Throughout the history of the NFL, viewers have been graced with the presence of athletes who can change the course of a certain position solely by their impact on the game. One of the most versatile and important positions in football is the running back. We as fans of the game have seen some of the most dominant forces play the position, simply demolishing and running over the competition. There have also been some who glide across the field, displaying more grace and elegance in their style of play than most of us could ever perceive. Though we live in a world today where athletes all over the world are able to elevate their athleticism and game to the next level, there is something about the old-school beauty of the play of running backs that makes their play more intriguing and enjoyable to watch. So here is my list of the top 13 running backs that ever strapped on their shoulder pads in the pros.
13. Marshall Faulk
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The most prominent and explosive member of "The Greatest Show on Turf" (The St. Louis Rams' offense from 1999-2001), Faulk racked up 12,279 rushing yards to go along with 6,875 receiving yards. The most receiving yards by a running back in NFL history.
12. O.J. Simpson
Yes, we're all aware of the charges and accusations of his off-the-field life, but many do not take the time to learn how much of a marvel Simpson was as a player. He was the first to ever rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, and his explosiveness and toughness provided fans then and now a sight for sore eyes. "The Juice" ran from more than the cops in his life, as he picked up 11,263 rushing yards in his NFL career.
11. Adrian Peterson
From the moment he stepped onto the stage in 2007, it was inevitable that the former Oklahoma Sooner would make it into Canton one day. We are still witnessing Peterson's journey to the hall, and the numbers he possesses with just eight years (seven full seasons) under his belt, its almost baffling. 11,675 yards is already good for 17th all time, but will most likely be within, if not in the top 10 by the end of next year. We are all witnesses to someone who could very well be one of the greatest when its all said and done.
10. Gale Sayers
Those who don't follow the NFL that closely will most likely have no idea who Gale Sayers is. And shame on you for it! Sayers only played from 1965-1971, and only racking up just under 5,000 career rushing yards. So why is he a top 12 running back? As a rookie, he scored a record 22 touchdowns and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, and showed how explosive he was on almost every kick return. Injuries plagued Sayers, forcing him to retire early. But it's certainly fascinating to think about how amazing the original "hybrid" back could have been if he stayed healthy.
9. Curtis Martin
This man is the prototypical running back every team would kill to have. He came in and did his job, and didn't make too much of a spectacle of it. Which is also why Martin isn't higher on this list. However, with his 14,401 rushing yards, he is fourth on the all-time rushing leaders list, and someone who opposing defenses simply couldn't plan against. Like it or not, he was getting to the end zone.
8. Tony Dorsett
Dorsett was always the consistent workhorse, piling up 12,739 yards on the ground for 11 years. While there was nothing truly remarkable about Dorsett's career, his consistent workload and claimed glory in Super Bowl XII with the Cowboys.
7. Eric Dickerson
When we think of remarkable rookie seasons, one of the ones that pops into mind is the 1983 campaign of one Eric Dickerson. 1,808 rushing yards, 18 scores, as well as 404 receiving yards attributed to one of the best rookie seasons pro football has ever seen. Oh, and he followed that up next year by rushing for 2,105 yards and 14 touchdowns. The man was simply a human highlight reel.
6. Earl Campbell
Question: How do you stop a 230 pound man with tree trunks for legs, who could not only run you over, but shake you out of your cleats?
Answer: Well, we don't think there is one. Defenses today would still cringe at the sight of Campbell in his prime, he was even known to give some linebackers nightmares. While his stats aren't flashy, Campbell's unique style that revolutionized the running back position deserves a spot in the top 10.
5. LaDanian Tomlinson
Not the original L.T., but certainly an offensive powerhouse in his time in the league. Tomlinson's 13,684 rushing yards are fifth best all-time and his 28 touchdowns in 2006 is considered one of the greatest years ever put together by a player.
4. Barry Sanders
Sanders racked up 15,269 rushing yards in just nine years in the NFL, but watching him shake off opposing defenses and having no regard for running the actual designed routes was a marvel. Sanders was always able to find his own path to the endzone and put on a spectacle doing so.
3. Emmitt Smith
The NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards demolished defenses in the league for 14 years. Smith's Hall of Fame campaign is also headlined with three Super Bowl rings, two of which he rushed for over 100 yards in.
2. Jim Brown
Another player who, if you're not a true fan of the game, might not have heard of. Brown played from 1957-1965, and is ninth on the all-time rush list with 12,312 yards. Brown played his whole career with Cleveland, was the league's rushing leader EVERY year he played. He is also widely considered to be one of the best players to ever play the game.
1. Walter Payton
Choosing a number one is a tough task, but with "Sweetness," it is hard not to choose him. Payton is second all time in rushing yards with 16,726. Payton played all 12 years in the league with Chicago, and has one Super Bowl ring to add to his phenomenal legacy as well. The NFL's Man of the Year award, is also named after Payton, due to his generous contributions off the field. Which ultimately, solidified him as the clear number one for me.
While there are many other greats, these 13 are simply superstars and the true best of the best.
