Honorable Mention:Earl Campbell, Marcus Allen, Jerome Bettis, Franco Harris, Terrell Davis and Larry Czonka.
10. Thurman Thomas, Buffalo Bills/Miami Dolphins. 16,532 total yards. Thomas, along with Roger Craig of the 49ers, served as a precursor to the "modern running back" many give Marshall Faulk credit for creating.
With 472 career receptions, the Bills' running back joined Jim Kelly and Andre Reed in leading the team to an unprecedented four consecutive Super Bowls. Thomas played in the third most games on this list (182), and averaged just under five yards per touch for his career (4.9).
9. OJ Simpson, Buffalo Bills/San Francisco 49ers. 13,377 total yards. And no, I don't have a grudge against the Bills. Simpson played in 11 seasons and was the first back to break the 200 yard plateau in a single game more than once. He scored only 75 touchdowns in his career, but boasts the second highest career yards per reception average on this list (10.5).
8. Eric Dickerson, LA Rams/Indianapolis Colts. 15,396 total yards. Best known for his goggles and upright running style, Dickerson was arguably the most consistent back in the 1980s. Though not much of a receiver, Dickerson ran for over 13,000 yards in his career. Dickerson also made the move from Indianapolis to the Rams in an effort to gain wider exposure (and money), a move Colts fans would see again with Faulk.
7. Marshall Faulk, Indianapolis Colts/St Louis Rams.19,154 total yards. Faulk made the move to St Louis after another future Hall of Fame runner, Jerome Bettis, left. Faulk led the way for small, less traditional back in the NFL by becoming as much a receiver out of the backfield as a runner.
Faulk is the top on this list in career receptions (767) and receiving yards (6,875). Faulk's versatility helped him get into the end zone 136 times in his career, and helped the "Greatest Show on Turf" win a Super Bowl.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers. 14,908 total yards (through nine games of his 8th NFL season). The only player still active on this list, Tomlinson has been as prolific as any back in history reaching the end zone.
In more than four fewer seasons, Tomlinson is within two touchdowns of Faulk's career total (134), and is the current single-season record holder for touchdowns. Without any involvement in the kick return game in San Diego, Tomlinson is averaging an astounding 124.2 total yards from scrimmage per game.
5. Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys/Arizona Cardinals.
21 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Craig Henson 7 months ago
I absolutely agree with the Payton selection. I just watched the '85 Bears -Packers Game on the NFL Network and was amazed at how well Walter could run the ball. You lose sight of how good he really is until you see some of the game film.
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TAB BAMFORD 7 months ago
My amazing wife bought me the entire 1985 season on DVD for Christmas last year, and I have to tell you I had the same reaction you did watching the NFL network. Remember, in 1985 Payton was nearing the twilight of his career, and he was still a force. The Bears used in as the original "Wildcat," as is being made popular again with Ronnie Brown and Darren McFadden. He threw the ball well for a running back.
Thanks for reading!
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kevin belden 7 months ago
Payton was the best football player ever to play the game. He ran, caught, blocked, passed...everything. Most of all, he was a team player. He should have been given the ball on the goal line in SBXX, but you never heard him complain. We all did it for him.
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Jason Oldani 7 months ago
It is interesting that Gale Sayers is top 5 but Terrell Davis doesn't make the top ten. All the things that can be said for Sayers is the same for TD if not better. TD only had 4 healthy seasons(Sayers had 5 healthy seasons) and has a career total of over 7600 rushing yards. He is one of only 5 rb's to have a 2000 yard season(Gale is not one of the 5), he won an mvp, two superbowls and a superbowl mvp. In Gale's best season he averaged 118 total yards per game. TD averaged 125 rushing yards per game in one season. TD averaged 116 rushing yards pergame the previous season.
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TAB BAMFORD 7 months ago
Davis was indeed a solid running back, but the reason Sayers made the list (indeed at #3) is because he contributed to the Bears in every part of th game and played on terrible teams without the surgical technology we have today.
Terrell Davis wouldn't have ever seen a Super Bowl, much less running lanes to get him 2,000 yards without John Elway being in the same backfield.
I'm a big Broncos fan (Elway specifically), but put Sayers on because the numbers across the board are comparable until you consider the medical technology at Davis' disposal AND the nearly 3,000 return yards and 6 return TDs Sayers added to the mix.
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michael szego 7 months ago
#1) Barry Sanders(best pure RB)
#2) Walter Payton(best football player ever)
#3) Jim Brown,(if ya can find films,watch 'em, a man amongst boys in his time)
#4) Eric Dickerson (no one should make it look that effortless)
#5) Emmitt Smith (numbers don't lie..........unless we're talikn' pam anderson)
#6) Gale Sayers (with today's surgical techniques,he could've put the records out of reach)
#7) Earl Campbell (BEAST ! with speed !)
#8) Marcus Allen (talent & class act )
#9) Paul Hornung (look up the numbers from his time lads)
#10) Marion Motley (read up lads )
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TAB BAMFORD 7 months ago
Sanders was indeed the most electrifying RUNNER, but to say pure running back is not completely accurate. Sanders wasn't ever considered the best blocking running back in the league, and was never much of a threat in the passing game beyond the line of scrimmage.
Walter Payton was the best blocker of his generation. He was also the most determined runner, and was a great receiver as well. That's why, in my eyes, he gets the edge.
