Top 3 Greatest NFL Running Backs of All-Time
Emmitt Smith, RB, Dallas Cowboys (1990-2002) and Arizona Cardinals (2003-2004)
The Dallas Cowboys would draft running back Emmitt Smith out of the University of Florida with their 17th pick in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Emmitt Smith would go down as the best running back in the history of the Dallas Cowboys franchise. Smith would end his career with the Arizona Cardinals.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Emmitt Smith Career Stats:
- Rushing Yards: 18,355
- Receiving Yards: 3,224
- Rush TD: 164
Emmitt Smith Career Accomplishments:
- 1993 NFL MVP
- Selected to the NFL All Pro team 4 times
- Made it to the Pro Bowl 8 times
- Won 3 Super Bowl Championships
- Won rushing crown in 1991,1992,1993,1995, and led the NFL in rushing TD's 3 times
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame in 2010
Barry Sanders, RB, Detroit Lions (1989-1998)
The Detroit Lions would draft running back Barry Sanders out of Oklahoma State University with their 3rd overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. Barry Sanders would go down as the best running back to ever play for the Detroit Lions. Sanders rushed for 1,000 yards in his first 10 seasons with Detroit.
Barry Sanders Career Stats:
- Rush Yards: 15,269
- Receiving Yards: 2,921
- Rushing TD: 99
Barry Sanders Career Accomplishments:
- Sanders would be selected to the NFL All Pro Team 6 times
- He would play in the Pro Bowl 10 times
- Barry Sanders won the 1997 NFL MVP Award
- He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame in 2004
Walter Payton, RB, Chicago Bears (1975-1987)
The Chicago Bears would draft running back Walter Payton with their 4th overall pick in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft. Payton has engraved his name as one of the best running backs to wear a Chicago Bears uniform. Walter Payton single handedly changed the NFL rushing game throughout his career.
Walter Payton Career Stats:
- Rushing Yards: 16,726
- Receiving Yards: 4,538
- Rush TD: 110
Walter Payton Career Accomplishments:
- Walter Payton would be selected to 5 NFL All Pro Teams
- He would play in the Pro Bowl 9 times
- Payton would win 1 Super Bowl with the Bears
- Walter Payton was the 1977 NFL MVP
- He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame in 1993
- Walter Payton would record 21,803 combined scrimmage yards throughout his NFL Career
49ers Fans! Check out the latest San Francisco 49ers Schedule and dive into the 49ers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.