The running back position is one of the most crucial in American football. A great running back can make or break a team’s offense. In this article, we’ll count down the top 10 best running backs ever, based on their performance, awards, and impact on the game.
10. Franco Harris
A four-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowl selection, Franco Harris is considered one of the greatest running backs in Pittsburgh Steelers history. He was a dominant force on the field, known for his powerful running style and ability to make big plays. Harris was a key player in the Steelers’ success during the 1970s, leading the team to multiple championships and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
9. Barry Sanders
A 10-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time First-Team All-Pro, Barry Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was known for his elusive running style, speed, and agility. Sanders played for the Detroit Lions from 1989 to 1998, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
8. Jim Brown
A nine-time Pro Bowl selection and eight-time First-Team All-Pro, Jim Brown is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was a dominant force on the field, known for his powerful running style and ability to make big plays. Brown played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
7. Walter Payton
A nine-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-Team All-Pro, Walter Payton is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was known for his elusive running style, speed, and agility. Payton played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
6. Emmitt Smith
A eight-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time First-Team All-Pro, Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. He was known for his powerful running style and ability to make big plays. Smith played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
5. Gale Sayers
A five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-Team All-Pro, Gale Sayers is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was known for his elusive running style, speed, and agility. Sayers played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
4. Thurman Thomas
A five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-Team All-Pro, Thurman Thomas is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was known for his powerful running style and ability to make big plays. Thomas played for the Buffalo Bills from 1988 to 1999, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
3. Marcus Allen
A six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-Team All-Pro, Marcus Allen is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was known for his powerful running style and ability to make big plays. Allen played for the Los Angeles Raiders from 1982 to 1992, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
2. Earl Campbell
A six-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time First-Team All-Pro, Earl Campbell is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was known for his powerful running style and ability to make big plays. Campbell played for the Houston Oilers from 1978 to 1981, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
1. Walter Jones
A nine-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time First-Team All-Pro, Walter Jones is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was known for his powerful running style and ability to make big plays. Jones played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1997 to 2008, setting multiple franchise records and earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
These are the top 10 best running backs ever in 2024, based on their performance, awards, and impact on the game. Each of these players has made significant contributions to their respective teams and the NFL as a whole.