by #5: Adrian Peterson, MIN, ARI, NO, WAS, DET, TEN, SEA | Oklahoma | ‘07-’21 | 6’1 220
Adrian Peterson is the best Running Back I have seen in my lifetime, and he did one of the most impressive things in NFL history. He won MVP in 2012 after tearing his ACL the year before as he rushed for 2,000 yards. Peterson also has the record for most rushing yards in a single game with 296, it will be sad to see him retire but he’s undoubtedly a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Stats: 14,918 Rush Yds, 120 TD, 2,474 Rec Yds, 6 TD
Best Year (2012): 348 Rush, 2,097 Rush Yds, 12 TD (MVP)
Accolades: 1x MVP, 1x OPOY, 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 3x Rushing Title, 2x TD Leader
#4: Emmitt Smith, DAL, ARI | Florida | ‘90-’04 | 5’9 221
Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all time leading rusher and I get it, he had an amazing offensive line that he was running behind but hear me out. Even without that line, he would’ve had similar production just based on his pure talent, Emmitt had eleven 1,000 yard seasons and many believe he is the best Running Back ever but I believe there are three better.
Stats: 18,355 Rush Yds, 164 TD, 3,224 Rec Yds, 11 TD
Best Year (1995): 377 Rush, 1,773 Rush Yds, 25 TD
Accolades: HOF, 1x MVP, 8x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 4x Rushing Title, 3x TD Leader, 3x SB Champ, 1x SB MVP
#3: Walter Payton, CHI | Jackson State | ‘75-’87 | 5’10 200
Sweetness seems to be the best of all time to the people who grew up watching him play, but I think number 3 is just fine. Walter was the King of breaking tackles, and he led the NFL in carries several times and for good reason, he was basically unstoppable. Walter helped shape the game of football forever and we all should be thankful.
Stats: 16,726 Rush Yds, 110 TD, 4,538 Rec Yds, 15 TD
Best Year (1977): 339 Rush, 1,852 Rush Yds, 14 TD (MVP)
Accolades: HOF, 1x MVP, 1x OPOY, 9x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, 1x Rushing Title, 1x TD Leader, 1x SB Champ
#2: Jim Brown, CLE | Syracuse | ‘57-’65 | 6’2 232
Jim Brown is probably the most popular pick amongst fans when it comes to ranking the greatest Running Back in NFL history. Brown led the league in rushing 8 times during his 9 year career, absolutely incredible, and the only reason I won’t put him at number 1, is because he simply wasn’t as talented as the guy at number 1.
Stats: 12,312 Rush Yds, 106 TD, 2,499 Rec Yds, 20 TD
Best Year (1963): 291 Rush, 1,863 Rush Yds, 12 TD, 24 Rec, 268 Rec Yds, 3 TD
Accolades: HOF, 3x MVP, 9x Pro Bowl, 8x All-Pro, 8x Rushing Title, 5x TD Leader, 1x NFL Champ
#1: Barry Sanders, DET | Oklahoma State | ‘89-’98 | 5’8 203
To me, Barry Sanders is easily the greatest Running Back to ever grace the gridiron for many reasons. Sanders absolutely dominated the NFL and is arguably the hardest Running back to tackle yet he was only 5’8. Sanders is the most talented and well-rounded to ever play his position and to me it’s not even close, it’s just a shame he was in Detroit his whole career.
Stats: 15,269 Rush Yds, 99 TD, 2,921 Rec Yds, 10 TD
Best Year (1997): 335 Rush, 2,053 Rush Yds, 11 TD, 33 Rec, 305 Rec Yds, 3 TD (MVP)
Accolades: HOF, 1x MVP, 1x OPOY, 10x Pro Bowl, 6x All-Pro, 4x Rushing Title, 1x TD Leader
