The running back position might not get the same love it used to in today’s NFL, but make no mistake—these players were electric. From elusive speedsters to bruising workhorses who carried entire offenses on their backs, the modern era has given us some unforgettable backfield legends.
This list isn’t just about stats, either. It’s about impact, style, longevity, and that special something that made you stop what you were doing to watch a guy take a handoff. So let’s dive into the 40 best running backs of the modern era, from 1980 to now.
40. Fred Taylor
He was criminally underrated during his playing days and still doesn’t get enough credit. Fred Taylor ran with a rare mix of speed, vision, and power that made him a nightmare to tackle.
39. Tiki Barber
Before his media days, Tiki was quietly one of the most productive backs in the league. He had a knack for big plays and posted some monster seasons in New York.
38. Garrison Hearst
Hearst battled back from devastating injuries to become a key part of some great 49ers teams. His resilience and vision made him one of the most respected backs of his time.
37. William Andrews
If injuries hadn’t cut his career short, Andrews might have been a Hall of Famer. He was a dual-threat before that became trendy, and he ran with serious purpose.
36. Deuce McAllister
A fan favorite in New Orleans, Deuce was a reliable workhorse who always showed up when the Saints needed him most. He brought toughness and leadership to the offense.
35. Corey Dillon
Quiet off the field but loud on it, Dillon racked up yards in both Cincinnati and New England. He was a punishing runner who rarely went down on first contact.
34. Chris Warren
Chris Warren was a consistent force for the Seahawks in the 1990s, quietly putting up big numbers. He possessed size, speed, and a knack for wearing down defenses.
33. Maurice Jones-Drew
Short in stature but not in skill, MJD was a bowling ball of a back with breakaway speed. He carried Jacksonville’s offense for years and did it all with flair.
32. Priest Holmes
When he was healthy, Priest was nearly unstoppable in Kansas City’s high-powered offense. His nose for the end zone was elite, and his production was off the charts.
31. Clinton Portis
He came into the league with a bang and never looked back. Portis was a game-changer in Denver and Washington with his balance and burst.
30. Joe Morris
Another undersized back who played bigger than his frame, Morris was a key piece in the Giants’ late-80s success. He possessed elite quickness and found ways to evade his opponents’ attempts to block him.
29. Jamal Anderson
He brought us the “Dirty Bird” dance and powered the Falcons to a Super Bowl. Anderson’s 1998 season remains one of the best by any back in the last 30 years.
28. Christian McCaffrey
Still writing his story, but already worthy of this list. McCaffrey’s versatility, hands, and vision make him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons of the modern game.
27. Ottis Anderson
He had a long, productive career and saved some of his best work for the playoffs. Anderson was a grinder who came up big when it mattered most.
26. Warrick Dunn
One of the most consistent and respected backs of his generation, Dunn had speed, smarts, and tremendous off-the-field impact. He was all heart and hustle.
25. LeGarrette Blount
Not your typical 1,000-yard back, but he was a closer. Blount was a playoff monster and delivered when it mattered most for multiple Super Bowl teams.
24. Arian Foster
At his peak, there were few better. Foster’s vision and patience were elite, and his poetic presence off the field added to his unique legacy.
23. Marshawn Lynch
“Beast Mode” was more than a nickname—it was a way of life. Lynch ran angry, played big in big moments, and gave us some of the most iconic runs in NFL history.
22. Matt Forte
Forte did it all for the Bears—run, catch, block, and never complain. He was as smooth as they come and one of the most versatile backs in recent memory.
21. Eddie George
George was a machine in Tennessee, churning out yards through sheer will. He was built like a linebacker but had the agility to make defenders whiff.
20. Ricky Watters
Whether it was in San Francisco, Philly, or Seattle, Watters got buckets. He could run, catch, and occasionally talk some wild trash—what more could you want?
19. James Brooks
An all-purpose star who could hurt you in multiple ways, Brooks was the engine of the Bengals’ offense for much of the ’80s. He had balance, burst, and brains.
18. Jerome Bettis
“The Bus” never needed a GPS—he just ran you over. Bettis was one of the most iconic short-yardage backs in NFL history and a beloved figure in Pittsburgh.
17. LeSean McCoy
“Shady” had feet that seemed to be gliding on ice. He brought juice, swagger, and a whole lot of broken ankles to the NFL.
16. Terrell Davis
Short career, massive impact. TD carried the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowls, doing so with incredible power and vision.
15. Curtis Martin
No flash, just consistent greatness. Martin quietly piled up over 14,000 yards and earned respect with his professionalism and toughness.
14. Roger Craig
He was ahead of his time as a receiving back. Craig’s high-knee running style and all-around game made him a vital cog in the 49ers’ dynasty.
13. Shaun Alexander
Touchdown machine. Alexander’s MVP season in 2005 was legendary, and he made it look easy for a stretch in Seattle.
12. Frank Gore
He played forever, and he played well forever. Gore wasn’t flashy, but he was challenging, innovative, and relentlessly productive.
11. Tony Dorsett
Dorsett brought track speed to the backfield and could score from anywhere. He had a long, stellar career with highlight-reel runs to match.
10. Thurman Thomas
Thomas was the perfect fit for Buffalo’s no-huddle attack. He could run, catch, and think two steps ahead of defenses.
9. Marcus Allen
Smooth and patient, Allen was a master of timing and angles. He played with poise and scored one of the most iconic touchdowns in Super Bowl history.
8. LaDainian Tomlinson
LT could do it all—run, catch, pass, and score from anywhere on the field. He redefined what it meant to be a complete back.
7. Adrian Peterson
An absolute freak of nature. Peterson’s blend of size, speed, and power was unmatched, and he made tearing an ACL look like a sprained ankle.
6. Marshall Faulk
He was basically a wide receiver in a running back’s body. Faulk thrived in the Greatest Show on Turf and changed the position forever.
5. Earl Campbell
If you tried to tackle him, you probably regretted it. Campbell brought unmatched physicality and punished defenses on every single run.
4. Emmitt Smith
The all-time rushing king wasn’t the fastest, but he was always in the right place at the right time. Smith’s vision, durability, and toughness made him a legend.
3. Eric Dickerson
That upright running style was unmistakable, and so was his talent. Dickerson glided across the field and made 200-yard games look routine.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Beloved Running Backs in NFL History
2. Barry Sanders
He made defenders look silly on a weekly basis. Barry was pure magic with the ball in his hands and retired way too soon.
Read More: 10 Running Backs Who Ran Angry Every Single Play
1. Walter Payton
“Sweetness” was the total package—strength, speed, balance, and heart. He set the standard for greatness at the running back position.
Read More: 10 Former NFL Running Backs Who Could Still Play in Today’s Game
