10. LaDainian Tomlinson: Often referred to by his initials, L. T. He played a 11-year career with the majority of that time spent with the San Diego Chargers and later the New York Jets. Some records held include NFL record most combined touchdowns scored in one season (31), NFL record 18 straight games with a touchdown ,and Most Rushing Touchdowns in Season. Also a 2x NFL rushing leader and the 2006 league MVP. He ended his career with over 13,000 yards rushing. He is arguably the greatest dual threat running back of all time(Rushing and Receiving).
9. Marcus Allen: The 1981 Heisman Trophy winner from USC. Marcus Allen played a 16 year career, in which he spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Raiders and later the Kansas City Chiefs. Some of Marcus Allen's accolades include Super Bowl champion (XVIII), Super Bowl MVP (XVIII) (1983), and NFL MVP (1985). He is also the first running back to surpass 10,000 yards rushing and over 5,000 yards receiving. Marcus Allen ended his career with over 12,000 rushing yards. Marcus Allen's career is an example of longevity and hard work and will be remembers as one of the best short yardage running backs of All Time.
8. Marshall Faulk: A 3x All-American coming out of San Diego State University. He played a 12 season career in which he played for both the Indianapolis Colts and St Louis Rams. Marshall time with the Rams, also known as"The Greatest Show on Turf", was his most memorable years. Some of Mr. Faulk accolades include 2x NFl MVP, Super Bowl champion (XXXIV), and Pro Bowl MVP. Marshall Faulk is the only one to amass 12,000 yards rushing and 6,000 yards receiving in a career. Marshall Faulk will go down in history as the running back on arguably the best offense to ever be assembled.
7. Tony Dorsett: Heisman Trophy winner out of Pittsburgh University. Dorsett played for 12 season with the majority of that with the Dallas Cowboys and 1 year with the Denver Broncos. Some of Dorsett's accolades include Super Bowl Champion (XII) and 1977 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is the first of only two players in history who has won the Heisman Trophy, won the Super Bowl, and won the College National Championship. Dorsett is known for his record holding 99 yard rushing TD during a Monday Night Football game in Minnesota.
6. Earl Campbell: Often called The Tyler Rose, Mr. Campbell is a Heisman Trophy winner out Texas University. Earl Campbell had the rare ability to run over defenders as well as run past them. Earl Campbell played for 9 season, most in the Houston Oilers and later the New Orleans Saints. Some of Mr. Campbell's accolades include 3x NFL MVP, 3x Offensive Player of the Year, and 3x NFL Rushing champion (1978, 1979, 1980). Campbell is widely acknowledged as one of the best power backs in NFL history.
5. Eric Dickerson: An All-American coming out of Southern Methodist University. Mr. Dickerson played for 11 seasons with the majority with the Los Angeles Rams and later the Colts, Raiders, and Falcons. Eric Dickerson holds the NFL Record for Rushing Yards in a Single Season with 2,105. Other accolades include 4x NFL Rushing champion (1983, 1984, 1986, 1988) and 1983 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
4. Orenthal James Simpson: Also know as O.J. or "The Juice" is a Heisman Trophy winner from USC. Once the poster boy of the NFL starring in commercial and later cameo in several movies. On the field O.J. Simpson was one of the best to ever put on a pair of cleats. Some of Simpson's accolades include 4x NFL Rushing champion (1972, 1973, 1975, 1976), Pro Bowl MVP, NFL MVP, and NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He stands alone as the only player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a 14-game season. He also holds the record for the single season yards-per-game average, which stands at 143.1 ypg.
3. Walter Payton: Nicknamed "Sweetness" was one of the most Iconic NFL players of All Time. An All-American out of Jackson State University. Mr. Payton career lasted 13 season all playing for the Chicago Bears. Walter Payton once held the league's record for most career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmage, and all-purpose yards. He is also a 3x NFL MVP and Super Bowl XX champion. He ended his career with 16,726 which was the NFL record until it was broken by Emmit Smith.
2. Barry Sanders: Arguably the most elusive running back of All Time. Hesiman Trophy winner from Oklahoma State University. Mr. Sanders played for 9 seasons all with the Detroit Lions. Some of his accolades include 2x NFL MVP, 4x NFL Rushing Champion, 2x Offensive Player of the Year, 1989 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Barry Sanders holds the record for most consecutive 100-yard games
and NFL record most 1,500-yard seasons. Even with his short career he was able to rush for over 15,000 yards.
1. Emmit Smith: An All-American from the University of Florida. Not the fastest or biggest running back but he has the heart of a champion and it reflect on his outstanding NFL career.Mr. Smith played 15 season most with the Dallas Cowboys and later the Arizona Cardinals. Smith is the only running back to ever win a Super Bowl championship, the NFL Most Valuable Player award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award all in the same season. Emmit Smith and Jerry Rice are the only two non-kickers to score over 1000 points in a career. He also holds the following records NFL record: career rushing yards (18,355), NFL record: career rushing touchdowns (164), and NFL record: career 100-yard rushing games (78).
Thanks for checking out my Top 10. I know that true NFL fans would wonder where Jim Brown is on this list. Jim Brown was a great Running Back but I feel if you place anyone on this list during his era they would accumulate similar if not surpass his stats. Another player would be Franco Harris also a great Running Back with over 12,000 career rushing yards and 4x Superbowl champ. Harris is great just not in my Top 10. There are several other honorable mentions that did not reach my Top 10 like Terrell Davis,Gale Sayers, and Adrian Peterson.
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