4 of 12

Write now Article Tools

Running Backs at the professional level are remembered as much for their styles as they are for their statistics. The greatest running backs of all time had a variety of distinctive styles that set them about from both their contemporaries and other running backs through history.

The great Jim Brown of Cleveland is widely regarded as the standard for all running backs past, present and future. At 6'2" and 228lbs with a 32" waist Brown looked like a Greek god and ran a football much better than Achilles threw a spear. The perfect combination of both size, speed and strength, Brown accumulated records that stood for decades. The most amazing stats are that he accomplished his feats in just nine 12 and 14 game seasons and that he never missed a game. To this day he still holds the highest career average at 5.2 yards per carry.

The often overlooked Gayle Sayers of the Chicago Bears had a career cut short by severe knee injuries but for five to six years he was one of the most electrifying runners in NFL history. His feet barely cleared the ground as he ran, in fact, he looked more like he was skating than running. His long strides and ability to change direction on a dime were his trademarks.

For pure brute power you could do no better than Miami's Larry Csonka or Houston's Earl Campbell. Both featured punitive, straight ahead power; they punished anyone who got in their way. Campbell added the extra dimension of breakaway speed.

The ability to make something out of nothing was the hallmark trait of two contemporaries, Barry Sanders of Detroit and Walter Payton of Chicago. Both runners were blessed with incredible burst of speed coupled with moves on the field that had to be seen to be believed. Every run was a potential Sport center highlight. Payton added the dimension of a power lifter's strength that belied his small stature.

For sheer guts, the added quality of perseverance and the refusal to give in to any obstacles, the one running back you think of is Emmett Smith of Dallas. Blessed with talent to be sure, Smith will most be remembered for an almost mythical ability to play through pain and excel under the most trying conditions. These traits lead him to the summit of the NFL all time record book.

There have been many great running backs to play at the professional level but these not only played at the highest levels of achievement but displayed unique styles that have made them legendary in the annals of professional football.

Learn more about this author, George Krebs.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

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