The 40 Greatest Running Backs Of All Time
It’s a question that’s no doubt been posed at every sports bar, stadium, and fantasy football league meeting across the land. Who is the best running back of all time? Well, based on the career rushing yards for each player, we’ve come up with a list of 40 that would easily walk — or more accurately, run — into the G.O.A.T. conversation.
40. Jim Taylor
Total rushing yards: 8,597
Teams: Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints
Years active: 1958-1967
Description: Renowned for his imposing frame and aggressive running style, Jim Taylor spent most of his career with the Green Bay Packers. His most successful period came in the early ’60s when he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in five consecutive seasons. Taylor was also a vital part of the team’s three NFL Championship-winning line-ups.
39. Terry Allen
Total rushing yards: 8,614
Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens
Years active: 1991-2001
Description: Terry Allen was considered past his prime when the Washington Redskins signed him as a free agent in 1995. Yet the former Minnesota Vikings star went on to amass an impressive 1,353 yards and 21 touchdowns the following season and enjoyed a total of five years at FedExField. You may be surprised, then, to learn that he was only selected for the Pro Bowl on one occasion.
38. Ahman Green
Total rushing yards: 9,205
Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans
Years active: 1998-2009
Description: Ahman Green cemented his place in the Green Bay Packers’ record books in 2009 when he overtook Jim Taylor for the most rushing yards in franchise history. He also enjoyed a total of six 1,000-yard seasons with the franchise, which signed him from the Seattle Seahawks at the turn of the century. Green’s early years with the team also resulted in four Pro Bowl selections in a row.
37. Earl Campbell
Total rushing yards: 9,407
Teams: Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints
Years active: 1978-1985
Description: Earl Campbell had quite the start to his Houston Oilers career. Yes, he was crowned both MVP — Most Valuable Player — and Rookie of the Year in his first season with the franchise. And the running back also surpassed the 1,300-yard mark in all but one of his six full years at the Houston Astrodome. Sadly, injury cut short his glittering career in 1985.
