Every NFL Team's Best RB of All Time

Every NFL Team's Best RB of All Time

By Brian Kalchik

October 8, 2015

Every NFL Team’s Best RB of All Time

Jim Brown Browns — The NFL today is all about the passing game, but back in the day, the running game was the way to go. Real football is played in the trenches, and each team had a solid workhorse who carried the rock and pounded out the tough yards. Here are the best running backs in each team's history.

The NFL today is all about the passing game, but back in the day, the running game was the way to go. Real football is played in the trenches, and each team had a solid workhorse who carried the rock and pounded out the tough yards. Here are the best running backs in each team's history.

Arizona Cardinals: Ottis Anderson

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals: Ottis Anderson

Arizona Cardinals — Ottis Anderson is by far the Cardinals' career leader in rushing yards, rushing attempts, touchdowns, and average yards per game. Anderson was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1979, and had almost 8,000 yards and 46 touchdowns as a Cardinal. He would later win Super Bowl MVP honors with the Giants.

Best of the Rest: Ollie Matson

Ottis Anderson is by far the Cardinals' career leader in rushing yards, rushing attempts, touchdowns, and average yards per game. Anderson was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1979, and had almost 8,000 yards and 46 touchdowns as a Cardinal. He would later win Super Bowl MVP honors with the Giants.

Best of the Rest: Ollie Matson

Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner

Michael Turner

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Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner

Michael Turner — In four years, Michael Turner bowled his way through opposing defenses for 6,081 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns. Turner ranks second in all-time rushing yards for the Falcons, and first in rushing touchdowns. His statistics would've been even better if he wasn't backing up LaDainian Tomlinson for the first half of his career.

Best of the Rest: Gerald Riggs

In four years, Michael Turner bowled his way through opposing defenses for 6,081 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns. Turner ranks second in all-time rushing yards for the Falcons, and first in rushing touchdowns. His statistics would've been even better if he wasn't backing up LaDainian Tomlinson for the first half of his career.

Best of the Rest: Gerald Riggs

Baltimore Ravens: Jamal Lewis

Jamal Lewis

Baltimore Ravens: Jamal Lewis

Jamal Lewis — Jamal Lewis was the best skill position player for the Ravens in the 2000s. As a rookie, Lewis churned out 1,364, including 102 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV. In 2003, Lewis rushed for 2,066 yards, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Best of the Rest: Ray Rice

Jamal Lewis was the best skill position player for the Ravens in the 2000s. As a rookie, Lewis churned out 1,364, including 102 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV. In 2003, Lewis rushed for 2,066 yards, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Best of the Rest: Ray Rice

Buffalo Bills: O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson

Buffalo Bills: O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson — Before O. J. Simpson became a national pariah, he was a star running back for the Buffalo Bills and one of the greatest running backs of all time. With virtually no offensive support around him, Simpson carried the Bills throughout the 1970s. In 1973, Simpson rushed for 2,003 yards in a 14-game season. In 1976, Simpson rushed for a then-record 273 yards against Detroit.

Best of the Rest: Thurman Thomas

Before O. J. Simpson became a national pariah, he was a star running back for the Buffalo Bills and one of the greatest running backs of all time. With virtually no offensive support around him, Simpson carried the Bills throughout the 1970s. In 1973, Simpson rushed for 2,003 yards in a 14-game season. In 1976, Simpson rushed for a then-record 273 yards against Detroit.

Best of the Rest: Thurman Thomas

Carolina Panthers: DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams

Carolina Panthers: DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams — DeAngelo Williams is the Panthers’ all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, which cements his ranking on this list. In 2008, he rushed for 1,515 yards and amassed 20 total touchdowns, both franchise records. He also led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season, and was named the league’s Most Improved Player.

Best of the Rest: Stephen Davis

DeAngelo Williams is the Panthers’ all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, which cements his ranking on this list. In 2008, he rushed for 1,515 yards and amassed 20 total touchdowns, both franchise records. He also led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season, and was named the league’s Most Improved Player.

Best of the Rest: Stephen Davis

Chicago Bears: Walter Payton

Walter Payton

Chicago Bears: Walter Payton

Walter Payton — The No. 4 overall pick in 1975, Walter Payton was the most accomplished running back in NFL history when he retired. Payton was named NFL MVP in 1977 and 1985 and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1977 and 1985. An amazing runner, Walter rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 10 of his 13 seasons. Payton surpassed Brown's rushing record in 1984 and helped the Bears win Super Bowl XX against New England.

