by Mike Higgins

Created on: August 19, 2010   Last Updated: September 21, 2010

LaDainian Tomlinson has had one of the most prolific careers of our time for a running back in the National Football League. Very few players of this generation can compare with his rare combination of power, speed and agility. He holds a great number of prestigious all-time records such as most touchdowns scored in a single season and most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown. No one can argue that LaDainian Tomlinson has been one of the best running backs in the NFL over the years. However, all that being said, LT is simply not the best running back of all time.

When someone compiles of list of "All-time Greats", it is imperative to look at the past and revel in the glory of the once unbreakable records. We marvel at the size of padding and protection worn by players, while wondering how they suffered fewer injuries. Most importantly, we look for qualities in those men that would make them great today, and conversely compare the superstars of today to those of yesteryear. Traits such as speed, quickness, power, strength, endurance and agility all come to mind. When looking for the greatest running backs of all-time, you search for the men who best exemplified these traits and the effect that it had on the rest of the game.  Based on these qualifications, the case can be made for three men, none of whom are LaDainian Tomlinson:  Walter Payton, Jim Brown and Barry Sanders .

Walter Payton was, until quite recently, the NFL's all-time leading rusher.  He finished his career with seven All-Pro Selections and an astounding nine Pro-Bowl selections, as well as being the NFL's all-time leader in combined net yards from scrimmage. Walter Payton brought to the table everything that defines a great running back. Most importantly, he played at a higher level than most for much longer than most. A crowning achievement in a single game for a running back is breaking the 100-yard rushing mark. Walter Payton accomplished this feat seventy-seven times, a record only broken by Emmit Smith who would later surpass it with seventy-eight. Walter Payton however remained dominant for his entire career, and all the while missed one game: his rookie season when he was held out due to an ankle injury, but could have played if needed.

Jim Brown changed the game of football. His power forced defenses to clog the middle of the field with defenders hoping to bring him down, while his speed burst him outside to the forefront of NFL record books as one of the leading

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