
The NFL has seen its share of talented running backs, but explosiveness is what sets the greatest apart. This rare quality has made a lasting impact on the game. Among the many skilled players like Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, and Curtis Martin, here are 10 of the most memorable NFL running backs whose on-field achievements and enduring influence have made them stand out.
Jim Brown (Cleveland Browns)

Often considered the greatest running back of all time, Brown’s combination of power, speed, and vision was unmatched. He holds numerous franchise records, including a career rushing yards of 12,312 and 126 touchdowns. His dominance led the Browns to multiple championships.
Walter Payton (Chicago Bears)

Nicknamed “Sweetness” by his friends and family due to his kind and gentle nature off the field, Payton was a durable workhorse with an incredible heart. He shattered rushing records and became a beloved figure both on and off the field. In 1999, the NFL renamed the Man of the Year award in his honor to recognize players who excel both on and off the field.
Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions)

Barry Sanders, drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 3rd overall pick in the NFL 1989 Draft, was a pure artist with exceptional elusiveness and balance. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1988 while playing for Oklahoma State University, beating out Rodney Peete and Thurman Thomas. He was a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro four times.
Emmitt Smith (Dallas Cowboys)

This player played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002, driving the team’s three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. In 2019, Emmitt Smith was included in the NFL’s 100 Greatest Players list. He also wrote an autobiography, “E-Force,” and worked as an NFL analyst. The Cowboys retired his jersey number (22) in 2005, cementing his legacy.
LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers)

A versatile back with incredible speed and power, Tomlinson was a touchdown machine. He was an exceptional receiver, with 3,955 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches in his Chargers career. Tomlinson was selected to five Pro Bowls (2002, 2004-2007) and named a First-Team All-Pro thrice (2006-2008).
Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)

It has been the hallmark of Peterson’s career to consistently exceed all expectations with his superhuman strength and explosive running. His 2012 MVP season, coming off a devastating knee injury, is one of the most remarkable individual performances in sports. Peterson ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the 2007 NFL Combine, impressive for a running back. He led the league in rushing in 2008, 2009, and 2012.
Marshall Faulk (St. Louis Rams)

A complete back who excelled as a runner, receiver, and blocker, Faulk was a key component of the “Greatest Show on Turf.” His versatility made him a nightmare for defenses. He was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2000, leading the Rams to the Super Bowl XXXIV title. Faulk was selected to seven Pro Bowls (1994-2000, 2002) and named a First-Team All-Pro thrice.
Todd Gurley (Los Angeles Rams)

Gurley became a Ram after being selected tenth overall in 2015. In 2018, Gurley signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams, concreting his place as one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL at the time. He rushed for 1,106 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.
Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys)

A former Ohio State Buckeye, Elliott won the 2014 National Championship and was named an All-American. The Dallas Cowboys selected Elliott with the 4th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He had a remarkable rookie season, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 2016.
Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans)

Henry was a standout player in high school, winning the Mr. Football Award in Alabama and setting state records for rushing yards and touchdowns. The Titans selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 45th overall pick. Henry is known by several nicknames, including “King Henry” and “The Mayor of Yulee” (his hometown in Florida).