Which running back has the most fumbles in NFL history? Assessing top 5 list ft. Tony Dorestt, Walter Payton and more

Running backs are often considered one of the most important offensive players for an NFL franchise. They specialize in receiving handoffs from the quarterback and carrying the ball from the offensive backfield.

However, running backs are also prone to errors and can lose possession while trying to penetrate defenses. Here, we take a look at the five running backs who have had the most fumbles in NFL history. Interestingly, Tony Dorsett and Franco Harris are tied for the number 1 spot on the list.

#1. Tony Dorsett - 90 fumbles (joint-most in NFL)

Tony Dorsett played in the NFL for 12 years and won the Super Bowl in 1978 with the Dallas Cowboys. He has played a total of 173 games, but has also recorded the joint-most fumbles by a player in the league at 90.

The running back ended his career with 12,739 rushing yards on 2,936 carries with 79 touchdowns on the ground.

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#1. Franco Harris - 90 fumbles (joint-most in NFL)

Franco Harris played in the NFL for 13 seasons, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has won four Super Bowl titles but is also tied with Dorsett for the most fumbles in the league at 90.

Harris ended his career with 12,120 rushing yards on 2,949 attempts with 91 touchdowns on the ground. Sadly, he passed away on December 20, 2022, aged 72.

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#3. Walter Payton - 86 fumbles

Walter Payton played in the NFL for 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears. He racked up a staggering 16,726 yards and 110 touchdowns on the ground, helping the team win the Super Bowl in 1986.

However, he also had 86 fumbles across 190 games in the league.

Payton tragically passed away on November 1, 1999 after a battle with cancer.

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#4. Greg Pruitt - 83 fumbles

Greg Pruitt played in the league from 1973 to 1984 and had stints with the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Raiders. He has recorded 5,672 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns on 1,196 carries.

Pruitt not only helped the Raiders win the Super Bowl in 1984 but also recorded the fourth-most fumbles by a running back in NFL history at 83.

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#5. Eric Dickerson - 78 fumbles

Eric Dickerson played in the league for 11 seasons. He had stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons.

Dickerson earned six Pro Bowl honors during his career, but also finished fifth on the list with the most fumbles at 78.