Top 10 NFL Running Backs of All Time

There is arguably no more dangerous occupation in sport than that of a running back in the NFL. These short, stocky, impossibly quick men take the ball and charge directly into a ferocious line of violent men nearly twice their size apparently without fear. Built like fire hydrants they spin, bounce, crash and leap to evade their opponents, and gain their team precious field position while protecting the ball from potential turnovers. Any starting running back on an NFL team is an incredible athlete, but to gain recognition as one of the top 10 NFL running backs of all time an athlete has to be superhuman, a quicksilver bull that can defy the physical restraints that hamper the rest of the human population. Here is my list of the greatest to ever play the game:

10 - Jerome Bettis

"The Bus" makes a deserving appearance in this top 10 list. His overwhelming power and surprisingly deft feet made him a nightmare for opposing defenders to stop. During his career with the Rams and the Steelers he amassed 13,662 yards and 91 rushing touchdowns. Bettis went out a champion, announcing his retirement on the podium as he and his Steeler teammates celebrated their victory in Superbowl XL.

9 - Marshall Faulk

This amazingly versatile player could not only run with the ball, he could catch it as well. He is the only player in NFL history to have at least 100 rushing touchdowns (in fact he finished his career with an even 100), and over 30 receiving touchdowns (36). He also finished with more than 19,000 combined yards. This rare double-threat capability opened up options, confused defenses and created time and space for teammates. He played in two championship games in his career, and won Superbowl XXXIV as a member of the Rams

8 - OJ Simpson