best running backs not in the hall of fame

Cliff Branch, who was posthumously enshrined on Saturday, had been eligible for 30 years before his family received that long-awaited phone call. He also led the NFL in touchdown receptions on two separate occasions. 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. Plus, check out his updated ranking of the top 15 RBs right now. Warner was selected to three Pro Bowls during the 1980s, and rushed for 1,449 yards with 13 touchdowns as a rookie. Despite his abbreviated prime, Alexander is 36th on the league's career rushing list. Hart was a four-time Pro Bowler whose career really took off once Don Coryell became head coach in 1973. 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. He was the Steelers' No. One of the league's best running backs during his heyday, Alexander . Three of Ward's four consecutive Pro Bowl selections came with different quarterbacks: Kordell Stewart (2001), Tommy Maddox (2002-03) and a rookie namedBen Roethlisberger(2004). (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell), That's right, Bo Jackson is the greatest running back not in the Hall of Fame. 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). TD. Second, he hasn't build on being a top-flight receiving back at LSU, which what he was expected to do in the Chiefs' pass-first offense. Jackson is 18th on the NFL's career rushing list, just ahead of Hall of Fame running backs John Riggins and O.J. 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. But he's currently 19th all time in rushing yardage. 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. McAllister's 6,096 rushing yards remains the Saints' career rushing record. 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. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The prototype running back for today's NFL, Gordon earned two Pro Bowl nods during his first four seasons in the NFL. Richardson averaged just 3.3 yards per carry during his three-year career. Craig was a four-time Pro Bowler, and a three-time champion. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. (AP Photo/David Drapkin), The aforementioned Dunn lost a lot of touchdown runs to Alstott. The owner of the iconic "Beast Quake" run in the 2010 playoffs, Lynch was among the league's best running backs from 2011-14. 2021 stats: 206 carries, 911 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 70 receptions on 94 targets, 647 receiving yards, 20 total TDs. Injuries and the emergence of 2017 seventh-round pickChris Carsonhave severely limited Penny's NFL production. Thomas continued to have success with the Jets, where he posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while earning his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2008. I can give numerous reasons why we shouldn't be devalued. His play helped the Dolphins make the playoffs each year from 1997-01. Fournette has reinvented himself in the transition from Jacksonville to Tampa Bay. He rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of his first six NFL seasons, scoring 10 TDs as a rookie. Dolphins (2005-10); Eagles (2011); Chargers (2012-14); Texans (2014). In what would be his final NFL game, Jackson scored a touchdown in New England's 20-18 loss to Denver in the 2015 AFC Championship Game. The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. 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). The fifth-leading rusher in NFL history, Peterson is a three-time rushing champion and member of the NFL's All-2010s Team. 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. 's Top-5 Takeaways from Day 1 of March Madness, Stern: Panthers' trade up to No. But an injury limited him to eight games in 2012, and a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the ensuing offseason prematurely ended his career. The physical, bruising back was consistently great and a player defenses had to plan for throughout his career. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Named the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 1966 by Sporting News, Nobis recorded a whopping 294 tackles that season. NFL Network analysts offer up eight candidates. 2021 stats:332 carries, 1,811 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 40 receptions on 51 targets, 360 receiving yards, 20 total TDs. Dupree did give it a go with the Los Angeles Rams, but he just couldn't make it happen. But his production plummeted after breaking his collarbone during the 2014 season. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry could be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles by the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft. Minnesota Vikings (2007-2016), Arizona Cardinals (2017), New Orleans (2017), Washington Commanders (2018-19), Detroit Lions (2020), Tennessee Titans (2021), Seattle Seahawks (2021). The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Williams retired with 10,202 all-purpose yards and 70 total touchdowns. He'll have to wait his turn, but should get a gold jacket one day. Injuries limited the former Georgia star to just 63 NFL games. He was the best run-pass combo back in the league at his prime. 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. You saw the ESPN doc on him, so you can't deny this. Chubb is known for his chunk running and special burst that comes out of his powerful style. Muncie tied the single-season record with 19 touchdowns in 1981. As a rookie, he started over future All-Pro Priest Holmes. The only running back on this list, Craig played an integral role in the 49ers' success during the 1980s. Given Vrabels competitive nature and tenacity for winning, I doubt he will want Carthon to trade his best player to the Eagles. And while an injury in 2007 contributed to his 2009 release, McAllister was added to the Saints' roster prior to the team's Super Bowl win over the Colts. Elliott is polarizing in a different way at 27. Through three seasons, the former San Diego State standout has rushed for just 823 yards on 161 carries for theSeahawks. 