best running backs not in the hall of fame

He was a freak of nature coming out of Oklahoma and didn't disappoint at the pro level. TD. No. The Bengals' all-time leading passer, Anderson's boom under Bill Walsh's "West Coast" offense set the stage for Walsh's success with Joe Montana in San Francisco. Tre's uncle is legendary Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. However, he only spent three of those years with the . All-time Super Bowl QB rankings: Where do Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow slot in? Cook has all the talent to be No. 1 pick has boom-bust potential. He has a good shot to break the trend and make it two team titles in a row with 1,000-plus yards to boot. The Falcons won just 10 games during Jackson's two seasons in Atlanta, however, thus leading to Jackson signing with the Patriots with the hope of winning a championship. A member of theBroncos' Ring of Fame, Gradishar is credited with over 2,000 tackles during his 10-year career. Giants (2000-04); Broncos (2005); Texans (2006-07). With that in mind, we decided to rank each running back that was selected in the first round between 2000-20. Which player earns the No. Conner should be treated as more of a workhorse with Chase Edmonds now playing for the Dolphins. Join our linker program. He is also a member of the NFL's All-2000s Team. "The Assassin" was one of the hardest hitting safeties in league history. Freeman McNeil, New York Jets: 1981-1992 1 of 10 9. Tomlinson was named league MVP in 2006 after scoring an NFL-record 31 touchdowns. But yeah running backsaredevalued. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Teams:Browns (1978-93); Falcons (1994-96). Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson rushed for a playoff record 248 yards in the Los . Injuries have considerably limited Michel's impact over the past two seasons. 1 receiver when Pittsburgh defeated theCardinalsthree years later in Super Bowl XLIII. Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, is at the top of that list. The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. While he shared a backfield for most of his time in Miami, Brown still managed to averaged nearly 1,000 rushing yards per season with the Dolphins. Faulk, Tomlinson and Allen are the only full-time running backs who rank in the top 100 all-time for receptions. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. You saw the ESPN doc on him, so you can't deny this. Matthews retired with 69.5 career sacks, 27 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries. Taylor ranks 17th all-time in rushing yards (11,695), and every non-active running back above him in that list is already in the Hall. But he was one of the most productive backs of his era. A four-time Pro Bowler, Matthews spent 16 of his 19 NFL seasons with the Browns, helping Cleveland win five AFC Central division titles during the 1980s. His play helped the Dolphins make the playoffs each year from 1997-01. He was the best run-pass combo back in the league at his prime. Hart was a four-time Pro Bowler whose career really took off once Don Coryell became head coach in 1973. But his production plummeted after breaking his collarbone during the 2014 season. Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott has stated that his goal is to rush for 10,000 yards and collect a spot in the Hall of Fame. He does a little of everything well and gives them what's needed in the rushing and receiving game. (Seriously, Google it.) Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. At 28, Henry is facing an important rebound year as the massive workload from 2019 and 2020 caught up to him last season. The rushing and scrimmage yardage leader from 2021 is a few notches above the field at only 23. 2020 stats: 145 carries, 625 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 11 receptions on 14 targets,123 receiving yards, 3 total TDs. My issue is that there are several running backs who also deserve a spot in Canton, but continue to get overlooked. Take a look at some of the best photos of Aaron Rodgers from throughout the years! Hall of Famers by Position | Pro Football Hall of Fame - pfhof Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. George was one of the most physical backs ever. Marshall, who was still a starter at age 42, helped the Vikings win three NFC titles along with the NFL championship in 1969. His absence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame might be most egregious when you look at the length of his career and the impact he had on one of the greatest teams of all time. Simpson. In the Super Bowl Era. Watters was dynamic in the 1994 run to the Super Bowl title, with a touchdown in the NFC Championship and two scores in the blowout win over the San Diego Chargers. "Especially having this draft party and inviting everybody out and not knowing what's going to happen. Taylor finished with 11,695 yards, good for 17th all-time. He averaged just 3.1 yards per carry in 29 games with theColts. Although 2022 is no different with Kenyan Drake and Georgia rookie Zamir White behind him in the new Josh McDaniels' offense, his more steady than spectacular play may turn out to be the best complement for a more dangerous passing game featuring Davante Adams. Addai is currently seventh on the Colts' career rushing list. Nobis' early success earned him a place on the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1960s. "From a running back's perspective, you build chemistry out here in practice first," Tomlinson reflected. Hall is in the best position to be the rookie rushing leader in 2022, working ahead of Michael Carter. Barkley quickly became a household name after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. He is smart and. (National Football League), Before there was Kurt Warner, Curt was a pretty fair running back for the Seattle Seahawks. 