5 of 11

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

in the open field. Though his career was cut tragically short by injury, Sayers nevertheless left his mark on NFL record books. As a rookie for the Chicago Bears in 1965, Sayers lead the league in scoring with an NFL record 22 touchdowns. A threat to score by run, reception or return any time he touched the ball, Gale had two games of over 300 total yards, and holds the NFL career mark for kickoff return average. Sayers also tied an NFL record when he scored six touchdowns in a game against the 49ers in 1965.

1970's:

O.J. Simpson (1969-1979): He is infamous now, courtesy of an alleged double homicide and other run-ins with the laws, but during the 70's few players were as electrifying to watch as O.J. Simpson. Breaker of Jim Brown's single season rushing record, and the first player to compile over 2,000 yards rushing in a single season when he rushed for 2,003 yards in 1973, this former Heisman Trophy winner was the heart and soul of a rather mediocre Buffalo's Bill's team. Simpson added AFC rushing titles in 1972, 73, 75, and 76, and finished his career with 11,236 yards rushing, second only to Jim Brown at the time he retired.

Walter Payton (1975-1987): If class was a category for evaluating the greatest NFL runners of all time, Walter Payton would win the award hands down. The player known as "Sweetness" was a one of a kind classy runner whose durability and off field preparation for the game where without equal. On the field he was as prolific a runner as they come, rushing for 16,726 yards and scoring 110 touchdowns during his storied career. Payton went on to win five straight NFC rushing titles between 1976 -1980.

Larry Csonka (1968-1979) and Earl Campbell (1978-1985): Undoubtedly two of the greatest power runner in NFL history, Csonka and Campbell both left their mark on the decade with tough hard nose running between the tackles. In the early part of the decade, Csonka carried the Miami Dolphins to three straight Super Bowl appearances, gaining over 100 yards rushing in each of Miami's Super Bowl wins (1972, 1973). Like Csonka, Campbell was a load to bring down, running over and through people in a career which saw the Texas born runner win four straight rushing titles from 1978-1981. During that four year span of time, the prolific Campbell ran for over 6,000 yards.

1980's:

Eric Dickerson (1983-1993): Eric Dickerson never seems to get his due when great backs are mention, but few backs enjoyed the success that Dickerson had during the early parts of his

• << previous page
• 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!