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. Marshall Faulk 1994-2005 Franco Harris Franco Harris 1972-1984 Frank Gifford Frank Gifford 1952-1960, 1962-64 Gale Sayers Gale Sayers 1965-1971 Hugh McElhenny Hugh McElhenny 1952-1964 Jim Brown Jim Brown 1957-1965 Jim Taylor Jim Taylor 1958-1967 Joe Perry Joe Perry 1948-1963 John Henry Johnson Jonathan Taylor, Colts (5-10, 226 pounds) Taylor has parlayed his prolific play at Wisconsin into the complete durable package in the NFL. He was putting up those numbers while helping the St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, winning one in 1999. 's Top-5 best running backs not in the HOF, 1980s Jets wives walked out on learning fight song, OJ Anderson pleads for Hall of Fame nod 'while I'm above ground', Stern: Princeton's historic run has 'Revenge of the Nerds' feel, D.A. In 2001, Faulk was Top 5 in both rushing (12) and receiving touchdowns (9). He made the Pro Bowl in 2011 after rushing for 1,091 yards and catching 50 passes for 455 yards. Maurice Jones-Drew says yes. Texas running back Bijan Robinson is a popular pick, but Hall of Fame RB LaDainian Tomlinson has his eyes on a defensive player. His cultural impact is through the roof. 2021 stats: 119 carries, 517 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 19 receptions on 23 targets, 129 receiving yards, 6 total TDs. A former fifth-round pick, Thomas was one of the NFL's most productive players during his dozen seasons in Miami. Freeman McNeil, New York Jets: 1981-1992 1 of 10 9. His success that season helped the Seahawks advance to their first Super Bowl. However, he only spent three of those years with the . Of course not. Simpson. Getty Images. Etienne's promising rookie season was wiped out before it began because of a torn ACL. Tasker's brilliance was on display during the opening minutes of Super Bowl XXVII. PART OF AUDACY SPORTS. 2021 stats: 130 carries, 719 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 39 receptions on 46 targets, 337 receiving yards, 2 total TDs. People talk about Bo Jackson on "Tecmo Super Bowl", but Okoye is no slouch in that game, either. His relentless work ethic -- both physically and in the film room -- allowed him to be one of the best of his era. 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. Jones didn't have a chance against Tasker, who beat Jones on an inside move before blocking Mike Saxon's punt. He's still a talented all-around back but his strength might be as a part-time version of Chubb. Would Henry thrive in Philadelphia? Definitely, but trading for him could compromise the Birds future. Taylor has parlayed his prolific play at Wisconsin into the complete durable package in the NFL. A member of theBroncos' Ring of Fame, Gradishar is credited with over 2,000 tackles during his 10-year career. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Another torn ACL injury in 2014 -- his only season in Miami -- prematurely ended his career. Nobody could stop him on the football field. And despite Manning's departure in 2012, a 34-year-old Wayne earned Pro Bowl honors that season while catching passes from a rookie quarterback named Andrew Luck. Thomas, who led the NFL in tackles on two separate occasions, retired with 1,734 career tackles, 20.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, 48 passes defensed, 16 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. After four years in Atlanta, Duckett spent one season a piece in Washington, Detroit and Seattle. Conner has been a great power running fit with his size and quickness in Kliff Kingsbury's offense, playing well off Kyler Murray. 26-50 6. The player Riley is often compared to isCharles Woodson, who will receive a gold jacket this summer. The Steelers didn't waste time putting a lot on Harris as a first-round rookie workhorse and he showed off his versatility and durability right away. He does a little of everything well and gives them what's needed in the rushing and receiving game. Like another receiver who cracked the list, Johnson was not selected to the Hall of Fame in 2022, his first year of eligibility. 2021 stats: 203carries, 903 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 43 receptions on 53 targets, 316 receiving yards, 7 total TDs. He also led the NFL in tackles on four different occasions. 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. 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. ET on ABC), and when looking at this year's finalists list, I noticed there wasn't a single running back up for induction. Addai posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons during his first two years with the Colts. 2020 stats (at Clemson): 168 carries, 914 rushing yards, 5.4 yards per carry, 48 receptions, 588 receiving yards, 16 total TDs. Elliott has a good start to his resume, with four 1,000-yard seasons and three Pro Bowl nods. 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. (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's been snubbed often, and it's a real shame that he's not a finalist this year. Take a look at some of the best photos of Aaron Rodgers from throughout the years! At 28, Henry is facing an important rebound year as the massive workload from 2019 and 2020 caught up to him last season. To say Vrabel blew a gasket when Carthons predecessor Jon Robinson traded wide receiver A.J. Brian Branch, S, Alabama. He is a good finisher in the red zone and can take any carry the distance. This juicy rumor all began on Saturday when ex-NFL player and fellow CAA client Akbar Gbajabiamila reported that the Eagles were looking to trade for Henry. George was the league's best workhorse on the rugged Tennessee Titans teams of the late 1990s. They traded LeSean McCoy in his prime to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, but even that may have been more to do with Chip Kelly being in the building than anything. 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). 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. See the full pecking order. