Top 10 Running Backs of the ’80s
Determining the top 10 running backs of the 1980s is subjective and can vary based on individual opinions and criteria. However, considering various factors such as individual accomplishments, statistics, impact on the game, and overall dominance during the decade, here is a list of 10 running backs who are often regarded as the best of the 1980s:
1. Walter Payton
Walter Payton, also known as “Sweetness,” had an illustrious NFL career spanning from 1975 to 1987, all with the Chicago Bears. During his time in the league, Payton amassed impressive statistics and records, solidifying his status as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 16,726 yards (as of his retirement in 1987). This was an NFL record at the time and stood as the all-time leading rushing record until it was surpassed by Emmitt Smith.
Rushing Touchdowns: 110 touchdowns.
Receiving Yards: 4,538 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 15 touchdowns.
Total Touchdowns: 125 touchdowns.
Carries: 3,838 carries.
All-Purpose Yards: 21,803 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Pro Bowl Selections: Nine Pro Bowl selections during his career.
MVP Awards: Payton was named the NFL MVP in 1977.
Super Bowl Appearance: Walter Payton led the Chicago Bears to Super Bowl XX after the 1985 season, where they defeated the New England Patriots.
Hall of Fame: Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year of eligibility.
Payton’s legacy extends beyond his impressive stats, as he was renowned for his toughness, leadership, and work ethic. Overall, he remains an icon not only in the NFL but also in the world of sports and is remembered as one of the most beloved and respected players in football history.
2. Eric Dickerson
Eric Dickerson, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, had an outstanding career that spanned from 1983 to 1993, playing for the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 13,259 yards. At the time of his retirement, this was the second-highest rushing total in NFL history, behind only Walter Payton.
Rushing Touchdowns: 90 touchdowns.
Receiving Yards: 2,137 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 6 touchdowns.
Total Touchdowns: 96 touchdowns.
Carries: 2,996 carries.
Yards per Carry: 4.4 yards per carry.
All-Purpose Yards: 15,396 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Single-Season Rushing Record: In 1984, Dickerson set the NFL single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards. This record stood for 28 years until it was surpassed by Adrian Peterson in 2012.
Pro Bowl Selections: Six Pro Bowl selections during his career.
Hall of Fame: Eric Dickerson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Dickerson’s combination of speed, power, and vision made him a dominant force on the football field. Additionally, his 2,105-yard rushing record for a single season remains one of the most impressive feats in NFL history. Needless to say, he left a lasting impact on the game and continues to be celebrated as one of the all-time great running backs.
3. Marcus Allen
Marcus Allen, a Hall of Fame running back, had a distinguished NFL career that spanned from 1982 to 1997, playing for the Los Angeles Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 12,243 yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: 123 touchdowns.
Receiving Yards: 5,411 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 21 touchdowns.
Total Touchdowns: 145 touchdowns.
Carries: 3,022 carries.
Yards per Carry: 4.1 yards per carry.
Receptions: 587 receptions.
All-Purpose Yards: 17,654 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Super Bowl MVP: Allen was named the MVP of Super Bowl XVIII in 1984 when he led the Los Angeles Raiders to victory over the Washington Redskins.
Pro Bowl Selections: Six Pro Bowl selections during his career.
Hall of Fame: Marcus Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
Allen’s versatility and ability to excel as both a rusher and a receiver made him a unique and highly effective player. His numerous accomplishments on the field and his impact on the game have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
4. Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett, a legendary running back, had a remarkable NFL career that spanned from 1977 to 1988, playing for the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 12,739 yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: 77 touchdowns.
Receiving Yards: 3,554 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 13 touchdowns.
Total Touchdowns: 90 touchdowns.
Carries: 2,936 carries.
Yards per Carry: 4.3 yards per carry.
Receptions: 398 receptions.
All-Purpose Yards: 16,293 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Super Bowl Victory: Dorsett won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1978 (Super Bowl XII).
Pro Bowl Selections: Four Pro Bowl selections during his career.
Hall of Fame: Tony Dorsett was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Dorsett’s combination of speed, elusiveness, and toughness made him a dynamic and highly respected running back. Needless to say, his contributions to the game, both statistically and as a member of a championship team, solidify his place among the all-time greats in NFL history.
5. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell, a dominant running back, had an impressive NFL career that spanned from 1978 to 1985, playing primarily for the Houston Oilers and briefly for the New Orleans Saints. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 9,407 yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: 74 touchdowns.
Carries: 2,187 carries.
Yards per Carry: 4.3 yards per carry.
Receiving Yards: 806 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 1 touchdown.
Total Touchdowns: 74 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown.
All-Purpose Yards: 10,213 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Pro Bowl Selections: Five Pro Bowl selections during his career.
NFL MVP: Earl Campbell was named the NFL MVP in 1979.
