Biggest running backs

Soon-to-be free agent Derrick Henry is climbing up the list for the most rushing yards in NFL history. But the big, bruising Tennessee Titans running back is only 36th all-time, despite being the active leader in career yards with 9, That displays how much the NFL has changed in the last decade and how much running backs used to dominate the sport, biggest running backs.

Take a look at how they stack up. Chicago Cardinals, ; L. Rams, ; Detroit Lions, ; Philadelphia Eagles, » Voted to six Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro seven times » Traded in for nine players » 12, career all-purpose yards second only to Jim Brown when he retired » 5, career rushing yards, 40 career rushing touchdowns, 23 career receiving touchdowns » Enshrined in Pro Football Hall of Fame. New England Patriots, ; N. Indianapolis Colts, ; St. Rams, ; Indianapolis Colts , ; L. San Diego Chargers, ; N.

Biggest running backs

The power running back is a dying breed in football. With teams shifting more to the passing game, these old-school running backs are becoming obsolete. The days of Jim Brown or John Riggins getting 40 carries a game are gone. In the early days of the league, teams rarely threw the ball so they would feed multiple backs in order to gain yardage. These power backs were known as between-the-tackles runners who excelled at getting tough, gritty yards. Speed for them was a luxury. These are the best to ever do it. Brooklyn native John Brockington shot to fame as one of the "Super Sophomores" who led Ohio State to a national championship in and finished his college career with a record playing for legendary head coach Woody Hayes. Vonta Leach played 10 seasons in the NFL and never cracked 1, total yards of offense for his career, but he still found his way to three All-Pro selections, three Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. The reason Leach was so valued on a football field was the sheer punishment he doled out in the blocking game.

Nick Chubb. Indiana Fever.

The running back position is shifting in today's era of football, but NFL history features an impressive group of star ball-carriers. Up until the mids, a standout in the backfield could be an overwhelming difference-maker. A few modern players have become stars, too. Most of the best running backs in NFL history played multiple decades ago. That's what we're here to determine.

Five running backs are among the players ranked between Nos. Hall exploded onto the scene as a rookie, helping the Jets to a start as he averaged 5. In just seven games, he displayed elite explosiveness and the skill set to become a star in this league. It felt like he was on his way to claiming the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which his teammate Garrett Wilson ultimately won. If that knee is healthy, Hall should enjoy a big sophomore season on a talented Jets team. Etienne strung together an impressive sophomore campaign -- amassing 1, scrimmage yards, including 1, on the ground -- after missing his entire rookie season with a foot injury.

Biggest running backs

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CAN Champ. Bettis believed that his calling was as a ballcarrier so he asked for a trade instead, and the Steelers were the beneficiaries. Fellow Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher found that out firsthand as Bettis went right through him for a touchdown. Team success during a player's career was considered as well, but it served primarily as a tiebreaker. Seattle Kraken. Earl Campbell : Similar to Allen, longevity prevented Campbell from finishing within the top 10 here. Then he can hit another gear once he reaches the second level of the defense. Alright, that is a tall tale. A few modern players have become stars, too. Payton retired in after a stellar career, as he compiled 16, rushing yards while scoring rushing touchdowns. Champions Tour. Adam Rank NFL.

The power running back is a dying breed in football. With teams shifting more to the passing game, these old-school running backs are becoming obsolete. The days of Jim Brown or John Riggins getting 40 carries a game are gone.

At 6-foot-3 and pounds, Csonka played fullback and was the size of many of the defensive linemen who tried to tackle him. Indianapolis Colts, ; St. Joe Perry's career is largely forgotten to time, but it shouldn't be. Heather O' Reilly. Raiders, » One Pro Bowl selection » 2, career rushing yards, 16 career rushing touchdowns. Pittsburgh Steelers. Sayers totalled 1, rushing and receiving yards as a rookie with the Chicago Bears in , adding 20 touchdowns as he leapt into the NFL spotlight. The Syracuse product and No. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge v80 and later , Firefox and Safari. Ken Rosenthal.