Greatest NFL Running Back of All-Time Statistics

• 1). Define criteria for the greatest NFL running backs of all time. Include a back's total career rushing yards and touchdowns, receiving yards and yards per carry, and such factors as his number of Pro Bowls, Super Bowl appearances and performances, MVP awards and 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
  
  
• 2). Find good sources for NFL running back statistics. ESPN, Sports Illustrated and the NFL Network are all notable sports and football content providers. Websites for football information include Pro-Football-Reference.com and NFL.com.
  
  
• 3). Compare lists of current and past NFL running backs' statistics. In terms of career stats, rushing leaders include Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders and Jim Brown. As of 2010, Smith holds the career record with 18,355 total rushing yards. For a single season, Eric Dickerson set the standard with his 2,105-yard performance in 1984.
  
  
• 4). Observe a back's running style and intangibles through his highlights. You may agree that Barry Sanders' ability to shift direction and accelerate would make him a better pure running back than Curtis Martin. Although Martin gained 14,101 yards on the ground (fourth all-time) during his 11-year career, he is rarely part of the greatest NFL running back of all time discussion. Martin's workmanlike style did not make for good highlights.
  
  
• 5). Take into account the skill level of a running back's teammates in evaluating his statistics. For Emmitt Smith, Cowboys Nate Newton and Eric Williams were regular Pro Bowlers who opened up gaping holes at the line of scrimmage. Smith also played alongside fellow Hall-of-Famers Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin at quarterback and wide receiver, respectively. Because of this balanced attack, opponents could not simply key on Smith.
  
  

Greatest NFL Running Backs of All-Time List

• 1). Name 20 to 25 running backs who are leaders on the statistical charts or standouts as far as style. Additional names to consider include Thurman Thomas, Terrell Davis, Marshall Faulk, Tony Dorsett, and O.J. Simpson.
  
  
• 2). Eliminate players from your list due to a lack of durability or the all-around skills of a complete back. For example, Terrell Davis' football career was cut short due to injury. Jerome Bettis rushed for 13,662 yards (fifth all-time), but was rarely a viable option as a receiver.
  
  
• 3). Compile your list, based on all the above. Jim Brown would be a viable choice as the greatest running back of all-time. From there a top-ten list may go: 2) Walter Payton, 3) Emmitt Smith, 4) Barry Sanders, 5) Eric Dickerson, 6) O.J. Simpson, 7) Thurman Thomas, 8) LaDainian Tomlinson, 9) Gale Sayers, 10) Tony Dorsett.