Best of the Rest: Gale Sayers

The No. 4 overall pick in 1975, Walter Payton was the most accomplished running back in NFL history when he retired. Payton was named NFL MVP in 1977 and 1985 and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1977 and 1985. An amazing runner, Walter rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 10 of his 13 seasons. Payton surpassed Brown's rushing record in 1984 and helped the Bears win Super Bowl XX against New England.

Best of the Rest: Gale Sayers

Cincinnati Bengals: Corey Dillon

Corey Dillon

Cincinnati Bengals: Corey Dillon

Corey Dillon — Corey Dillon didn’t spend his entire career in Cincinnati, but when he was a Bengal, he was very good. In seven seasons, he rushed for over 8,000 yards and 45 TDs. He is the all-time rushing leader in Bengals history and he made three Pro Bowl appearances. Dillon would later win a Super Bowl with the Patriots.

Best of the Rest: James Brooks

Corey Dillon didn’t spend his entire career in Cincinnati, but when he was a Bengal, he was very good. In seven seasons, he rushed for over 8,000 yards and 45 TDs. He is the all-time rushing leader in Bengals history and he made three Pro Bowl appearances. Dillon would later win a Super Bowl with the Patriots.

Best of the Rest: James Brooks

Cleveland Browns: Jim Brown

Jim Brown

Cleveland Browns: Jim Brown

Jim Brown — For nine seasons, Jim Brown was the finest running back in the NFL, but he walked away at the age of 30. During that time, Brown became one of the NFL's first superstars, earning four NFL MVP awards and rushing for a then-record 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns. In 1964, Brown helped lead the Browns to their most recent NFL Championship and the city's most recent title among their three major sports teams.

Best of the Rest: Leroy Kelly

For nine seasons, Jim Brown was the finest running back in the NFL, but he walked away at the age of 30. During that time, Brown became one of the NFL's first superstars, earning four NFL MVP awards and rushing for a then-record 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns. In 1964, Brown helped lead the Browns to their most recent NFL Championship and the city's most recent title among their three major sports teams.

Best of the Rest: Leroy Kelly

Dallas Cowboys: Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith

Dallas Cowboys: Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith — The NFL's all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith was the soul of Dallas' three Super Bowl teams in the 1990s. The Cowboys, with their star runner leading the way, won three Super Bowls in four seasons from 1992-1995. Smith was named first-team All-Pro in each of those years. In 1993, Smith was named NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXVIII MVP. On Oct. 27, 2002, Smith broke Walter Payton's 16-year all-time rushing record.

Best of the Rest: Tony Dorsett

The NFL's all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith was the soul of Dallas' three Super Bowl teams in the 1990s. The Cowboys, with their star runner leading the way, won three Super Bowls in four seasons from 1992-1995. Smith was named first-team All-Pro in each of those years. In 1993, Smith was named NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXVIII MVP. On Oct. 27, 2002, Smith broke Walter Payton's 16-year all-time rushing record.

Best of the Rest: Tony Dorsett

Denver Broncos: Terrell Davis

Terrell Davis

Denver Broncos: Terrell Davis

Terrell Davis — Terrell Davis was drafted as a relative unknown by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Davis ran for 1,117 yards in his rookie year and then proceeded to rush for over 1,500 yards each of the next three seasons, including a remarkable 2,008 yards and 21 touchdowns in 1998. Davis is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXII.

Best of the Rest: Floyd Little

Terrell Davis was drafted as a relative unknown by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Davis ran for 1,117 yards in his rookie year and then proceeded to rush for over 1,500 yards each of the next three seasons, including a remarkable 2,008 yards and 21 touchdowns in 1998. Davis is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXII.

Best of the Rest: Floyd Little

Detroit Lions: Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders

Detroit Lions: Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders — The most elusive running back in NFL history, Barry Sanders drove defenses crazy in each of his 10 NFL seasons, all with Detroit. Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his 10 seasons despite no quarterback help around him. A first- or second-team All-Pro in each season, Sanders became the first NFL running back to record five 1,500-yard rushing seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl each season.

