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Throughout the history of the NFL, there have been numerous running backs that have captured our collective imaginations while simultaneously taking our breath away. When it comes to ranking the best running backs of all-time, the task is more than formidable.
Sure, the top two or three running backs aren't hard to pick out, but the remaining two positions could go to numerous runners. It really is a matter of opinion, when it comes to selecting the best running backs of all-time.
Having said that, I have compiled my list of the five best running backs in NFL history. In order, here they are.
Walter Payton
There has never been - nor will there ever be - another Walter Payton. The aptly named "Sweetness" was, in my mind, the best running back to ever lace up a pair of cleats in NFL history.
Not only did Payton retire as the league's all-time leading rusher, but he accomplished the feat by being a model of consistency that has only been matched by one other runner in NFL history.
The fourth player chosen in the 1975 NFL draft, the 5-10 Payton retired with 16,726 total yards and 10 seasons with 1,000 or more rushing yards, 275 yards rushing in one game against Minnesota in 1977, 77 games with more than 100 yards rushing, and 110 rushing touchdowns. He also scored an extraordinary 750 points on 125 touchdowns - in an era when offenses weren't nearly as potent - or liberal.
One thing I think most people may not remember is that Payton carried the Chicago Bears' offense for several years when they were absolutely atrocious. The Bears' favorite - and best - play during those lean years before they finally broke through and won a Super Bowl title in 1985, was to run Payton to the left, to the right or up the middle. They were that bad.
Payton, however, still managed to win the NFC rushing title five straight years from 1976 to 1980. He was named both All-Pro and All-NFC seven times and played in nine Pro Bowl games. Payton was selected as the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1977 and 1985, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1977 and 1985 and the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1977.
Sure, the top two or three running backs aren't hard to pick out, but the remaining two positions could go to numerous runners. It really is a matter of opinion, when it comes to selecting the best running backs of all-time.
Having said that, I have compiled my list of the five best running backs in NFL history. In order, here they are.
Walter Payton
There has never been - nor will there ever be - another Walter Payton. The aptly named "Sweetness" was, in my mind, the best running back to ever lace up a pair of cleats in NFL history.
Not only did Payton retire as the league's all-time leading rusher, but he accomplished the feat by being a model of consistency that has only been matched by one other runner in NFL history.
The fourth player chosen in the 1975 NFL draft, the 5-10 Payton retired with 16,726 total yards and 10 seasons with 1,000 or more rushing yards, 275 yards rushing in one game against Minnesota in 1977, 77 games with more than 100 yards rushing, and 110 rushing touchdowns. He also scored an extraordinary 750 points on 125 touchdowns - in an era when offenses weren't nearly as potent - or liberal.
One thing I think most people may not remember is that Payton carried the Chicago Bears' offense for several years when they were absolutely atrocious. The Bears' favorite - and best - play during those lean years before they finally broke through and won a Super Bowl title in 1985, was to run Payton to the left, to the right or up the middle. They were that bad.
Payton, however, still managed to win the NFC rushing title five straight years from 1976 to 1980. He was named both All-Pro and All-NFC seven times and played in nine Pro Bowl games. Payton was selected as the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1977 and 1985, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1977 and 1985 and the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1977.
- There has never been � nor will there ever be � another Walter Payton.
- Barry Sanders was as good as Walter Payton
- Just like the two aforementioned runners, Jim Brown was in a class of his own.
Comments
tim s
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/17/2010
to the guest who said barry sanders sucks are you for real i think not!!!. i am not sure if we can say any one back is absolutely the # 1, there are so many variables to consider. weather , team quality , offense type. era.
Joe
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/11/2010
http://www.knock-outcleaning.com Why people forget terrell davis is beyond me !
Isaiah
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/11/2010
the best running baCK EVER IS NO DOUBT MARSHALL FAULK HE IS THE BACK MANY TEAMS WISH THEY HAD A SUAL THREAT IN HIS DAY OF POWER ,SPEED AND HANDS LIKE A WIDE OUT HE GAVE COACHES HELL TO DEFEND !
WOW this dude who wrote the article is a CLOWN
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/09/2010
Seriously Walter Payton. Good running back, but for sure not the best. Barry Sanders almost broke his record in 11, by about 500 yards, years and it took Walter 13 years to get. WOW I hope no one takes you serious you are a F****** Clown
The Tyler Rose
(Guest)
(Guest)
12/22/2009
Earl Campbell all the way baby!!!!
Peterson sucks
(Guest)
(Guest)
11/29/2009
The only reason I stopped laughing when I seen Adrian Peterson mentioned is because I realized you douche bags were serious.
Have you ever watched football?
(Guest)
(Guest)
11/29/2009
smith sucks balls. If sanders didn't quit, smith would still be chasing Barry's jock strap like Emmit was doing when they both were still in the league.
New Perspective
(Guest)
(Guest)
11/26/2009
Barry Sanders would be the greatest running back of all time. That guy never had an offensive line that could adaquately protect him, every single yard he got was via his own efforts. I would say that Walter Payton was the greatest pure football player as he was very good at all aspects of the game. I think Jim Brown unjustly gets more attention then Earl Campbell when they both had similiar if not the same running styles. Sorry guys but Adrian Peterson, LT and especially Emmit Smith are completely overrated.....I imagine most of you guys that are pumping them are fans of their perspective teams....which is not really helpfull in determining the best. Emmit Smith ran behind 4 pro bowl offensive linemen as his blockers in the 1995 superbowl if Sanders or Payton had that kind of protection they would have put all the rushing records FAR out of reach. The best running backs of all time set records WITHOUT pro-bowl protection.....In conclusion not only did Barry Sanders run without a line
Sanders Sucks.
(Guest)
(Guest)
10/24/2009
Adrian Peterson will be #1 in 2 more years, no doubt about it.
Sanders sucks.
(Guest)
(Guest)
10/24/2009
Adrian Peterson will be %231 in 2 more years. no doubt about it.
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