There are many people over the age of 55 that would laugh at all of us for not putting Jim Brown first and throwing the rest of the list away, I'm sure. But to me, Payton might not ever be replicated.
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TAB BAMFORD 7 months ago
I like the niche pick of Motley... very nice.
However, two things about your suggestions. First, to say that Marcus Allen is a class act means either you're a Raiders AND USC fan or you've never met the man. Perpetually disgruntled comes to mind.
Also, the numbers might back up Hornung being considered one of the better backs to play, but NOBODY that was suspended from the league for any reason, especially gambling, was going to make my list. I know, OJ "might" have killed someone, but he did it after ruining his reputation in Hollywood. Hornung was kicked out of the league.
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Danny 7 months ago
Brown is often considered the best player in the history of american football. I don't get why he is only #2
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TAB BAMFORD 7 months ago
First off, being ranked the #2 back in the history of the NFL isn't exactly a slap in the face.
But if you read my comments about Brown in the article, I discount his numbers because (unlike Sayers) he and Barry Sanders walked away on their own with gas left in the tank. Payton is also considered by many a better receiver and blocker than Brown was. So not only do the volume of numbers back up Payton being #1, but if we're talking about all around running back, Payton was the package.
I'm not saying Brown was a slouch by any means. But, in my opinion, Payton's #1.
Thanks for reading and commenting though!
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Bryn Swartz 7 months ago
I think Brown is 1 and Payton 2. But I guess I haven't seen any of them play--not even close--so maybe it would change if I had.
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TAB BAMFORD 7 months ago
I appreciate you qualifying your rankings as honestly as you did. I wasn't around for Brown, or Sayers, and was only 7 yrs old when Payton retired but I've watched a lot of film and read a good amount as a high school and college player/football junkie. The great thing about lists is they're all opinion with LOTS of debate. Thanks for reading
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Darren Sanchez 7 months ago
Nice list. My only problem is that Earl Campbell is undoubtedly a top 10 all time RB. Leave the honorable mention to the guys who lasted longer but were nowhere near the dominant force. Longevity does not equal greatness. I'd take him over OJ or Thurman, though no offense to Thurman, he was great as well. Same mold as LT and Faulk.
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TAB BAMFORD 7 months ago
Campbell was tough for me to leave off for Thurman Thomas... he was my 10b pick. I guess I deferred to Thomas because of the 4 super bowls he went to w/ Buffalo... more team success than Campbell had as a pro.
Thanks for reading!
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Jon Parker 7 months ago
Payton is the easy choice; the perfect blend of heart, gut, power and speed...for his first nine years, not one offensive lineman made the probowl. But Earl Campbell cannot be left out of any top 10 list for the sheer fact he is the most powerful back to have ever played. And I named my son after Watler. I agree with Thurman Thomas being on the list and how nice it was to see him make it to the Hall of Fame. Marcus Allen doesn't belong in the Hall; but whining works in today's society. Now Roger Craig might make it: A shame. Either way, good comments, you are right about Emmett and let's not forget, Jerry Jones let his team suffer for two years while Emmett inched along with the sole purpose of having the yardage record. Didn't see that happen with Payton's career. I'm not so sure I would put Emmett in the top 5, but can agree with your wisdom for putting him there. Barry was a great runner, but not the greates back. And let's be honest, Jim Brown in today's league wouldn't get 10,000 yards and would be more akin to a Franco Harris; a great back, but not worshipped. He was a man ahead of his time and no.2 is a good spot.
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george nedelkoff 6 months ago
THE GREATEST RUNNING BACK IN TERMS OF DURABILITY AND CONSISTENCY,HAS TO JIM BROWN. THE MOST EXCITING RUNNING BACK TERMS OF ELECTIFYING RUNS HAS TO BE GALE SAYERS.THE GREATEST RUNNING BACK IN TERMS OF GOING THE DISTANCE ON ANY GIVEN PLAY HAS TO BE EITHER ERIC DICKERSON, BARRY SANDERS OR O.J. SIMPSON.EMMIT SMITH HAD A COMBINATION OF ALL THESE TRAITS.WALTER PAYTON HAD TREMENDOUS ATHLETIC ABILITY ,AGILITY, AND DETERMINATION . TAKE YOUR PICK THEIR ALL THE GREATEST IN THEIR OWN WAY!
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TAB BAMFORD 6 months ago
thanks for the thougts
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mike sorrentino 6 months ago
Emmit was a product of his enviornment. You could plug in every back that has been mentioned and all would surpass Emmits' marks. Barry and Walter would have had over 20,000 yards rushing. Conversley if you plugged Emmit into the Bears or Lions offense over his carreer we would more than likely not be talking about him. I could name 15 running backs I'd pick over Emmit and I was a Cowboys' fan.
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TAB BAMFORD 6 months ago
Thank you. From a fan of the 'Boys, it's encouraging to hear someone admit that they were SO good across the board that you would have to do something terribly wrong to not put up legendary numbers on that offense.
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John Fennelly 6 months ago
Again...no Tony Dorsett...I don't understand
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TAB BAMFORD 6 months ago
Dorsett was a good running back. He, like Earl Campbell, was very close to making my list. But this list was my personal opinion of the top 10 running backs of all time, and I happen to have found ten careers the I felt more were more complete than those of Campbell and Dorsett.
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