1998
• Attempts: 3,062
• Rushing yards: 15,269
• Rushing touchdowns: 99
• Receptions: 352
• Receiving yards: 2,921
• Receiving touchdowns: 10

2. Walter Payton

Payton ranks second among the all-time RBs in NFL history. He spent 13 years in the league playing for Chicago Bears. Walter held the records for the most attempts, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns at the time of his retirement. He got inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

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• Team: Chicago Bears
• Career: 1975-1987
• Attempts: 3,383
• Rushing yards: 16,726
• Rushing touchdowns: 110
• Receptions: 492
• Receiving yards: 4,538
• Receiving touchdowns: 15

1. Emmitt Smith

The legendary RB joined the Cowboys in the 1990 NFL Draft as the 11th overall pick. He holds the record for the most rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns. Smith also won three Super Bowl titles, a Super Bowl MVP, and a regular season MVP.

• Teams: Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals
• Career: 1990-2004
• Attempts: 4,409
• Rushing yards: 18,355
• Rushing touchdowns: 164
• Receptions: 515
• Receiving yards: 3,224
• Receiving touchdowns: 11

Steelers' best running backs of all time

According to stats, Franco Harris is the best Steelers RB in history. He is also the greatest Steelers of all time. The legend holds the team record for most rushing yards (11,950) and most rushing touchdowns (91) in the team. He helped the Steelers to win four Super Bowls in the 1970s.

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Other respectable RBs with the most rushing yards in the Steelers' history are Jerome Bettis (10,571), Willie Parker (5,378), Le'Veon Bell (5,336), and John Henry Johnson (4,381).

Who is the #1 running back of all time in the NFL?

Former Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals RB Emmitt Smith ranks top on our list of best NFL RBs. Smith spent 15 seasons in the league and broke several records.

After retiring, some of the top 10 running backs of all time turned to coaching and nurturing talents. Others quit the sport to focus on different endeavours. Each one has left an indelible mark in the history of the sport.

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