6 of 12

Write now Article Tools

Over the years the game of football has changed, changed enough to render the measurement of greatness by mere statistical achievement alone rather meaningless. So to compile a list of the greatest NFL running backs of all time one has to sort through different eras of the game, look past the expansion of the league, the merger with the AFL, the addition of games to the schedule, and the evolution of a championship game into a hyped-up Super Bowl as well. Add to those factors a preference for style and you end up with a complex equation to be solved, as well as a debate for the ages. Having said that, one is left with a list that is best broken up by era.

1930's -1940's:

Red Grange (1925-1934): Red Grange, the fabled "Galloping Ghost," should be high on anyone's list. The modern day player probably owes a great debt to this former University of Illinois great, for it was Grange's signing with the Chicago Bears, and subsequent barnstorming tour that brought the NFL into the mainstream. Recognizing the impact that Grange would have on the game, legendary Bear's owner/coach George Halas offered him half of the gate receipts for the tour, which amounted to over $100,000. The amount was unheard in an era where most players were lucky to receive $100/game. Few players transcended the game the way Red Grange did, prompting sportswriter Grantland Rice to immortalize Grange in poetic fashion.
A streak of fire, a breath of flame
Eluding all who reach and clutch;
A gray ghost thrown into the game
That rival hands may never touch;
A rubber bounding, blasting soul
Whose destination is the goal Red Grange of Illinois!

1950's -1960's:

Jim Brown (1957-1965): Jim Brown was the prototypical running back of the modern era. So great where Brown's achievements on the football field that noted Sportswriter Bert Sugar gave Brown the #1 spot in his book "The Greatest Athletes of All Time." Blessed with a rare combination of speed and power, Brown amassed 12,312 yards in a career that spanned only nine years. When he left the NFL for Hollywood at the age of 29, Brown held virtually all NFL single season and career rushing records, doing so in an era that did not have a 16 game schedule. Among the awards he received are three NFL MVPs, 3 Pro Bowl game MVP's and Pro Bowl selection during all nine years he played. Brown also won NFL rushing titles in 8 out of his 9 years in the league.

Gale Sayers (1965-1971): Nickname the "Kansas Comet," few players could keep up with the lightning quick Gale Sayers

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Greatest NFL running backs of all time?
We want to hear your view. Write now!