Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…
Drafted third overall by the Chicago Cardinals in the 1952 NFL Draft out of the University of San Francisco, following Olympic medals in track (bronze in 400m, silver in 4x400m relay), Ollie Matson shared Rookie of the Year honors as a versatile halfback.
He played for the Cardinals (1952, 1954-1958), Los Angeles Rams (1959-1962), Detroit Lions (1963), and Philadelphia Eagles (1964-1966), missing 1953 for Army service.
Matson’s peak included 1956 with Chicago, rushing for 924 yards (4.8 average) and a 105-yard kickoff return touchdown, and 1959 with the Rams, posting 863 yards (5.4 average) in nine starts. Traded to the Rams in a historic nine-player deal, he excelled in multifaceted roles despite playing on mostly losing teams.
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His accomplishments feature seven first-team All-Pro selections, six Pro Bowl appearances, induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1972) and College Football Hall of Fame (1976), and inclusion on the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. At retirement in 1966, his 12,799 all-purpose yards ranked second to Jim Brown.
His career stats include 5,173 rushing yards on 1,170 attempts (4.4 average), 40 rushing touchdowns, 222 receptions for 3,285 yards and 23 receiving touchdowns, plus 4,341 return yards with nine return scores.
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Standing 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Matson’s attributes were his world-class speed, versatility and ability to draw double teams.
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Matson’s playing style was multifaceted and elusive: a speedy runner who excelled in open field, a reliable receiver out of the backfield and a dynamic returner, making him a constant threat in all phases.
But who ranks ahead of Matson at [No. 21 all-time](https://nesn.com/2025/08/nfl-all-time-rb-rank-no-21-leroy-kelly/)?
Featured image via Darryl Norenberg/USA TODAY Sports