Best of the Rest: Billy Sims

The most elusive running back in NFL history, Barry Sanders drove defenses crazy in each of his 10 NFL seasons, all with Detroit. Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his 10 seasons despite no quarterback help around him. A first- or second-team All-Pro in each season, Sanders became the first NFL running back to record five 1,500-yard rushing seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl each season.

Best of the Rest: Billy Sims

Green Bay Packers: Jim Taylor

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers: Jim Taylor

Green Bay Packers — A bruising fullback for Vince Lombardi's Packers, Jim Taylor was the primary weapon for the team of the 1960s. Taylor ran for over 1,000 yards in a season five times, was the 1962 NFL MVP, and won four NFL Championships with the Packers.

Best of the Rest: Paul Hornung

A bruising fullback for Vince Lombardi's Packers, Jim Taylor was the primary weapon for the team of the 1960s. Taylor ran for over 1,000 yards in a season five times, was the 1962 NFL MVP, and won four NFL Championships with the Packers.

Best of the Rest: Paul Hornung

Houston Texans: Arian Foster

Arian Foster

Houston Texans: Arian Foster

Arian Foster — Arian Foster joined the Texans as a practice squad player in 2009 after going undrafted out of Tennessee. He is now the all-time leading rusher for the Texans and holds most rushing related records for the team. Foster has been regarded as one of the best running backs in the NFL for nearly a half decade and is still going strong.

Best of the Rest: Domanick Davis

Arian Foster joined the Texans as a practice squad player in 2009 after going undrafted out of Tennessee. He is now the all-time leading rusher for the Texans and holds most rushing related records for the team. Foster has been regarded as one of the best running backs in the NFL for nearly a half decade and is still going strong.

Best of the Rest: Domanick Davis

Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts: Lenny Moore

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts: Lenny Moore

Indianapolis Colts — The trend for all-purpose running backs began with Baltimore's Lenny Moore in the 1950s. Moore was a flanker and running back who helped a potent offense that featured Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry. In the famous 1958 NFL Championship game, Moore had five catches for 99 yards. From 1963 to 1965, Lenny scored a touchdown in 18 consecutive games, an NFL-record since tied by LaDainian Tomlinson 40 years later.

Best of the Rest: Edgerrin James

The trend for all-purpose running backs began with Baltimore's Lenny Moore in the 1950s. Moore was a flanker and running back who helped a potent offense that featured Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry. In the famous 1958 NFL Championship game, Moore had five catches for 99 yards. From 1963 to 1965, Lenny scored a touchdown in 18 consecutive games, an NFL-record since tied by LaDainian Tomlinson 40 years later.

Best of the Rest: Edgerrin James

Jacksonville Jaguars: Fred Taylor

Fred Taylor

Jacksonville Jaguars: Fred Taylor

Fred Taylor — Fred Taylor started his career off with a bang, rushing for 1,223 yards and 14 touchdowns as a rookie. Taylor was extremely consistent for the Jaguars with seven 1,000-yard seasons in his 11-year career with them. Taylor finished his career with the Jaguars ranking first in yards (11,271) and second in touchdowns (62).

Best of the Rest: Maurice Jones-Drew

Fred Taylor started his career off with a bang, rushing for 1,223 yards and 14 touchdowns as a rookie. Taylor was extremely consistent for the Jaguars with seven 1,000-yard seasons in his 11-year career with them. Taylor finished his career with the Jaguars ranking first in yards (11,271) and second in touchdowns (62).

Best of the Rest: Maurice Jones-Drew

Kansas City Chiefs: Priest Holmes

Priest Holmes

Kansas City Chiefs: Priest Holmes

Priest Holmes — Priest Holmes came to Kansas City in 2001 and proved to be one of the most surprising free agent signings in NFL history. In six seasons in Kansas City, Holmes became the franchise’s leader in rushing yards (6,070) and touchdowns (83). Injuries took their toll on Holmes, but when healthy, he was an elite running back.

Best of the Rest: Jamaal Charles

Priest Holmes came to Kansas City in 2001 and proved to be one of the most surprising free agent signings in NFL history. In six seasons in Kansas City, Holmes became the franchise’s leader in rushing yards (6,070) and touchdowns (83). Injuries took their toll on Holmes, but when healthy, he was an elite running back.