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. He should be in for a big Year 2 to put an offense in transition on his back. One of the league's best running backs during his heyday, Alexander averaged 1,500 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns per season from 2001-05. He spent the 2016 season as Ezekiel Elliott's replacement before retiring during the 2017 season. Dillon was one of the best of his era and checks most of the boxes, but it'll likely be a waiting game for him because guys who become eligible in the coming years will get in before him. The four-time Pro Bowler even finished third in the MVP vote for his 2000 campaign, when he rushed for 1,509 yards and 14 scores. Jones enjoyed a solid yet unspectacular six-year NFL career. Henry is every bit his generations version of Adrian Peterson, but even he had a definite shelf life. Dillon in this backfield, but that's also helped him stay fresh and kept him in an explosive groove in Matt LaFleur's zone rushing attack. 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. A powerful running back, the 6-foot, 254-pound Duckett spend his first three NFL seasons as part of a talented Falcons backfield that featured Michael Vick and fellow running back Warrick Dunn. However, Roseman has a proven track record. (AP Photo/Al Golub), The H-Bomb was one of the most prolific running backs in pro football history. If you want to recognize him for being a guy who hung around longer than most big backs, fine. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. I am on the fence over the Arizona Cardinals possibly moving on from DeAndre Hopkins. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Not hating on any of those guys. A player who was truly ahead of his time, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Taylor was one of the first receivers to fully use his physicality to his advantage. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. Anderson was a true stud in every sense of the word. Ingram -- who is entering his first season with the Texans -- is currently 60th on the NFL's all-time rushing list. There are still a slew of eligible former players who are still waiting for their call to Canton, Ohio. ARIZONA CARDINALS: QB Jim Hart (1966-1983). Ekeler had been under-appreciated for his unique receiving-forward role for Philip Rivers and Justin Herbert. He hit the 1,000-yard mark again for theLionsin 2013. Many deserving players have been passed over because they played for a small market team; other players were overshadowed by more celebrated teammates. 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. And the fact that the city was thisclose to a second consecutive Lombardi -- a debate that never ends well for Pete Carroll -- helps his case. Cincinnati Bengals (1997-2003), New England Patriots (2004-06). Which player earns the No. Smith was on the verge of having a long, prolific career, but he chose to walk away to study medicine. The Browns will lean on Chubb a lot again until Deshaun Watson can boost them at QB. In 2009, Johnson became the sixth member of the NFL's 2,000-yard club after rushing for a league-high 2,006 yards. 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. 3: Roger Craig -- One of the best multi-purpose backs ever, he was the first to run for 1,000 yards and catch another 1,000 in the same season. He was a smooth fit in the system with his quick running and did fine as a receiver when needed there. 2021 stats (at Iowa State):253 carries, 1,472 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 36 receptions, 302 receiving yards, 23 total TDs. After holding off Zack Moss for key touches, he will need to do the same again vs. rookie James Cook. Who has the best hands? NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Cook just needs to come through with full health for his Age-27 season. And despite a solid 2003 season in Washington, Canidate was released after the team traded for former Broncos Pro Bowler Clinton Portis. Bears (2005-07); Bengals (2008-11); Packers (2012). 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. HIs major foot injury cost him nine games and the Titans need to be wary about overworking him. No. 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. (AP Photo/Duncan Livingston), Watters was the perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers offense; a guy who had the ability to run the ball and catch it out of the backfield. Tre's uncle is legendary Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Lets assess if Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry will be traded to a team like the Philadelphia Eagles at any point during the 2023 NFL Draft. Plus, there's a new No. 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. 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. As Warren Sharp pointed out, Swift won't exactly have . While he continuously battled through injury, McFadden still managed to amass 1,664 all-purpose yards for the Raiders in 2010. Do you have a blog? NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. . (National Football League), The Seahawks had another awesome running back who followed Warner. Mendenhall finished his career in Arizona before retiring after just six seasons. No. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Saints (2011-18); Ravens (2019-20); Texans (2021). To me, this all really comes down to the two general managers who would have to make this potential trade work: The seasoned front-office executive Howie Roseman of the Eagles and the newcomer Ran Carthon now of the Titans. Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, is at the top of that list. Watters was a dual-threat playmaker who consistently produced. The seventh-leading rusher in NFL history, Tomlinson posted eight consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons en route to being named to the NFL's All-2000s Team. Hayes won Defensive Player of the Year in 1980 while leading the NFL with 13 interceptions. Maroney (following an injury-marred 2008 season) posted another solid season in 2009 before finishing his career with the Broncos. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. 