This article ranks the top NFL running backs of all-time measured by career rushing yards. Each running back’s career rushing yards, games played, rushing attempts, yards per game, and yards per carry are included with these rankings.
Most NFL statistical services, including NFL.com, only count regular season statistics when ranking running backs by career rushing yards. In this article, each player’s entire body of work is included; that is to say, all statistics include regular and post-season rushing yards. Preseason and Pro Bowl statistics are excluded.
After reading “Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards,” return to these links to read “Top_NFL_Quarterbacks_of_All_Time:_Career_Passing_Yards,” and “Top NFL Quarterbacks of All Time: Career Touchdown Passes.”
1. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Emmitt Smith
Rushing Yards: 19,941
Games: 243
Rushing Attempts: 4,758
Yards per game: 82.1
Yards per carry: 4.2
2. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Walter Payton
Rushing Yards: 17,358
Games: 199
Rushing Attempts: 4,018
Yards per game: 87.2
Yards per carry: 4.3
3. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Barry Sanders
Rushing Yards: 15,655
Games: 159
Rushing Attempts: 3,153
Yards per game: 98.5
Yards per carry: 5.0
4. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Curtis Martin
Rushing Yards: 14,896
Games: 178
Rushing Attempts: 3,700
Yards per game: .
Yards per carry: 4.0
5. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Jerome Bettis
Rushing Yards: 14,336
Games: 206
Rushing Attempts: 3,678
Yards per game: 69.6
Yards per carry: 3.9
6. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – LaDanian Tomlinson
Rushing Yards: 13,983
Games: 173
Rushing Attempts: 3,264
Yards per game: 80.8
Yards per carry: 4.3
7. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Eric Dickerson
Rushing Yards: 13,983
Games: 153
Rushing Attempts: 3,114
Yards per game: 91.4
Yards per carry: 4.5
8. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Tony Dorsett
Rushing Yards: 14,122
Games: 190
Rushing Attempts: 3,238
Yards per game: 74.3
Yards per carry: 4.4
9. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Jim Brown
Rushing Yards: 12,553
Games: 122
Rushing Attempts: 2,425
Yards per game: 102.9
Yards per carry: 5.2
10. Top NFL Running Backs of All Time: Career Rushing Yards – Marshall Faulk
Rushing Yards: 12,881
Games: 188
Rushing Attempts: 3,001
Yards per game: 68.5
Yards per carry: 4.3
Next 10: 11. Franco Harris; 12. Marcus Allen; 13. Thurman Thomas; 14. Edgerrin James; 15. John Riggins; 16. Fred Taylor; 17. Corey Dillon; 18. Warrick Dunn; 19. Ricky Watters; 20. O.J. Simpson.
Source(s):
“NFL Career Rushing Yards Leaders,” Pro-Football-Reference.com
“Players,” NFL.com