Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…
Drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 1971 NFL Draft out of the University of Kansas, Riggins quickly established himself as a dominant back, leading the Jets in rushing and receiving as a rookie with 1,005 scrimmage yards.
Nicknamed “Riggo” and “Diesel,” he set a franchise record with 944 rushing yards in 1972 and became the first Jet to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in 1975 (1,005), earning his lone Pro Bowl selection and multiple team MVP awards during his five seasons there.
Traded to the Washington Redskins in 1976, Riggins overcame a 1977 knee injury to rush for over 1,000 yards in 1978 and 1979. After sitting out the 1980 season in a contract dispute, he returned under coach Joe Gibbs in 1981.
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His career peaked in the 1982 playoffs, where he set an NFL record with 610 rushing yards over four games, culminating in [Super Bowl XVII](https://www.nfl.com/photos/super-bowl-xvii-09000d5d802ba82a#82705529-bddd-4d02-af72-69112f3937cb) MVP honors with 166 yards and a touchdown in a 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
In 1983, at age 34, he led the league with 1,347 yards and a then-record 24 rushing touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro and Comeback Player of the Year. The following year, at 35, he again topped the league in rushing touchdowns (14) and became the oldest player to rush for 1,000+ yards—a record that endures.
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Riggins retired in 1985 with 11,352 rushing yards (20th all-time), 104 rushing touchdowns and 2,090 receiving yards across 175 games.
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Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Redskins Ring of Fame in 1990, Riggins was known for his late-career resurgence.
Riggins’s playing style was that of a bruising, straight-ahead runner: relentless, physical and punishing, often gaining extra yards after contact with a no-nonsense, downhill approach.
Featured image via Manny Rubio/USA TODAY Sports