Every NFL team’s finest running back

Introduction:

In the rich tapestry of the National Football League (NFL), running backs have always been the heartbeat of many teams. These dynamic athletes combine speed, agility, and power to leave defenders in their wake and carve their names into the annals of football history. As we delve into the archives, let’s celebrate the finest running back from each NFL team – those whose remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport.

AFC East:

1. Buffalo Bills – Thurman Thomas (1988-1999):
   • A key figure in the Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
   • Over 12,000 rushing yards and 88 touchdowns.
   • Five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods.
2. Miami Dolphins – Larry Csonka (1968-1974, 1979):
   • A bruising runner and cornerstone of the Dolphins’ 1972 perfect season.
   • Three Pro Bowl selections and two-time Super Bowl champion.
   • Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
3. New England Patriots – Curtis Martin (1995-1997):
   • Began his career with the Patriots before moving to the Jets.
   • Three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in New England.
   • Eclipsed 14,000 career rushing yards and enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2012.
4. New York Jets – LaDainian Tomlinson (2010-2011):
   • Though known for his Chargers tenure, Tomlinson left a lasting impact in New York.
   • Over 1,000 rushing yards and 52 receptions in his first season with the Jets.
   • A future Hall of Famer with a prolific career.

AFC North:

5. Baltimore Ravens – Ray Rice (2008-2013):
   • Integral to the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory.
   • Three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections.
   • Over 9,200 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns in his career.
6. Cincinnati Bengals – Corey Dillon (1997-2003):
   • Held the single-game rushing record (278 yards) until 2003.
   • Four 1,000-yard seasons with the Bengals.
   • A powerful runner with a lasting impact on the franchise.
7. Cleveland Browns – Jim Brown (1957-1965):
   • Widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
   • Eight-time rushing champion and three MVP awards.
   • Hall of Fame inductee in 1971.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers – Franco Harris (1972-1983):
   • Instrumental in the Steelers’ four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s.
   • Over 12,000 career rushing yards and 100 touchdowns.
   • Hall of Fame inductee in 1990.

AFC South:

9. Houston Texans – Arian Foster (2009-2015):
   • The Texans’ all-time leading rusher with over 6,500 yards.
   • Three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections.
   • Known for his vision and patience as a runner.
10. Indianapolis Colts – Edgerrin James (1999-2005):

• A key component of the Colts’ offensive juggernaut alongside Peyton Manning.
• Four Pro Bowls and two rushing titles.
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars – Fred Taylor (1998-2008):

• The franchise’s all-time leading rusher with over 11,000 yards.
• One of only 21 players to rush for over 10,000 yards in a career.
• Three Pro Bowl selections.

12. Tennessee Titans – Eddie George (1996-2003):

• A dominant force for the Titans, earning four Pro Bowl selections.
• Over 10,000 career rushing yards and 78 touchdowns.
• A key figure in the team’s run to Super Bowl XXXIV.

AFC West:

13. Denver Broncos – Terrell Davis (1995-2001):

• A two-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP.
• League MVP in 1998 with over 2,000 rushing yards.
• Seven playoff games with over 100 yards rushing.

14. Kansas City Chiefs – Priest Holmes (2001-2007):

• Set the single-season touchdown record with 27 in 2003.
• Three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections.
• Instrumental in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.

15. Las Vegas Raiders – Marcus Allen (1982-1992):

• A dual-threat back with over 12,000 rushing and 5,400 receiving yards.
• Super Bowl XVIII MVP with 191 total yards and two touchdowns.
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.

16. Los Angeles Chargers – LaDainian Tomlinson (2001-2009):

• The franchise’s all-time leading rusher with over 12,000 yards.
• League MVP in 2006 with 28 total touchdowns.
• Five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections.

Conclusion:

As we celebrate the finest running back from each NFL team, it’s clear that these athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport. Whether through sheer power, blazing speed, or a combination of both, these running backs have captured the hearts of fans and etched their names into the history books. As the NFL continues to evolve, it’s worth reflecting on the legacies of these rushing legends who have shaped the game we love.