1 receiver when the Colts made it back to the Super Bowl in 2009. He averaged just 3.1 yards per carry in 29 games with theColts. At 26, MIxon should maintain that momentum of production. 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. 2021 stats:258 carries, 1,037 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 52 targets, 294 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. The trade was met with mixed reactions. He averaged better than 4.5 yards per carry during his peak years. Frank Gore is zeroed in on boxing and Deron Williams fight, but still harbors Super Bowl dream, NFL's unsung heroes in 2021 season: One player from each NFC team. That total is not only a Falcons' franchise record, it is unofficially the the most tackles ever credited to a player in NFL history,according to the Falcons' team website. . In his second season, Taylor led the AFL in average yards per catch while helping lead the Chiefs to the first-ever Super Bowl. In 2011, Brown ran for five scores while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Plus, how far did Josh Jacobs climb in MJD's top 15 RB rankings after a huge performance last week? 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. And while a hip injury slowed his roll at the end of the season, Edwards-Helaire still managed to gain 1,100 all-purpose yards in 13 regular-season games. For a list of other positions, click here. 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. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans. He was never the same after that. Dillon had the size (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) and physical style similar to Eddie George. His success that season ultimately led to the team parting with Williams during the 2015 offseason. Williams can be a reliable supporting cog for Russell Wilson in every capacity, taking the Jones role in the Packers-like system. Thomas Jones. 2021 stats: 225 carries, 849 rushing yards, 3.8 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 51 targets, 301 receiving yards, 7 total TDs, Vinnie Iyer is an NFL writer at The Sporting News. Did the player and his team have postseason success. Lynch is 29th all time on the regular-season career rushing list and eighth on the playoff career rushing list. He is also a member of the NFL's All-2000s Team. Jim Brown is a superb choice to start a list of top running backs of all time. Jones shared a backfield for most of his career; he spent three seasons playing alongside Marion Barber and two years with DeMarco Murray. While he failed to live up to pre-draft expectations, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner did have several productive seasons that included helping the Giants reach the Super Bowl during his rookie season. Pro Bowls: 9. Maurice Jones-Drew reveals his top five rushing duos in the NFL this season. Gradishar earned five more Pro Bowl selections (as well as another All-Pro nod) during his final six seasons with the Broncos. Craving even more NFL coverage focusing on previews, recaps, news and analysis? 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. HOF-eligible for a decade-plus, George was named a semifinalist back in November for the first time. While an injury cut his career short, Sharpe did plenty of damage during his seven-year career. 2021 stats:202 carries, 752 rushing yards, 3.7 yards per carry, 37 receptions on 39 targets, 375 receiving yards, 18 total TDs. In 1992, Brett Favre's first season as the Packers' starting quarterback, Sharpe led the NFL in receptions (108), yards (1,461) and touchdowns (13). This is where the line in most all-time best running back conversations is drawn. His best season took place in 2006, when Jackson rumbled for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Rams. 2. 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. Now the Chiefs are caught between featuring and fading him into a complementary role. Ironically, Dayne's best season was his last; he rushed for 773 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4 yards per carry for the Texans. (National Football League), Foreman was a perfect runner for those frigid days at the Met in Minneapolis. Injuries are the reason why Mathews was out of football at age 29. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008 while helping Miami capture the AFC East title. In his second-to-last game, Best rushed for a career-high 163 yards (on 12 carries) that included an 88-yard touchdown run. As far as the Titans are concerned, lets just hope Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel are on the same page and have owner Amy Adams Strunks blessing to do whatever is in the best interest of the Titans franchise. My best guess if their shared representation are trying to devise a plan of attack so that Henry gets a new contract and never has to play for another NFL franchise. (AP Photo/Al Golub), The "Nigerian Nightmare" emerged from obscure NAIA Azusa Pacific and became a force for the Kansas City Chiefs for a number of seasons. One of the NFL's most versatile backs, McCaffrey earned All-Pro honors in 2019 after becoming the third player in league history to tally 1,000 yards rushing and receiving. Faulk leads the bunch with 767 receptions, putting him at No. Simpson and Marcus Allen. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. In 1981, Anderson won both league MVP and Comeback Player of the Year while leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl. My issue is that there are several running backs who also deserve a spot in Canton, but continue to get overlooked. Since 1995, 11 running backs have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. He had seven seasons with at least 1,100 rushing yards. 2021 stats: 240 carries, 898 rushing yards, 3.7 yards per carry, 47 receptions on 67 targets, 439 receiving yards, 9 total TDs, NFL POWER RANKINGS: Bills look Super Bowl-serious at top; 49ers, Broncos, Eagles on the rise. While somewhat underwhelming, Green still managed to rack up 1,000 all-purpose yards while helping theBrownsmake the playoffs during this rookie season.
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best running backs not in the hall of fame 2023