In 2009, Johnson became the sixth member of the NFL's 2,000-yard club after rushing for a league-high 2,006 yards. 2023 NFL Draft: Who is the CAN'T-MISS prospect? His success that season helped the Seahawks advance to their first Super Bowl. He earned Pro Bowl honors again in 1972 at the age of 30. Five quarterbacks, five offensive linemen, four receivers, one tight end, and eight defensive players were selected before Harris, the first running back taken in the draft. An integral member of the 2007 Patriots team that started 18-0, Maroney rushed for 122 yards in the Patriots' postseason wins over the Jaguars and Chargers. When Barry Sanders arrived in Detroit, then-coach Wayne Fontes wanted him to wear No. (Seriously, Google it.) The 10,000-yard plateau is a good one to cross for that gold jacket. Nobody considers him the best of his generation. He needs a jolt in the passing game with more durability in the running game to re-establish himself as a lead, stat. Top 10 Running Backs Not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli), Andrews went to four consecutive Pro Bowls for the Atlanta Falcons from 1980-83. The production and potential says to meet those outcomes somewhere in the middle, with lean toward the positive. All of these men are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but there are many talented running backs that are not enshrined in Canton for some reason. He doesn't offer much as a receiver but he gets the yards that are there with good burst. But, a bronze Canton bust is far from a certainty, so let's look at the best backs not in the Hall. The fourth-year running back was traded today to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for draft picks. Check out some of the best photos from the 2023 NFL Draft! Did the player and his team have postseason success. It's safe to assume that the longtime Houston Texans standout will eventually be enshrined in Canton. (AP Photo/Joe Giron), Perkins was one of the first offensive superstars of the Dallas Cowboys. When you look at the 30 running backs with 10,000 or more rushing yards, Gore doesn't even stand out among the nonmembers of the Hall of Fame. Do you have a sports website? First, he's missed 10 games in his first two seasons. 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. Owner of the greatest single rushing season in Penn State history, Johnson began his career as Priest Holmes' backup in Kansas City. A big, physical back at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Jackson ripped off eight straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2005-12. With that in mind, we decided to put together a list of the 20 best NFL players who are not in the Hall of Fame. Williams can be a reliable supporting cog for Russell Wilson in every capacity, taking the Jones role in the Packers-like system. During his seven full seasons in San Francisco, Willis earned Pro Bowl honors each year while also receiving five first-team All-Pro nods. Beyond being dynamos in the rushing attack, the most talented players at the position are also key contributors as receivers and pass blockers. See the full pecking order. For whatever the reason, there are numerous deserving players who are still hoping to earn a spot in football immortality. 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. Henry is every bit his generations version of Adrian Peterson, but even he had a definite shelf life. 2021 stats: 171 carries, 799 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 52 receptions on 65 targets, 391 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. 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. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke), I don't get this one. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Even though, you know, the USFL was pro football. Along with Ricky Williams, Brown has the distinction of being part of the NFL's charter "Wild Cat" offense. Taylor was an extraordinary teammate who exemplified everything it meant to be a professional. To say Vrabel blew a gasket when Carthons predecessor Jon Robinson traded wide receiver A.J. at If his early years weren't languished in the football graveyard of St. Louis, he would no doubt be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Still, I think they are more likely to draft Texas Bijan Robinson if the Atlanta Falcons pass on him. McGahee is 41st all time on the career rushing list, an incredible achievement considering the significance of his 2003 knee injury. A member of the NFL's All-2000s Team, Lewis is 25th all time on the NFL's career rushing list. However, he only spent three of those years with the . Vrabel was furious! The players listed below are the top 250 HOFm-rated players who played RB starting in 1955 or later for at least 50 career games. All HOFm Positions: QB RB WR TE G T C DT DE ILB OLB DB K P RB HOFm Leaders Bold indicates HOF player See full explanation here Share & Export He averaged better than 4.5 yards per carry during his peak years. 6. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2023 season! Freeman McNeil, New York Jets: 1981-1992 1 of 10 9. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings), He gets covered up a little bit because he split time with Warrick Dunn, but Alstott was able to do it all for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (He won his second in Tampa last season). Simpson. George was the league's best workhorse on the rugged Tennessee Titans teams of the late 1990s. Did he win (or compete for) a league MVP award? Craig was a four-time Pro Bowler, and a three-time champion. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | (AP Photo/PKS), One of the big backs who burned out a little bit too quickly. His 46-yard touchdown sealed Kansas City's 23-7 win over theVikings, the last game ever played between the rival leagues. He is currently third on the Dolphins' career rushing list, behind Williams and Csonka. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans. But did you realize he averaged less than four yards per carry? 2021 stats: 206 carries, 911 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 70 receptions on 94 targets, 647 receiving yards, 20 total TDs. Lynch made his first Pro Bowl in Buffalo, but his "Beast Mode" persona was born in Seattle. I mean, they just let Sanders walk, which I dont really understand, but here we are, so good luck with that! 249 pick in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and the No. 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. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. Maurice Jones-Drew assesses the Hall of Fame candidacies of Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, two running backs who could pass him on the all-time rushing leaderboard in Week 16. Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry could be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles by the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft. The physical, bruising back was consistently great and a player defenses had to plan for throughout his career. BYU Football's 50 Greatest Players Of All-Time: Nos. 1-10 Jacksonville Jaguars (1998-2008), New England Patriots (2009-2010). He also could handle a bigger role in the passing game if needed, which might be the case if the team moves Kareem Hunt. My issue is that there are several running backs who also deserve a spot in Canton, but continue to get overlooked. 2021 stats: 162 carries, 593rushing yards, 3.7 yards per carry, 41 receptions on 57 targets, 263 receiving yards, 4 total TDs. 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. Superstar quarterbacks undoubtedly headline the AFC Championship Game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs, but Maurice Jones-Drew explains why the running backs will actually decide who wins. After nine seasons in St. Louis, Jackson signed with the Falcons, who were coming off of a 13-3 season and appearance in the NFC title game. All-time Super Bowl QB rankings: Where do Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow slot in? Like another receiver who cracked the list, Johnson was not selected to the Hall of Fame in 2022, his first year of eligibility. He had one uneventful season in Chicago before spending another year in the now defunct United Football League. Cook just needs to come through with full health for his Age-27 season. But he's already done more than enough to land himself among the game's immortal. Here's a look at some of the best prospects available for teams drafting in the early part of the second round: Jordan Porter Jr., CB, Penn State. 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). Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Predicting whether or not Derrick Henry will be traded by end of NFL Draft Many football historians believe Jim Brown to be the greatest running back ever. Brown, to the Eagles nonetheless, would be putting it lightly. There is no quit in this guy. Eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2025, Lynch's impact was felt everywhere he went. The player Riley is often compared to isCharles Woodson, who will receive a gold jacket this summer. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at Many deserving players have been passed over because they played for a small market team; other players were overshadowed by more celebrated teammates. D.A.'s Top-5 best running backs not in the HOF - Audacy Craig's piston-pumping high knees were one of the signature styles of the decade, and he was the perfect weapon for Bill Walsh's creative offense. Eagles Trade for Lions RB D'Andre Swift - NFL Tracker The upside is there to become a top-10 back. McNeil was the stud running back for the team who made quarterback Richard Todd look good. According to sources, the Philadelphia Eagles have acquired Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift and the No. 26-50 6. Gradishar earned five more Pro Bowl selections (as well as another All-Pro nod) during his final six seasons with the Broncos. San Francisco 49ers (1992-94), Philadelphia Eagles (1995-97), Seattle Seahawks (1998-2001). "Especially having this draft party and inviting everybody out and not knowing what's going to happen. Gibson was disappointing as he didn't deliver as the complete big back in Year 2 while playing through some injury and fumbling issues. You have to wonder if his prickly personality is