Best of the Rest: Jamaal Charles

Miami Dolphins: Larry Csonka

Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins: Larry Csonka

Miami Dolphins — A key component to Miami's championship teams of the 1970s, Larry Csonka bulldozed his way through opposing defenses and into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Csonka is the Dolphins all-time leading rusher with 6,737 yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. He earned a Super Bowl MVP and won two Super Bowls for the Dolphins.

Best of the Rest: Ricky Williams

A key component to Miami's championship teams of the 1970s, Larry Csonka bulldozed his way through opposing defenses and into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Csonka is the Dolphins all-time leading rusher with 6,737 yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. He earned a Super Bowl MVP and won two Super Bowls for the Dolphins.

Best of the Rest: Ricky Williams

Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson

Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson — Playing in a league that has shifted away from the running game, Adrian Peterson has cemented himself as the best running back in the game today. Peterson has rushed for over 1,000 yards in six of his first seven NFL seasons, and was 30 yards away in 2011, but only a Torn ACL stopped his streak. In 2012, Peterson had arguably the greatest season by a running back ever with 2,097 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Best of the Rest: Chuck Foreman

Playing in a league that has shifted away from the running game, Adrian Peterson has cemented himself as the best running back in the game today. Peterson has rushed for over 1,000 yards in six of his first seven NFL seasons, and was 30 yards away in 2011, but only a Torn ACL stopped his streak. In 2012, Peterson had arguably the greatest season by a running back ever with 2,097 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Best of the Rest: Chuck Foreman

New England Patriots: Curtis Martin

Curtis Martin

New England Patriots: Curtis Martin

Curtis Martin — Although he's not as famous as some other names on this list, Martin was as steady as they come during his Hall of Fame career. A Bill Parcells draft pick, Martin helped guide the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI where he scored a touchdown.

Best of the Rest: Corey Dillon

Although he's not as famous as some other names on this list, Martin was as steady as they come during his Hall of Fame career. A Bill Parcells draft pick, Martin helped guide the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI where he scored a touchdown.

Best of the Rest: Corey Dillon

New Orleans Saints: Deuce McAllister

Deuce McAllister

New Orleans Saints: Deuce McAllister

Deuce McAllister — Deuce McAllister spent his entire career in New Orleans and is the franchise's all-time leading rusher. He was the first Saints RB to rush for 1,000+ yards in three straight seasons. Injuries derailed McAllister after five seasons, but he helped pave the way for the Saints' resurgence.

Best of the Rest: Dalton Hilliard

Deuce McAllister spent his entire career in New Orleans and is the franchise's all-time leading rusher. He was the first Saints RB to rush for 1,000+ yards in three straight seasons. Injuries derailed McAllister after five seasons, but he helped pave the way for the Saints' resurgence.

Best of the Rest: Dalton Hilliard

New York Giants: Frank Gifford

Frank Gifford

New York Giants: Frank Gifford

Frank Gifford — Frank Gifford is one of the most popular players in Giants' history and one of the most well-known personalities given his work on Monday Night Football. An eight time Pro Bowl selection, Gifford was best known for his versatility as both a runner and a receiver. In his twelve seasons, Gifford totaled 77 rushing and receiving touchdowns, running for 3,609 yards and gaining another 5,434 through the air.

Best of the Rest: Tiki Barber

Frank Gifford is one of the most popular players in Giants' history and one of the most well-known personalities given his work on Monday Night Football. An eight time Pro Bowl selection, Gifford was best known for his versatility as both a runner and a receiver. In his twelve seasons, Gifford totaled 77 rushing and receiving touchdowns, running for 3,609 yards and gaining another 5,434 through the air.

Best of the Rest: Tiki Barber

New York Jets: Curtis Martin

Curtis Martin

New York Jets: Curtis Martin

Curtis Martin — The only player to appear twice on this list, Martin solidified his Hall-of-Fame legacy with the Jets. At age 31, he became the oldest player to ever lead the league in rushing and is fourth on the all-time rushing list. With Martin, the Jets reached their first AFC Championship Game in 1998 since the 1982 strike-shortened season.

