The 20 Greatest Running Backs in NFL History

Where does Adrian Peterson rank among the all-time greats?

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Despite today's NFL game being all about QB's throwing for thousands of yards and rushing attacks usually being a committee affair, the running back position has had some all time great athletes. The latest example being the Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson winning MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors over Peyton Manning. The running back is one of those positions everybody's just not made for. You take a ton of hits, you rarely get the love a QB does, and you're asked to be arguably be the most versatile man on the field without most fans noticing it.

In light of Peterson's amazing season, we've put together a list of the 20 best gridiron warriors at the RB slot. We've got Emmitt with his crazy longevity, we've got Barry and his ungodly dancing in the backfield, and we've got AD and his recent run of dominance. These are all the guys who defenses pissed their pants about the night before the game. Lets get it, here are The 20 Greatest Running Backs in NFL History.

20. Edgerrin James

Not Available Interstitial

19. John Riggins

Not Available Interstitial

18. Jerome Bettis

Not Available Interstitial

17. Franco Harris

Not Available Interstitial

16. Thurman Thomas

Not Available Interstitial

15. Terrell Davis

Not Available Interstitial

14. Tony Dorsett

Not Available Interstitial

13. Curtis Martin

Not Available Interstitial

12. Marcus Allen

Not Available Interstitial

11. Earl Campbell

Not Available Interstitial

9. Adrian Peterson

Not Available Interstitial

10. Gale Sayers

Not Available Interstitial

8. O.J. Simpson

Not Available Interstitial

7. Marshall Faulk

Not Available Interstitial

6. Eric Dickerson

Not Available Interstitial

5. LaDainian Tomlinson

Not Available Interstitial

4. Emmitt Smith

Not Available Interstitial

3. Walter Payton

Not Available Interstitial

2. Barry Sanders

Not Available Interstitial

1. Jim Brown

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Sports