Jonathan Taylor is perhaps the best running back in the NFL. But can he become one of the 15 greatest running backs in NFL history?
This season, Taylor is making a case for the NFL MVP award. The Indianapolis Colts’ superstar is having a phenomenal season. He’s leading the league in carries (189), yards per carry (6.0), rushing yards (1,139), and rushing touchdowns (15).
Taylor was spectacular during the recent win over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin. He rushed for a whopping 244 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Taylor also caught three passes for 42 yards. His biggest highlights of the game were his final two touchdowns, which were an 83-yard run with just over six minutes remaining in regulation and the game-winning eight-yarder in overtime.
Jonathan Taylor has been one of the league’s top running backs ever since his rookie year, when he rushed for 1,169 yards. However, he has a ways to go until he’s considered a top-15 running back of all time.
Colts Star Jonathan Taylor Can Go Down as a Top-15 Running Back of All Time
Who Are the Top 15 Running Backs in NFL History?
There, of course, isn’t an official “Greatest 15 Running Backs of All Time” list. Such a list, though, must include Jim Brown. Although he played only nine seasons (1957-1965), many consider him the greatest running back in NFL history. Brown led the Cleveland Browns to an NFL championship, won three MVP awards, and led the league in rushing eight times.
Walter Payton also has to be on the list. During his 13-year career, he recorded 16,726 rushing yards (second-most all time) won an MVP, and powered the Chicago Bears to a victory in Super Bowl XX.
And you can’t forget about the great Barry Sanders. The Detroit Lions legend only played 10 seasons in the league. However, he rushed for over 1,000 yards each year, including a career-high 2,053 in 1997 when he won MVP.
Other running backs who should be considered in the top-15 of all time include players like Emmitt Smith, Eric Dickerson, O.J. Simpson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Earl Campbell, and Marcus Allen.
Will It Happen?
Jonathan Taylor
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) moves the ball in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Colts are the league’s most surprising team this season, coming out of nowhere and posting an 8-2 record. Jonathan Taylor has been the constant engine keeping Indy’s offense on track.
Again, Taylor is playing like an MVP. However, it’ll be difficult for him to win the award, seeing that a non-quarterback hasn’t won it since 2012 (running back Adrian Peterson).
An MVP award and another rushing title (he won one in 2021) will increase his chances of becoming a top-15 running back of all time. He can also reach that status one day if he can stay consistent for years to come.
Taylor obviously has to stay healthy. He missed a total of 16 games from 2022 to 2024. Fortunately, though, he’s managed to dodge the injury bug this season.
Right now, Taylor has 7,152 career rushing yards, ranking 72nd in NFL history. He’s only 26 years old, so he certainly has time to climb up the list.
When his career is said and done, don’t be surprised to see Jonathan Taylor referred to as one of the 15 greatest running backs ever. The talent is definitely there.
Main Image: Lisi Niesner – Imagn Images