Buffalo Bills All-Time Positional Rankings: The Top Five Running Backs

In the second part of my new installment of ranking the top five Buffalo Bills in history by position, I will be taking a closer look at the running backs.

If you have not yet checked out my quarterback rankings, make sure to take a look at those as well.

Antowain Smith, pictured above, just missed the cut for this list at sixth in my rankings.

5. Travis Henry (2001-2004)

Travis Henry was a dynamic player for the Bills in the early 2000's.

In his second season in 2002, Henry earned a trip to the Prow Bowl by recording 1,438 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, also totaling 1,747 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns.

Henry followed up that season with another stellar year, posting 1,356 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in 2003.

However, His fumbling issues (he recorded 18 fumbles over those two years) prompted the Bills to draft Willis McGahee in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. In 2004, Henry only started five games, as McGahee burst onto the scene with 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns of his own.

Henry ranks fourth all-time in rushing yards for the Bills with 3,849 and fifth in rushing touchdowns with 27.

4. Cookie Gilchrist (1962-1964)

Cookie Gilchrist only played three seasons with the Bills, but in those three seasons he was vital to Buffalo's success.

In 1962, Gilchrist set the record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season in AFL history with 13. He also recorded 1,096 rushing yards and was named AFL MVP.

The next year, Gilchrist again recorded double-digit rushing touchdowns with 12 on his way to his second straight AFL All-Star appearance.

In 1964, Gilchrist helped the Bills to their first of two AFL Championship titles, racking up 981 rushing yards and six touchdowns while also being named to his third consecutive AFL All-Star team.

Gilchrist ranks ninth all-time in rushing yards with 3,056 and third in rushing touchdowns with 31.

3. Joe Cribbs (1980-1985)

Joe Cribbs had success from the first time he stepped onto the field as a Buffalo Bill.

In his rookie seaon, Cribbs rushed for 1,185 yards and 11 touchdowns, being named the AFC Rookie of the Year and also earning Pro Bowl honors.

Cribbs spent a year in the USFL in 1984, but in his five seasons as a Bill he racked up three 1,000-yard seasons and three Pro Bowl berths.

Cribbs ranks third all-time in rushing yards for the Bills with 4,445 and 12th in rushing touchdowns with 21.

2. O.J. Simpson (1969-1977)

Splitting these top backs into number one and number two was an extremely tough task, as they are both head-and-shoulders above the rest and exceptional Hall of Fame players.

In the end, O.J. Simpson ends up second on this list.

Simpson's career with the Bills was simply outstanding. "The Juice" compiled five 1,000-yard seasons, including three 1,500-yard seasons and one 2,000-yard season.

Simpson also earned five straight All-Pro appearances and six Pro Bowl berths.

Simpson ranks second all-time in rushing yards for the Bills with 10,183 and second in rushing touchdowns with 57.

1. Thurman Thomas (1988-1999)

Thurman Thomas and O.J. Simpson are really 1 and 1A on this list, but Thomas edges out Simpson as the top Bills running back of all time.

As a Bill, Thomas recorded eight straight 1,000-yard seasons, earning five Pro Bowl berths and two All-Pro appearances along the way.

Thomas played on the Buffalo squad that appeared in four straight Super Bowls, being a part of the most explosive offensive unit in team history.

Thomas ranks first all-time in rushing yards for the Bills with 11,938 and first in rushing touchdowns with 65. Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.