But he's currently 19th all time in rushing yardage. Pro Bowls: 9. His play helped the Dolphins make the playoffs each year from 1997-01. While he shared a backfield for most of his time in Miami, Brown still managed to averaged nearly 1,000 rushing yards per season with the Dolphins. He is probably the top candidate to replace Ryan Day at his alma mater should Ohio State turn on Urban Meyers latest and greatest disciple. The fourth-year running back was traded today to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for draft picks. He gained over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns during his first two seasons in Carolina. A score of 100 is around the average modern-era inductee. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic), Cribbs was a dominating running back who followed in the footsteps of O.J. Championship Rings: 1. Bush enjoyed more success after leaving New Orleans. He retired as the Minnesota Vikings' all-time leading rusher. A player who was truly ahead of his time, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Taylor was one of the first receivers to fully use his physicality to his advantage. Holmes was absolutely unstoppable for those three seasons in the Kansas City Chiefs' high-powered attack. The seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has 120 career rushing TDs to his name, and the 36-year-old (turns 37 in March) is determined to keep climbing the stat sheet. It was worth it as the . Henry is every bit his generations version of Adrian Peterson, but even he had a definite shelf life. Here is part of the last pair of teammates to make the cut. A former fifth-round pick, Thomas was one of the NFL's most productive players during his dozen seasons in Miami. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. He's been snubbed often, and it's a real shame that he's not a finalist this year. Simpson and Marcus Allen. After rushing for 931 yards in 13 regular-season games as a rookie, Michel rushed for 336 yards and six touchdowns during the 2018 postseason. Tomlinson was named league MVP in 2006 after scoring an NFL-record 31 touchdowns. He also led the NFL in touchdown receptions on two separate occasions. Part of Audacy. He had seven seasons with at least 1,100 rushing yards (T-sixth in NFL history) and led the league in rush yards per game (107.6) in 2000. While he helped the Steelers advance to the Super Bowl that season, Mendenhall's most infamous NFL moment occurred whenClay Matthewsjarred the ball loose from his arms during a pivotal moment in Super Bowl XLV (the Steelers ended up losing, 31-25). From 1998-2001, Faulk recorded at least 1,319 rushing yards and 81 receptions. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Like McCaffrey, Barkley's early career boom has been derailed by injury woes, but he also never reached the same level of all-purpose dominance. Expect Penny to be threatened, however, for key touches by rookie Ken Walker. 106. When you look at the 30 running backs with 10,000 or more rushing yards, Gore doesn't even stand out among the nonmembers of the Hall of Fame. PART OF AUDACY SPORTS. 10 Best Chicago Bears Running Backs of All Time During that span, Tasker helped the Bills become the first franchise to appear in four consecutive Super Bowls. 1 / 60 Another torn ACL injury in 2014 -- his only season in Miami -- prematurely ended his career. Which player earns the No. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (5-10, 226 pounds) Taylor has parlayed his prolific play at Wisconsin into the complete durable package in the NFL. D'Andre Swift Trade: Social Media Reactions Pour In After Eagles Land His relentless work ethic -- both physically and in the film room -- allowed him to be one of the best of his era. Tre's uncle is legendary Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He's been a semifinalist for three straight years but has yet to be named a finalist. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Penny, who had been an injury-riddled disappointing first-rounder in 2018, exploded down the stretch as the sudden featured workhorse, shaking off plenty of past injury issues. He handled a high volume and earned everything he could despite a limited downfield passing game and some blocking issues. While Vrabel has no worries about his job security, does he even want to rebuild in Nashville? Ask Your Smart Speaker to Play C B S Sports Radio. No. of winning the Lombardi Trophy, and if they had beaten the Rams in that game, I'm confident George would've been named game MVP after having 28 carries for 95 rush yards and two rush TDs. An extremely productive player at Alabama, Richardson's lack of big-play ability hindered his NFL production. Philadelphia may like to run the ball, but the Eagles are never willing to pay a premium at this position. This juicy rumor all began on Saturday when ex-NFL player and fellow CAA client Akbar Gbajabiamila reported that the Eagles were looking to trade for Henry. 