what is keeping him out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While the Birds do need to effectively replace Miles Sanders in their backfield, Henry is pushing 30 and why didnt they re-sign a cheaper and younger running back in Sanders in the first place?! The inconsistency tied to his efficiency puts him right in the middle. A first round pick by Oakland in 1970, Jack Tatum was brought in to be Dave Grayson's replacement. As a rookie, he started over future All-Pro Priest Holmes. The speedy Johnson earned Pro Bowl honors during his first three seasons with theTitans. But he also made an impact on every team he played for -- on the field and in the locker room. Simpson. Taylor's transition to the NFL was seamless after the two leagues merged in 1970. After sharing a backfield for two seasons, the former Ohio State Buckeye took advantage of his elevated role in 2011. When healthy, the former Fresno State star was a Pro Bowl-caliber player. He was a smooth fit in the system with his quick running and did fine as a receiver when needed there. I am on the fence over the Arizona Cardinals possibly moving on from DeAndre Hopkins. No. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Craig became the first player to score three touchdowns in a Super Bowl during the 49ers' win over the Dolphins in Super Bowl XVI. He gained 1,926 total yards during his rookie season, and he was an All-Pro in 2015 after rushing for over 1,400 yards. MORE Top 50 Players in BYU Football History Nos. Top 10 Running Backs of All Time | Pro-Football-Reference.com He spent the 2016 season as Ezekiel Elliott's replacement before retiring during the 2017 season. However, Roseman has a proven track record. Who is the best NFL running back in history? - NBC Sports Bay Area That being said, he didn't love seeing 23 players get selected before his name was called. Stewart (who was ultimately replaced in Carolina by Christian McCaffrey) spent one season with the Giants before retiring during the 2019 offseason. In 2005, Ward won Super Bowl MVP honors while helping lead Pittsburgh to its fifth Super Bowl victory. NFL running back rankings 2022 1. 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. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. But as a rookie, Michel showed his value by helping thePatriotswin their sixth Super Bowl title. 9. There's a bevy of top-end defensive players sitting atop the draft board Friday night. Who has the best hands? A key member of the Bengals' 1981 AFC championship team, Riley returned a league-high three interceptions for touchdowns during his final two seasons. He is a good finisher in the red zone and can take any carry the distance. Nevertheless, what follows is a list of the 10 greatest franchise running backs of all time. While injuries ultimately cut his career short, Perry did help the Bengals win their first AFC North title in 2005. Falcons (2002-05); Washington (2006); Lions (2007); Seahawks (2008). I expect for the Green Bay Packers to figure out a fair-enough trade package to get Aaron Rodgers out of their building. It was worth it as the . Williams remains in a timeshare with the still effective Melvin Gordon, but there's no doubt he will be the preferred dynamic lead in the new offense with his budding all-around explosiveness. And while his career was short, Wilson did set aGiantsfranchise record for total yards gained in a game when he amassed 327 yards in a 2012 win over theSaints. McCaffrey is looking to bounce back after an injury sidelined him for all but three games in 2020. HOF-eligible for a decade-plus, George was named a semifinalist back in November for the first time. This is where the line in most all-time best running back conversations is drawn. You saw the ESPN doc on him, so you can't deny this. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. How good was Lewis? The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. APRIL 29 ROSCHON TO BEARS The Cowboys want to take a running back somewhere in this Day 3 of the NFL Draft, but that guy won't be a favored Longhorn. His 143 total yards helped the Colts defeat the Bears in Super Bowl XLI. Two years later, Brown set career highs with six rushing touchdowns and 751 all-purpose yards. D'Andre Swift Trade: Social Media Reactions Pour In After Eagles Land That season, Lewis rushed for nearly 1,400 yards while helping lead Baltimore to its first Super Bowl title. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He rushed for over 1,000 yards (while averaging 5 yards per carry) for theDolphinsin 2011. Faulk's statistics weren't just gaudy numbers for a bad team. 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). . He's still a powerful runner with some pop to finish drives and reel off some long runs, but he also has developed into a reliable short-area receiver for Tom Brady. Definitely, but trading for him could compromise the Birds future. Maurice Jones-Drew says yes. Edwards-Helaire hasn't lived up to being a first-rounder in 2020 for multiple reasons. Now the Chiefs are caught between featuring and fading him into a complementary role. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Unlike most induction classes, there was not a single member of this year's class that got in on the first ballot. For a list of other positions, click here. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. 5-ranked rushing attack? Bills (2010-14); Saints (2015); Jets/Seahawks (2016); Chiefs (2017). All HOFm Positions: QBRBWRTEGTCDTDEILBOLBDBKP, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, April 30, 2:31PM. Did he reach 10,000 rush yards in his career? The rushing and scrimmage yardage leader from 2021 is a few notches above the field at only 23. 2021 stats: 99carries, 442 rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 37 receptions on 41 targets, 343 receiving yards, 2 total TDs. Now he's still in recovery mode in a much more crowded backfield and his receiving aspect is set to be curbed. TD. In the Super Bowl Era. 2021 stats: 151 carries, 541 rushing yards, 4.1 yards per carry, 62 receptions on 78 targets, 452 receiving yards, 7 total TDs. He bolstered his rsum after being traded to the Patriots in 2004, racking up a career-high 1,635 rush yards and 12 TDs in his first season in New England. Teams:Patriots(1980);Bears(1981-93);Packers(1994). Tomlinson was named league MVP in 2006 after scoring an NFL-record 31 touchdowns. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), Unfairly remembered for "The Fumble," which hurt the Cleveland Browns' chances for a Super Bowl bid. 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. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. While healthy, Martin was a very good player. He also led the NFL in tackles on four different occasions. 2021 stats:207 carries, 963 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 19 receptions on 20 targets, 137 receiving yards, 6 total TDs. His relentless work ethic -- both physically and in the film room -- allowed him to be one of the best of his era. He is smart and reliable with a good balance of steadiness and explosiveness. All Rights Reserved. Harris was one of just two running backs taken in the first round, with Clemson's Travis Etienne-- taken by the Jaguars with the 25th pick -- being the other. McMichael and Dan Hampton (a 2002 Hall of Fame inductee) formed one of the greatest defensive duos in NFL history, a unit that totaled 41.5 sacks from 1984-88. Many more would argue that he is the best football player . Tre Hodges-Tomlinson's hopes to continue family's NFL legacy I could be totally wrong in this, but I feel Rodgers and Hopkins get traded before Henry ever does. NFL's top 20 players not in the Hall of Fame: Torry Holt, Zach Thomas, Ken Anderson headline all-time list These greats are still waiting for their call to Canton By Bryan DeArdo Aug 18,. . 10 running backs that barely missed the cut (in alphabetical order): Ottis Anderson Larry Csonka Corey Dillon Priest Holmes Bo Jackson Steven Jackson Fred Taylor Herschel Walker Ricky Watters. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 2021 stats: 133 carries, 606 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 14 receptions on 18 targets, 5 total TDs. Known during his playing days as "The Judge," Hayes was a dominant shut down defender who earned five straight Pro Bowl nods from 1980-84. Pitta was the best tight end in college football in 2009, but the Mackey Award voters opted to give the award to Aaron Hernandez from Florida instead. 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. A three-time Pro Bowler (and two-time All-Pro) during his first four seasons, Gurley led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in consecutive years while helping theRamsreach the Super Bowl in 2018. FantPt. 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. 1 at the top of his RB rankings. You could easily match Holmes' three years of dominance (2001-03) to touchdowns (1996-98), and it'd sure be a close call as to which was superior. Given Vrabels competitive nature and tenacity for winning, I doubt he will want Carthon to trade his best player to the Eagles. The former LSU Tiger bust out of the gates in rookie debut, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown in theChiefs' opening-season win over theTexans. Maurice Jones-Drew reveals his top five rushing duos in the NFL this season. Barkley quickly became a household name after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. Stewart put up impressive career numbers despite sharing a backfield for the majority of his career. The fifth-leading rusher in NFL history, Peterson is a three-time rushing champion and member of the NFL's All-2010s Team. He was instrumental in helping the Pats win their third Super Bowl in four seasons. A former fifth-round pick, Thomas was one of the NFL's most productive players during his dozen seasons in Miami. If he didn't detour into the USFL, it's not hard to imagine him in Canton. McKinney's Bryan Jackson, rated the second-best running back in D-FW Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1996-2003), Dallas Cowboys (2004). Barkley hasn't had much support from blocking and the passing game, but he's still looked limited and worn at times. Was the running back the best player at his position for a multi-year span? He's also one of eight players in league history with 10,000-plus career rush