10 Best Running Backs in Arizona Cardinals History Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1996-2003), Dallas Cowboys (2004). Cook just needs to come through with full health for his Age-27 season. Muncie tied the single-season record with 19 touchdowns in 1981. . He had seven seasons with at least 1,100 rushing yards. Jacobs seems to always need to deal with competition in both his steady rushing and receiving roles. Cardinals (2000-02); Buccaneers (2003); Bears (2004-06); Jets (2007-09); Chiefs (2010-11). He spent the final two season of his career shuffling between teams before returning to Clemson, where he was recently promoted to running backs coach. NFL running backs are headed for a Hall of Fame drought Maurice Jones-Drew has one thought about the Cowboys' usage of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard in Zeke's return: Keep it even-steven! His 53-yard touchdown catch during the previous year's Super Bowl helped theColtswin the franchise's first Super Bowl following their move from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Plus, an updated ranking of his top 15 running backs ahead of Week 17. The speedy Johnson earned Pro Bowl honors during his first three seasons with theTitans. Despite his team's lack of success, Nobis earned the recognition of his peers, earning five Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro nod during his first seven seasons. (AP Photo/Al Golub), The H-Bomb was one of the most prolific running backs in pro football history. A two-time NFL rushing champion, Elliott is on pace to join fellowCowboysgreats Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith in Canton, Ohio. No would be surprised if he boosted his Hall of Fame credentials with another massive campaign as the centerpiece of his team's offense. His 143 total yards helped the Colts defeat the Bears in Super Bowl XLI. Expect Penny to be threatened, however, for key touches by rookie Ken Walker. The lastSteelersrunning back taken in the first round before Najee Harris, Mendenhall won a Super Bowl as a rookie despite spending most of the season on injured reserve. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius), Brooks was a four-time Pro Bowl selection for the Cincinnati Bengals. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2023 season! Hall of Fame RB and Chargers Legend LaDainian Tomlinson on How This New The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The fifth running back selected in the first round of the 2000 draft, Canidate spent his first three NFL seasons playing behind future Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk. That season, Lewis rushed for nearly 1,400 yards while helping lead Baltimore to its first Super Bowl title. The postseason success is obviously there, helping Seattle win its first-ever Super Bowl. The 2023 NFL Draft has arrived! Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin A menacing pass rusher, Greenwood sacked Roger Staubach a record four times in the Steelers' Super Bowl X victory over theCowboys. Thomas received just 18 starts during his first four NFL seasons. During his seven full seasons in San Francisco, Willis earned Pro Bowl honors each year while also receiving five first-team All-Pro nods. . While he was never a full-time starter, Duckett helped the Falcons clinch two playoff berths over that span that included a run to the NFC title game in 2004. Harris has operated as a reliable power back for McDaniels and he will remain the early-down and red zone back of choice in New England behind some sturdy blocking, assuming he stays in New England. Some think he's prime to return to some early-career form playing off a more explosive passing game with the blocking also reset to be more in his favor. Jones is now sharing plenty with powerful A.J. A big, physical back at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Jackson ripped off eight straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2005-12. While injuries ultimately cut his career short, Perry did help the Bengals win their first AFC North title in 2005. Among those players are former offensive lineman Bob Kuechenberg, receivers Mark Duper andMark Claytonand running back Ricky Williams. After sharing a backfield for two seasons, the former Ohio State Buckeye took advantage of his elevated role in 2011. Lynch's greatest stretch was with the Seattle Seahawks. With seven seasons of 1,000 yards rushing, Watters sits 24th all-time in yards on the ground. He's this high because of talent and some hope that 2022 will be more "make" than "break" in a new offense with more explosive intentions. 2021 stats:292 carries, 1,205 rushing yards, 4.1 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 48 targets, 314 receiving yards, 16 total TDs. 2021 stats (at Iowa State):253 carries, 1,472 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 36 receptions, 302 receiving yards, 23 total TDs. 2020 stats: 134carries, 805 rushing yards, 6.0 yards per carry, 18 receptions on 24 targets, 120 receiving yards, 9 total TDs. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! And he absolutely quantifies the whole "you can't tell the story of the NFL without this player" requirement. 1 receiver when St. Louis made a return trip to theSuper Bowlin 2001. Of the 31 runners to have done it, 16 are in the Hall and two more are locks (Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore). In 1983, his final NFL season, the 36-year-old Riley recorded eight interceptions (returning two for scores) while earning his first career All-Pro selection. Williams might be the No. Hall of Fame RBs | Pro Football Hall of Fame - pfhof One of the league's best running backs during his heyday, Alexander . Of course, this list will only look at those eligible for the Hall of Fame (so Shaun Alexander, who should get in, is not included). Dillon had the size (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) and physical style similar to Eddie George. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images). A two-time Pro Bowler, McMichael had 92.5 career sacks for Chicago, second in franchise history. Although this rumor sounds too strange to be made up, lets discuss if there is any validity to this. A three-time Pro Bowler, Ingram enjoyed considerable success in New Orleans before rushing for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns for theRavensin 2019. Stewart (who was ultimately replaced in Carolina by Christian McCaffrey) spent one season with the Giants before retiring during the 2019 offseason. He was a key contributor to a powerful Colts team that won back-to-back NFL titles to close out the decade of the 1950s. 2021 stats: 119 carries, 517 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 19 receptions on 23 targets, 129 receiving yards, 6 total TDs. Shady will be remembered as one of the toughest players to tackle in the open field and one of the best at the position in his prime. If he didn't detour into the USFL, it's not hard to imagine him in Canton. 39 in league history among all pass-catchers. A key member of theBroncos' 2013 AFC championship team, Moreno rushed for over 1,000 yards that season after missing half of the 2012 campaign with a torn ACL. McCoy gets in based on sheer production. Vrabel was furious! It wouldn't be surprising if Stevenson jumps into the top-20 with an expanded role. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), Unfairly remembered for "The Fumble," which hurt the Cleveland Browns' chances for a Super Bowl bid. Did he win (or compete for) a league MVP award? His relentless work ethic -- both physically and in the film room -- allowed him to be one of the best of his era. Pro Football Reference Hall of Fame Monitor, Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. 2021 stats: 188 carries, 870 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 40 receptions on 50 targets, 228receiving yards, 8 total TDs. A valued member of Minnesota's "Purple People Eaters" defensive line, Marshall holds numerous NFL records, including the most seasons played by a defensive player (20, along with Junior Seau and Darrell Green), most consecutive games by a defensive player (282), most consecutive starts by a defensive player (270), and most career fumble recoveries (30). 2021 stats: 130 carries, 719 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 39 receptions on 46 targets, 337 receiving yards, 2 total TDs. I dont think he got bad intel because why would he lie and put his name on this? There's a bevy of top-end defensive players sitting atop the draft board Friday night. Without McDaniels, Harris' role shouldn't change much in a run-heavy attack, even if Rhamondre Stevenson cuts more into the overall backfield work. Plus, how far did Josh Jacobs climb in MJD's top 15 RB rankings after a huge performance last week? While healthy, Martin was a very good player. Jones was only the third Lions rookie for rush for over 1,000 yards after gaining 1,133 yards in 2011. A score of 100 is around the average modern-era inductee. In fact, that 1994 season kicked off a seven-season stretch in which Watters had at least 1,500 scrimmage yards per year -- the second-longest streak in NFL history. Mitchell became the 49ers' fifth leading rusher in as many seasons under Kyle Shanahan last season, taking advantage of injuries to veterans and the lacking reliability of higher drafted rookie Trey Sermon. He also led the NFL in tackles on four different occasions. Hayes won Defensive Player of the Year in 1980 while leading the NFL with 13 interceptions. Still, I think they are more likely to draft Texas Bijan Robinson if the Atlanta Falcons pass on him. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. A severe spinal injury forced Wilson to retire after just 21 games. 225), a three-star recruit who is rated the 42nd-best athlete in the nation in the . Little (1967-75) was. Derrick Henry has spent his entire NFL career out of Alabama with the Tennessee Titans, but there is a chance the future hall-of-fame bell-cow back could be dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles at some point in the 2023 NFL Draft. Pitta piled up 2,901 receiving yards on 221 receptions in his four years with the Cougars. In 2011, Brown ran for five scores while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. George had the individual production, including seven seasons with 300-plus carries and 1,000-plus rush yards, but he also helped the Tennessee Titans reach the franchise's first Super Bowl in the modern era. While Vrabel has no worries about his job security, does he even want to rebuild in Nashville? A backup in 2001, McAllister became the Saints' starting running back after the team traded Ricky Williams in 2002. He gained over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns during his first two seasons in Carolina. The league's leading receiver on two separate occasions, Holt was the Rams' No. He'll have to wait his turn, but should get a gold jacket one day. Taylor has been eligible for seven years now. Championship Rings: 1. A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Johnson is 11th all-time in receptions and receiving yards. (AP Photo/Al Golub), Do yourself a favor and Google this guy. Jackson is 18th on the NFL's career rushing list, just ahead of Hall of Fame running backs John Riggins and O.J. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. As we remember Chuck Muncie, it's pertinent to reflect on the greatest running backs in NFL history who are not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With respect to Tom Jackson and Rod Smith, Gradishar remains the greatest Bronco who is still waiting for his place in Canton. With some help from Michael Thomas and others to take pressure off him in the passing game again, he should see some familiar favorable running lanes. He may have four more good years left, or he may only have one. "Yeah, it was extremely frustrating," Harris said of watching nearly two dozen players get selected before him, via DKPittsburghSports. While I have you: Put Coryell in the Hall of . Tasker's play set up the game's first touchdown. At age 36, the future Hall of Famer is hoping to land on a Super Bowl contender for the 2021 season. Gurley's production has decreased on recent seasons, however, as he is currently a free agent after averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry in Atlanta. Can Akers pick up his promise as a rookie following a season mostly lost to suffering a torn Achilles' last summer? It finally came, thanks to durability and a top-flight passing game with Joe Burrow that opened things up for him to put it all together. Injuries, however, would limited him to fewer than 700 yards over his remaining three years in Detroit. Top 10 Running Backs of All Time | Pro-Football-Reference.com Ideal size? With Chicago also turning to a Green Bay-like rushing attack for more explosiveness, Montgomery's precarious lead role will be challenged by second-year man Khalil Herbert. (AP Photo/Beth Keiser). He then resurfaced in Arizona, where he was theCardinals' leading rusher before an injury prematurely ended his 2015 season. 26-50 6. For whatever the reason, there are numerous deserving players who are still hoping to earn a spot in football immortality. Ultimately, the Eagles fit for Henry is not as perfect as we initially thought. Marshall Faulk <br>1994-2005 Franco Harris Franco Harris<br>1972-1984 Frank Gifford Frank Gifford<br>1952-1960, 1962-64 Gale Sayers Gale Sayers<br>1965-1971 Hugh McElhenny Hugh McElhenny<br>1952-1964 Jim Brown Jim Brown<br>1957-1965 Jim Taylor Jim Taylor<br>1958-1967 Joe Perry Joe Perry<br>1948-1963 John Henry Johnson He also could handle a bigger role in the passing game if needed, which might be the case if the team moves Kareem Hunt. But to hear greats like Barry Sanders tell it, Dupree might have been the best running back to come out of Oklahoma. 2021 stats:258 carries, 1,037 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 52 targets, 294 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. Anderson was a true stud in every sense of the word. While he would never come close to duplicating his success of 2002, Bennett still managed to carve out a 10-year career. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. His best season came with the Eagles in 2013, when he led the league in attempts (314), rush yards (1,607), rush yards per game (100.4), touches (366) and scrimmage yards (2,164). 1 on this list and he should be headed to his biggest all-around season yet with his expanded role in a Kevin O'Connell offensive scheme tailored to his rushing and receiving strengths. Perhaps he was overlooked, since he played games in Jacksonville. Since 1980, there have been 19 Modern-Era Running Backs honored by the Hall of Fame, with an average Legends Score of 41. Smith's extreme competitiveness more than made up for his 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame. A former fifth-round pick, Thomas was one of the NFL's most productive players during his dozen seasons in Miami. All rights reserved. Running Backs (Not) in the Hall of Fame When you think of the best running backs in NFL history, names like Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith, and Walter Payton come to mind. Injuries to Holmes opened the door for Johnson, who rushed for over 3,500 yards and 37 touchdowns during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Tomlinson is tied for 80th with 626 catches and Allen is 100th with 587. But for my money, I'd rather celebrate a guy who had a huge impact and was the best at his position instead of a guy who was all right for a number of years (looking at you, Bettis). Jackson is 18th on the NFL's career rushing list, just ahead of Hall of Fame running backs John Riggins and O.J. Ultimately, Green's inconsistency (he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry for his career) and off-field issues led to him being out of the NFL after just four seasons. But again, his USFL career takes away from his Pro Football Hall of Fame credentials. 2021 stats:228 carries, 1,259 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 20 receptions on 25 targets, 174 receiving yards, 9 total TDs. The player Riley is often compared to isCharles Woodson, who will receive a gold jacket this summer. One of two former Auburn running backs selected in the first round, Williams won Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for nearly 1,200 yards. One of best players on the Bears' vaunted 46 defense, McMichael earned his first of two first-team All-Pro honors in 1985 while helping Chicago capture its only Lombardi Trophy. Rams (2004-12); Falcons (2013-14); Patriots (2015). Listen below and follow the Pick Six podcast for a daily dose of everything you need to follow pro football. Many deserving players have been passed over because they played for a small market team; other players were overshadowed by more celebrated teammates. Bush enjoyed more success after leaving New Orleans. He should be in for a big Year 2 to put an offense in transition on his back. Look, all 15 finalists are absolutely deserving of the honor. Etienne's promising rookie season was wiped out before it began because of a torn ACL. McGahee is 41st all time on the career rushing list, an incredible achievement considering the significance of his 2003 knee injury. He returned to put together consecutive 1,000-yard seasons that included a 1,273-yard, 13 touchdown campaign in 2010.

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