2021 stats: 133 carries, 606 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 14 receptions on 18 targets, 5 total TDs. Watters was a dual-threat playmaker who consistently produced. He was a key contributor to a powerful Colts team that won back-to-back NFL titles to close out the decade of the 1950s. In 2014, following teammateDeAngelo Williams' injury, Stewart gained nearly 1,000-purpose yards while receiving a then-career high eight starts. In 1984, Matthews led the league with 126 tackles while also posting 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. A throwback power back, Fournette helped lead theJaguarsto the brink of the Super Bowl as a rookie. He's still a powerful runner with some pop to finish drives and reel off some long runs, but he also has developed into a reliable short-area receiver for Tom Brady. A backup in 2001, McAllister became the Saints' starting running back after the team traded Ricky Williams in 2002. Titans (2008-13); Jets (2014); Cardinals (2015-17). So, uh, can we put him in? He led the league in yards per rushing attempt and will start off leading what will be a much run-heavier attack without Russell Wilson. And really, if Jackson was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame would anybody question it? Thomas, who finished his career with the Chiefs, is 26th all time on the league's career rushing list. Gore's career production alone merits a gold jacket. Gradishar earned five more Pro Bowl selections (as well as another All-Pro nod) during his final six seasons with the Broncos. And while his touches were somewhat limited during his first season in Denver, Gordon still managed to rush for nearly 1,000 yards while scoring 10 touchdowns for the fourth time in his career. Maurice Jones-Drew assembles the perfect running back, combining the traits of some of today's top talent in the NFL. Ranking the NFL's best running backs for the 2022 season from 1-30 In his first game, he knocked out future Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey and quickly became known for his hard hitting skills. APRIL 29 ROSCHON TO BEARS The Cowboys want to take a running back somewhere in this Day 3 of the NFL Draft, but that guy won't be a favored Longhorn. His 53-yard touchdown catch during the previous year's Super Bowl helped theColtswin the franchise's first Super Bowl following their move from Baltimore to Indianapolis. He was never the same after that. 4: Fred Taylor -- He has more yards rushing yards than any eligible back not in the Hall of Fame. "The Assassin" was one of the hardest hitting safeties in league history. He was the best run-pass combo back in the league at his prime. Getty Images. An incredibly consistent player throughout his career, Riley picked off at least four passes nine different times, tallying a career-high nine interceptions in 1976. A two-time Pro Bowler, McMichael had 92.5 career sacks for Chicago, second in franchise history. The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Running backs not in the Hall of Fame As we remember Chuck Muncie, it's pertinent to reflect on the greatest running backs in NFL history who are not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.. Do you have a sports website? Hall of Famers by Position | Pro Football Hall of Fame - pfhof 2021 stats: 171 carries, 799 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 52 receptions on 65 targets, 391 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. Taylor has been eligible for seven years now. Craig's piston-pumping high knees were one of the signature styles of the decade, and he was the perfect weapon for Bill Walsh's creative offense. Hayes helped the Raiders win their second Super Bowl that season. 2021 stats: 217 carries, 872 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 54 receptions on 64 targets, 348 receiving yards, 9 total TDs. One of the league's best running backs during his heyday, Alexander averaged 1,500 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns per season from 2001-05. Willis' play largely contributed to the 49ers' NFC title in 2012 as well as the franchise's three consecutive NFC title game appearances from 2011-13. 