Best I Ever Seen: Running Backs

287

Today I'll bring you my Top 10 list of best running backs I've ever seen. Now lets remember this list is from 1984 till present so it won't include some of the NFL all-time greats like Jim Brown or Gale Sayers, because I never witnessed their play with my own eyes.

Feel free to comment or debate me on any players you may agree or disagree with on the list. Please keep in mind I won't list any stats as they are easy for anyone to find, while being a piece of cake to manipulate verbally or literally in favor. If you want to debate numbers though I will be happy to do so.

Best Running Backs I Ever Seen

Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions)- He broke off more ankles than any football player I ever seen. He made grown men look silly as he juked, shook, dipped, dove and ran past so many defenders during his playing days. He was the Houdini of NFL running backs. Sanders cut his own career short, not wanting to pass records of his childhood heros. He played on teams where he was the one and only weapon for so many years and still produced at unbelievable levels. Lets not forget how humble he was, never a show boat and always a gentlemen. He played the game with honor and joy while giving the masses amazing amounts of entertainment.
Walter Payton (Chicago Bears)- This spot I have to admit a huge bias for. I watched Payton in amazement and pretended to be him on the sandlot and the front yards we turned into our own gridirons. Much like Sanders, Payton played on sub-par teams and still managed amazing results. He was a tireless worker who excelled at every part of the position (rushing, receiving and protecting). Payton will forever be one of my favorite players even as others pass him on this list.
LaDainian Tonlinson (San Diego Chargers)- Though he is still playing I don't know how much if any LT can move up this chart. His play has taken a steep dive as far as performance goes, but he is still a class act that amazed me with a number of productive seasons. A great all around back that started right out of the shoot after being drafted 5th overall in 2001. His lack of production or play in the playoffs gives his legacy a check mark against it, but he is definitely worthy of a current Top 3 spot.
Emmitt Smith (Dallas, Arizona)- The all-time leading rusher in NFL history got there with great consistency, longevity and the help of one of the best offensive lines of all time. Not the most physically gifted back in the league as far as power or speed, but he did possess amazing balance and vision that help lead the Cowboys to two consecutive championships.
Marshall Faulk (Indianapolis, St. Louis)- Not the best pure runner in the group, but he was excellent as an all around threat. His time in Indy is over shawdowed by his time in St. louis, but may have been more impressive being that the Colts were a very average team at best. The "Greatest Show on Turf" brought him national notariety as he gained over 2,000 yards from scrimmage three years in a row.
Eric Dickerson (St. Louis, Indianapolis, Oakland, Atlanta)- The tallest running back in the Top 10 who was so very recognizable on the field in stature and those goofy goggles. His upright running style doesn't work well in the game these days, but his combo of speed and power was something amazing to watch.
Adrian Peterson (Minnesota)- Despite his case of fumbilitis since enetering the league three seasons ago, Peterson is still an amazing running back talent. Maybe the most amazing running back specimen ever with power and speed that will be hard to match. Peterson will contine to amaze us with highlight reel plays for the next few years. He has a great chance to fly up this list if he can find a cure for his fumbilitis and continued play at the level he has shown over his first few years in the league.
Curtis Martin (New England, NY Jets)- Mr. Consistency, Mr. Incognito. Martin was so very consistent and did it oh so quietly. He is by far the name people forget first when compiling lists of best running backs of all time. He ran for over 1,000 yards ten seasons in a row and did it with class.
Edgerrin James (Indianapolis, Arizona, Seattle)- Another in a long line of very good all-around backs. James grew tired of living in the shadow of Manning and Harrison as those two took most of the credit for the Colts success while he played in Indy. James sometimes known more for his attitude should be remembered for what he accomplished on the field.
Jerome Bettis (St. Louis, Pittsburgh)- Such quick feet for such a large man. He was as hard to bring down as any back in the league, but also had an amazing talent to make defenders miss in small spaces. Another guy that played the game with a joy and vigor that the fans could relate to.