Biggest running backs

The running back position is shifting in today's era of football, but NFL history features an impressive group of biggest running backs ball-carriers. Up until the mids, a standout in the backfield could be an overwhelming difference-maker. A few modern players have become stars, too.

Take a look at how they stack up. Chicago Cardinals, ; L. Rams, ; Detroit Lions, ; Philadelphia Eagles, » Voted to six Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro seven times » Traded in for nine players » 12, career all-purpose yards second only to Jim Brown when he retired » 5, career rushing yards, 40 career rushing touchdowns, 23 career receiving touchdowns » Enshrined in Pro Football Hall of Fame. New England Patriots, ; N. Indianapolis Colts, ; St. Rams, ; Indianapolis Colts , ; L. San Diego Chargers, ; N.

Biggest running backs

Inspired by a recent visit by Browns running back and "Madden" cover boy Peyton Hillis, here is a look at some of the most bruising running backs in NFL history. Thank you to Farjad Carmona, who sent this one to me via Twitter. Younger is such an obvious choice because his name is Tank and he played in the Bull Elephant backfield with the Los Angeles Rams. Younger started his career as a tackle, but was quickly made into a defensive back by his college coach - Grambling's Eddie Robinson. Younger is the sixth leading rusher in Los Angeles Rams history. William Perry became a national sensation when Mike Ditka inserted him into the Bears' backfield during the s. People loved seeing the big man plowing through the defensive line. Well, everybody except for my dad, who continues to curse the name of Ditka for getting Perry a touchdown in Super Bowl XX and not giving the ball to Walter Payton - the man who carried the Bears during their lean years. With a nickname like the "Bus," how could Bettis not be on this list. Bettis, an admitted bowling enthusiast, became an instant favorite of Los Angeles Rams fans in thanks to a running style that resembled that of a bowling ball rolling down the field. Bettis also topped 1, rushing yards the next season. Funny, I am not sure what happened to him after that. Means was a key member on the Chargers' AFC title run in , when he rushed for 1, yards and 12 touchdowns.

New Jersey Devils. Alan Ameche played from until with the Baltimore Colts and really knew how to pick up positive yards by lowering biggest running backs shoulder. Aaron Rodgers can play to 45 - just like Tom Brady, claims 'confident' Jets teammate.

The power running back is a dying breed in football. With teams shifting more to the passing game, these old-school running backs are becoming obsolete. The days of Jim Brown or John Riggins getting 40 carries a game are gone. In the early days of the league, teams rarely threw the ball so they would feed multiple backs in order to gain yardage. These power backs were known as between-the-tackles runners who excelled at getting tough, gritty yards. Speed for them was a luxury.

Five running backs are among the players ranked between Nos. Hall exploded onto the scene as a rookie, helping the Jets to a start as he averaged 5. In just seven games, he displayed elite explosiveness and the skill set to become a star in this league. It felt like he was on his way to claiming the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which his teammate Garrett Wilson ultimately won. If that knee is healthy, Hall should enjoy a big sophomore season on a talented Jets team. Etienne strung together an impressive sophomore campaign -- amassing 1, scrimmage yards, including 1, on the ground -- after missing his entire rookie season with a foot injury. One of the league's most explosive runners in , he excelled in Doug Pederson's offense, prompting a midseason trade of onetime starter James Robinson.

Biggest running backs

The power running back is a dying breed in football. With teams shifting more to the passing game, these old-school running backs are becoming obsolete. The days of Jim Brown or John Riggins getting 40 carries a game are gone. In the early days of the league, teams rarely threw the ball so they would feed multiple backs in order to gain yardage. These power backs were known as between-the-tackles runners who excelled at getting tough, gritty yards. Speed for them was a luxury. These are the best to ever do it. Brooklyn native John Brockington shot to fame as one of the "Super Sophomores" who led Ohio State to a national championship in and finished his college career with a record playing for legendary head coach Woody Hayes. Vonta Leach played 10 seasons in the NFL and never cracked 1, total yards of offense for his career, but he still found his way to three All-Pro selections, three Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. The reason Leach was so valued on a football field was the sheer punishment he doled out in the blocking game.

Roxana diaz xxx

At the start of his career, Dickerson was a lock to become the greatest running back in NFL history. Unfortunately, frustration with Detroit's inability to build a contender led Sanders to retire after 10 seasons. USL One. Ben Arthur : Many NFL observers thought Derrick Henry would start to fall off the cliff last season, coming off a campaign in which he missed nine games with a Jones fracture in his right foot. North Queensland Cowboys. Riggins played from all the way until , as he spent nine seasons with the Washington Redskins and five seasons with the New York Jets. Euro Cup. He's a movable weight. Nick Wright. Dave Wannstedt. There may have been no better combination of size, speed and power than Vincent "Bo" Jackson. Like several other running backs on this Top 10 list, Sanders was limited by his team and never reached a Super Bowl. Walter Payton is someone who you did not want to mess with on the football field—he knew had to make opposing tackles hurt.

Build your own custom leaderboards with Stathead Football. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction?

Euro Qual. One play in particular sticks out, and that was against the Patriots when Barber looked like he was going to get stuffed behind the line of scrimmage. USL Two. Kelly Smith. Greg Auman. Scottish Sun. Columbus Blue Jackets. Kyndra De St. Greek Cup. Walter Payton is someone who you did not want to mess with on the football field—he knew had to make opposing tackles hurt. Most of the best running backs in NFL history played multiple decades ago. Jake Mintz. Regardless, running backs remain important — and the position is actually quite deep. But when healthy, he was special.