Ten Best Running Backs of All Time in NFL

#5 Earl Campbell

Earl Campbell was drafted by the Houston Oilers with a first overall pick in the 1978 draft

There are backs who make defenses miss and there are backs who defenses 'want' to miss. Earl Campbell fell in the latter category because of his bruising and hard-hitting style of running which usually left many defensive players grimacing in pain.

Alumni of the University of Texas, Campbell won the Heisman trophy in 1977 and was drafted by the Houston Oilers with first overall pick in the 1978 draft.

Campbell's rookie campaign was worthy of the first overall pick, as he rushed for 1,450 yards with 13 TD's and led the league in total rushing yards. He was selected as the NFL offensive rookie of the year for his blistering performance.

He again led the league in rushing yards with 1,697 yards while also leading the league in rushing TD's with 18 during the 1979 season. He elected the NFL MVP award for his dominating performances.

Again in the 1980 season, Campbell led the league in total rushing yard for the 3rd consecutive time with 1,934 yards while also leading the league in total rushing TD's for the second time in a row with 13.

Campbell rushed for 1300+ yards in two of his last three seasons along with 10 and 12 TD's respectively.

He eventually finished with 9,407 rushing yards and 74 TD's. He was inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.