Best of the Rest: Matt Snell

The only player to appear twice on this list, Martin solidified his Hall-of-Fame legacy with the Jets. At age 31, he became the oldest player to ever lead the league in rushing and is fourth on the all-time rushing list. With Martin, the Jets reached their first AFC Championship Game in 1998 since the 1982 strike-shortened season.

Best of the Rest: Matt Snell

Oakland Raiders: Marcus Allen

Marcus Allen

Oakland Raiders: Marcus Allen

Marcus Allen — Marcus Allen was one of the NFL’s best short-yardage runners of all-time, and retired as the all-time rushing touchdown leader. Following his retirement in 1997, he held the single-season record for all-purpose yards (2,314), and was the first player in NFL history to rush for 10,000 yards and receive for 5,000. Allen was the MVP in Super Bowl 18 after rushing for 191 yards and two touchdowns.

Best of the Rest: Bo Jackson

Marcus Allen was one of the NFL’s best short-yardage runners of all-time, and retired as the all-time rushing touchdown leader. Following his retirement in 1997, he held the single-season record for all-purpose yards (2,314), and was the first player in NFL history to rush for 10,000 yards and receive for 5,000. Allen was the MVP in Super Bowl 18 after rushing for 191 yards and two touchdowns.

Best of the Rest: Bo Jackson

Philadelphia Eagles: Steve Van Buren

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles: Steve Van Buren

Philadelphia Eagles — Steve Van Buren surpassed 1,000 yards rushing twice in the 1940s, won four NFL rushing titles and a rare “triple crown” in 1945 when he led in rushing, scoring, and kickoff returns. Philadelphia had never finished above fourth place until Steve arrived in 1944. With him, they won three straight divisional titles from 1947-49, winning the team's first two NFL titles in 1948 and 1949.

Best of the Rest: Brian Westbrook

Steve Van Buren surpassed 1,000 yards rushing twice in the 1940s, won four NFL rushing titles and a rare “triple crown” in 1945 when he led in rushing, scoring, and kickoff returns. Philadelphia had never finished above fourth place until Steve arrived in 1944. With him, they won three straight divisional titles from 1947-49, winning the team's first two NFL titles in 1948 and 1949.

Best of the Rest: Brian Westbrook

Pittsburgh Steelers: Franco Harris

Franco Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers: Franco Harris

Franco Harris — Before Franco Harris arrived in Pittsburgh in 1972, the Steelers were a notorious loser. When he arrived, the Steelers became the team of the 1970s. The former Penn State product, whose famous "Immaculate Reception", led the Steelers to their first playoff win in franchise history. Harris was the MVP in Super Bowl IX, and is the all-time leading rusher in Super Bowl history with 354 yards in four games.

Best of the Rest: Jerome Bettis

Before Franco Harris arrived in Pittsburgh in 1972, the Steelers were a notorious loser. When he arrived, the Steelers became the team of the 1970s. The former Penn State product, whose famous "Immaculate Reception", led the Steelers to their first playoff win in franchise history. Harris was the MVP in Super Bowl IX, and is the all-time leading rusher in Super Bowl history with 354 yards in four games.

Best of the Rest: Jerome Bettis

San Diego Chargers: LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tomlinson

San Diego Chargers: LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tomlinson — In just 137 games, LaDainian Tomlinson became the fastest player to reach 150 touchdowns. Tomlinson holds the NFL single-season records for total touchdowns (31 in 2006) and rushing TDs (28, also in 2006). In 2003, he became the first player in league history to rush for 1,000 yards and have 100 receptions in the same season.

Best of the Rest: Paul Lowe

In just 137 games, LaDainian Tomlinson became the fastest player to reach 150 touchdowns. Tomlinson holds the NFL single-season records for total touchdowns (31 in 2006) and rushing TDs (28, also in 2006). In 2003, he became the first player in league history to rush for 1,000 yards and have 100 receptions in the same season.

Best of the Rest: Paul Lowe

San Francisco 49ers: Roger Craig

Roger Craig

San Francisco 49ers: Roger Craig

Roger Craig — A key member of the 49ers' dynasty of the 1980s, Roger Craig was a matchup nightmare for everyone. A versatile running back, Craig was just as effective between the tackles as he was in space. In 1985, Craig became the first back to have both 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a season. Craig was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Super Bowl champion.