Hall of Fame: Earl Campbell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Campbell’s powerful running style and ability to break tackles made him one of the most feared running backs of his era. Overall, he left a lasting impact on the game and remains a beloved figure in football history.
6. Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders, widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, had a phenomenal career that spanned from 1989 to 1998, all with the Detroit Lions. Despite retiring prematurely, Sanders left a lasting impact on the game and compiled impressive statistics during his NFL tenure. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 15,269 yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: 99 touchdowns.
Carries: 3,062 carries.
Yards per Carry: 5.0 yards per carry.
Receiving Yards: 2,921 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 10 touchdowns.
Total Touchdowns: 109 touchdowns.
All-Purpose Yards: 18,190 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Pro Bowl Selections: Ten Pro Bowl selections during his career.
NFL MVP: Sanders was named the NFL MVP in 1997.
Hall of Fame: Barry Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Sanders’ elusive running style, agility, and highlight-reel runs earned him admiration from fans, players, and coaches alike. Undoubtedly, his extraordinary accomplishments on the field continue to be celebrated, and he remains an iconic figure in NFL history.
7. Roger Craig
Roger Craig, a versatile running back, had a highly productive NFL career that spanned from 1983 to 1993, playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Raiders, and the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his ability to both rush and catch the ball out of the backfield, Craig was a key player during the 49ers’ successful era in the 1980s. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 8,189 yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: 56 touchdowns.
Carries: 1,991 carries.
Yards per Carry: 4.1 yards per carry.
Receiving Yards: 4,911 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 17 touchdowns.
Receptions: 566 receptions.
Total Touchdowns: 73 touchdowns (56 rushing, 17 receiving).
All-Purpose Yards: 13,442 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Super Bowl Victories: Craig won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XVI, XIX, and XXIII).
Pro Bowl Selections: Four Pro Bowl selections during his career.
Craig’s versatility as a runner and receiver made him a unique and dynamic player during his time in the NFL. It goes without saying, he played an integral role in the success of the 49ers and left a lasting impact on the game.
8. Franco Harris
Franco Harris, a legendary running back, had an illustrious NFL career that spanned from 1972 to 1984, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers and, briefly, the Seattle Seahawks. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 12,120 yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: 91 touchdowns.
Carries: 2,949 carries.
Yards per Carry: 4.1 yards per carry.
Receiving Yards: 2,287 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 9 touchdowns.
Receptions: 307 receptions.
Total Touchdowns: 100 touchdowns (91 rushing, 9 receiving).
All-Purpose Yards: 14,622 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Super Bowl Victories: Harris won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, and XIV).
Pro Bowl Selections: Nine Pro Bowl selections during his career.
Hall of Fame: Franco Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Harris was known for his powerful running style, durability, and clutch performances in critical moments. Additionally, he was an integral part of the Steelers’ dynasty in the 1970s and remains an iconic figure in NFL history.
9. Herschel Walker
Herschel Walker, a highly talented running back, had an impactful NFL career that spanned from 1986 to 1997, playing for the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 8,225 yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: 61 touchdowns.
Carries: 1,954 carries.
Yards per Carry: 4.2 yards per carry.
Receiving Yards: 4,859 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 21 touchdowns.
Receptions: 512 receptions.
Total Touchdowns: 82 touchdowns (61 rushing, 21 receiving).
All-Purpose Yards: 18,168 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Pro Bowl Selections: Two Pro Bowl selections during his career.
Walker’s versatility as a runner and receiver made him a valuable weapon for the teams he played for in the NFL. While his numbers may not be as gaudy as some other running backs, his impact on the game and his contributions to various teams are widely recognized and appreciated. Furthermore, beyond his NFL career, Walker also had a successful stint in the USFL and later in the CFL.
10. James Brooks
James Brooks, a talented running back, had a productive NFL career that spanned from 1981 to 1992. He played for the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns during his time in the league. Here are some of his key career statistics:
Rushing Yards: 7,962 yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: 49 touchdowns.
Carries: 1,757 carries.
Yards per Carry: 4.5 yards per carry.
Receiving Yards: 3,012 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns: 30 touchdowns.
Receptions: 383 receptions.
Total Touchdowns: 79 touchdowns (49 rushing, 30 receiving).
All-Purpose Yards: 11,974 yards (rushing, receiving, and returning).
Pro Bowl Selections: Four Pro Bowl selections during his career.
Brooks was known for his speed, agility, and ability to contribute both as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield. Additionally, he was a versatile and valuable player for the teams he played for and left a lasting impact on the game during his NFL tenure.
It’s important to note that there were several other talented running backs in the 1980s who could also be considered for this list, including John Riggins, Curt Warner, and William Andrews, among others. The rankings and selections can vary based on individual preferences and interpretations of greatness.
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