1 on this list and he should be headed to his biggest all-around season yet with his expanded role in a Kevin O'Connell offensive scheme tailored to his rushing and receiving strengths. But his production plummeted after breaking his collarbone during the 2014 season. A Pro Bowler each season from 1983-86, Jacoby's blocking helped John Riggins rush for a then Super Bowl record in Washington's win over Miami in Super Bowl XVII. Mixon had teased of a big season early in his career. In his second-to-last game, Best rushed for a career-high 163 yards (on 12 carries) that included an 88-yard touchdown run. But he's already done more than enough to land himself among the game's immortal. Ranking the NFL's best running backs for the 2022 season from 1-30, Bills look Super Bowl-serious at top; 49ers, Broncos, Eagles on the rise. Hart was a four-time Pro Bowler whose career really took off once Don Coryell became head coach in 1973. 's Top-5 best running backs not in the HOF, 1980s Jets wives walked out on learning fight song, OJ Anderson pleads for Hall of Fame nod 'while I'm above ground', Stern: Princeton's historic run has 'Revenge of the Nerds' feel, D.A. He'll have to wait his turn, but should get a gold jacket one day. Dillon had the size (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) and physical style similar to Eddie George. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke), I don't get this one. Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott has stated that his goal is to rush for 10,000 yards and collect a spot in the Hall of Fame. Faulk's statistics weren't just gaudy numbers for a bad team. As a rookie, Bush caught 88 passes to help lead the Saints to their first NFC Championship Game. 1 spot? Harris was one of just two running backs taken in the first round, with Clemson's Travis Etienne-- taken by the Jaguars with the 25th pick -- being the other. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. McCaffrey is looking to bounce back after an injury sidelined him for all but three games in 2020. He is a good finisher in the red zone and can take any carry the distance. While his career may not have lived up to his pre-draft hype, Bush nonetheless enjoyed a fruitful NFL career. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at That season, Stewart earned his first and only Pro Bowl selection while helping thePanthersreach the Super Bowl. Jim Brown is a superb choice to start a list of top running backs of all time. Lynch's greatest stretch was with the Seattle Seahawks. He needs a jolt in the passing game with more durability in the running game to re-establish himself as a lead, stat. You have to wonder if his prickly personality is what is keeping him out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Williams retired with 10,202 all-purpose yards and 70 total touchdowns. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 9. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame) . Vikings (2007-16); Saints/Cardinals (2017); Washington (2018-19); Lions (2020). But Taylor's quietexcellence was the central part of the Jags' identity for years. The upside is there to become a top-10 back. Injuries, however, along with the eventual emergence ofLeGarrette Blountultimately contributed to Williams never duplicating his rookie success. Brown, to the Eagles nonetheless, would be putting it lightly. Shady will be remembered as one of the toughest players to tackle in the open field and one of the best at the position in his prime. Ideal size? Cardinals (2000-02); Buccaneers (2003); Bears (2004-06); Jets (2007-09); Chiefs (2010-11). Beyond being dynamos in the rushing attack, the most talented players at the position are also key contributors as receivers and pass blockers. Addai posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons during his first two years with the Colts. 2021 stats: 206 carries, 911 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 70 receptions on 94 targets, 647 receiving yards, 20 total TDs. And while a hip injury slowed his roll at the end of the season, Edwards-Helaire still managed to gain 1,100 all-purpose yards in 13 regular-season games. But again, his USFL career takes away from his Pro Football Hall of Fame credentials. 2020 stats: 145 carries, 625 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 11 receptions on 14 targets,123 receiving yards, 3 total TDs. Take a look at some of the best photos from the thirteenth day of Chargers Training Camp 2021. He then resurfaced in Arizona, where he was theCardinals' leading rusher before an injury prematurely ended his 2015 season. 2021 stats:202 carries, 929 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 18 receptions on 21 targets, 132 receiving yards, 15 total TDs. Many football historians believe Jim Brown to be the greatest running back ever. The only running back on this list, Craig played an integral role in the 49ers' success during the 1980s. All HOFm Positions: QB RB WR TE G T C DT DE ILB OLB DB K P RB HOFm Leaders Bold indicates HOF player See full explanation here Share & Export McCoy gets in based on sheer production. A member of the NFL's All-2000s Team, Lewis is 25th all time on the NFL's career rushing list.