Best of the Rest: Roger Craig

A key member of the 49ers' dynasty of the 1980s, Roger Craig was a matchup nightmare for everyone. A versatile running back, Craig was just as effective between the tackles as he was in space. In 1985, Craig became the first back to have both 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a season. Craig was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Super Bowl champion.

Best of the Rest: Roger Craig

Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch

Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch — Marshawn Lynch hasn’t been a Seahawk as long as some other great backs in Seattle's history, but he has accomplished the most so far. Lynch has put together four consecutive 1,000+ rushing yard seasons and has recorded 62 touchdowns. His best performances have come in the postseason, especially against the Saints in 2011.

Best of the Rest: Curt Warner

Marshawn Lynch hasn’t been a Seahawk as long as some other great backs in Seattle's history, but he has accomplished the most so far. Lynch has put together four consecutive 1,000+ rushing yard seasons and has recorded 62 touchdowns. His best performances have come in the postseason, especially against the Saints in 2011.

Best of the Rest: Curt Warner

St. Louis Rams: Marshall Faulk

Marshall Faulk

St. Louis Rams: Marshall Faulk

Marshall Faulk — Marshall Faulk retired as the 10th all-time leading rusher with 12,279 yards and 767 career receptions. In 2000, Faulk was named league MVP after gaining 2,189 yards from scrimmage, an NFL record at the time. A three-time Offensive Player of the Year, Faulk also helped the Rams win Super Bowl 34 and reach Super Bowl 36.

Best of the Rest: Eric Dickerson

Marshall Faulk retired as the 10th all-time leading rusher with 12,279 yards and 767 career receptions. In 2000, Faulk was named league MVP after gaining 2,189 yards from scrimmage, an NFL record at the time. A three-time Offensive Player of the Year, Faulk also helped the Rams win Super Bowl 34 and reach Super Bowl 36.

Best of the Rest: Eric Dickerson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Alstott

Mike Alstott Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Alstott

Mike Alstott — Mike Alstott was a battering ram who plunged into the end zone 71 times over the course of his 11-year career in Tampa Bay. During his career, Alstott ran for over 5,000 yards and helped Tampa Bay win their first Super Bowl in Super Bowl XXVII.

Best of the Rest: Warrick Dunn

Mike Alstott was a battering ram who plunged into the end zone 71 times over the course of his 11-year career in Tampa Bay. During his career, Alstott ran for over 5,000 yards and helped Tampa Bay win their first Super Bowl in Super Bowl XXVII.

Best of the Rest: Warrick Dunn

Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers: Earl Campbell

Earl Campbell

Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers: Earl Campbell

Earl Campbell — As the first player selected in the 1978 NFL Draft, Earl Campbell led the NFL in rushing in each of his first three seasons, was named NFL MVP as a rookie in 1978, and guided the Oilers to consecutive AFC Championship game appearances in 1978 and 1979. His finest year came in 1980, however, when he rushed for 1,934 yards, which at the time was second only to O.J. Simpson’s 2003 yards gained in 1973.

Best of the Rest: Eddie George

As the first player selected in the 1978 NFL Draft, Earl Campbell led the NFL in rushing in each of his first three seasons, was named NFL MVP as a rookie in 1978, and guided the Oilers to consecutive AFC Championship game appearances in 1978 and 1979. His finest year came in 1980, however, when he rushed for 1,934 yards, which at the time was second only to O.J. Simpson’s 2003 yards gained in 1973.

Best of the Rest: Eddie George

Washington Redskins: John Riggins

John Riggins

Washington Redskins: John Riggins

John Riggins — John Riggins was the ageless wonder who got better as he got older. Although he debuted in the NFL with the Jets, Riggins' legacy was built during his much longer tenure with the Redskins, which included one title and a Super Bowl MVP award. Riggins holds the record for most attempts and yards in a single postseason and his touchdown in Super Bowl XVII is still revered today.

Best of the Rest: Clinton Pprtis

John Riggins was the ageless wonder who got better as he got older. Although he debuted in the NFL with the Jets, Riggins' legacy was built during his much longer tenure with the Redskins, which included one title and a Super Bowl MVP award. Riggins holds the record for most attempts and yards in a single postseason and his touchdown in Super Bowl XVII is still revered today.

Best of the Rest: Clinton Pprtis

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