yards and 4,000-plus career receiving yards. Jackson joins program that produced Hall of Fame running backs Frank Gifford, O.J. Lynch is 29th all time on the regular-season career rushing list and eighth on the playoff career rushing list. 2021 stats:258 carries, 1,037 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 52 targets, 294 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. He won Offensive Player of the Year as a rookie in 1996, and then made four straight Pro Bowls. In this year's edition of Sporting News' ratings, there are promising rising stars mixed in with those who have hit their career prime, with the right experience experience but without the wrong wear. (AP Photo/Al Golub), Do yourself a favor and Google this guy. This whole thing feels odd. It wasn't just what he did, but how he did it. In 1981, Anderson won both league MVP and Comeback Player of the Year while leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl. Things changed after Thomas joined the Bears, where he would rush for 3,493 yards in three seasons while helping Chicago capture the NFC title in 2006. A key member of the Panthers' 2003 Super Bowl team, Smith overcame a significant injury in 2004 to win Comeback Player of the Year after lading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches in 2005. He was the Steelers' No. Teams:Browns (1978-93); Falcons (1994-96). Maurice Jones-Drew assembles the perfect running back, combining the traits of some of today's top talent in the NFL. Among those players are former offensive lineman Bob Kuechenberg, receivers Mark Duper andMark Claytonand running back Ricky Williams. NFL running backs are headed for a Hall of Fame drought The owner of the iconic "Beast Quake" run in the 2010 playoffs, Lynch was among the league's best running backs from 2011-14. He tallied an insane 24 total touchdowns in 2002, and then topped that with 27, a year later. (National Football League), You might not believe this, but the New York Jets were actually good in the 1980s. Jones didn't have a chance against Tasker, who beat Jones on an inside move before blocking Mike Saxon's punt. No. Johnson led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards on multiple occasions. McAllister's 6,096 rushing yards remains the Saints' career rushing record. He also led the NFL in touchdown receptions on two separate occasions. (AP Photo/Al Golub), You think of the great "Air Coryell" offenses in the late 1970s and early 1980s, you often forget Muncie was a huge part of the ground attack. Ranked fifth in NFL history with 14,918 career rushing yards, Peterson wants to play in 2022 and perhaps beyond. Plus, there's a new No. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Has Lamar Jackson been supplanted as the NFL's most electric rusher? The only running back on this list, Craig played an integral role in the 49ers' success during the 1980s. People talk about Bo Jackson on "Tecmo Super Bowl", but Okoye is no slouch in that game, either. George was one of the most physical backs ever. Being available allowed Watters to put up these kind of numbers year over year, and he should be rewarded for it. Ultimately, the Eagles fit for Henry is not as perfect as we initially thought. If you want to recognize him for being a guy who hung around longer than most big backs, fine. I dont think he got bad intel because why would he lie and put his name on this? 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. (AP Photo/David Stluka), Dillon toiled for years with the Cincinnati Bengals, but finally got his chance to shine with the New England Patriots at the end of his career where he finally got a ring. Take a look at the best photos from the red carpet. From 1998-2001, Faulk recorded at least 1,319 rushing yards and 81 receptions. Teams: 49ers (1983-90); Raiders (1991); Vikings (1992-93). (AP Photo/Steve Nesius), Brooks was a four-time Pro Bowl selection for the Cincinnati Bengals. A Pro Bowler each season from 2003-05, Alexander won league MVP in 2005 after leading the league in rushing yards (1,880) and rushing touchdowns (27). While he never became a full-time starter, Brown managed to put together a semi-productive seven-year career. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. 11-25 Nos. That said, he has some freakish physical qualities for his big frame. With theCowboyspunting from their own 16-yard line, Tasker was lined up against linebacker Robert Jones, a rookie who filled in for an injured starter. Expect Jones' receiving prowess to take on critical importance given the remixed wideout corps around Aaron Rodgers. Like McCaffrey, Barkley's early career boom has been derailed by injury woes, but he also never reached the same level of all-purpose dominance. A Pro Bowler in 2002, a freak injury (he injured his foot while running on a treadmill) hindered Bennett's productivity for the remainder of his career. While somewhat underwhelming, Green still managed to rack up 1,000 all-purpose yards while helping theBrownsmake the playoffs during this rookie season. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Austin Collie
best running backs not in the hall of fame
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