Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…
Drafted in the sixth round (196th overall) by the Denver Broncos in 1995 out of the University of Georgia (after starting at Long Beach State), Davis burst onto the NFL scene as a late-round gem, rushing for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie to help the Broncos reach the playoffs.
Despite a modest college output due to injuries, he quickly became the focal point of Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme.
Over seven seasons—all with Denver—Davis led the AFC in rushing three straight years (1996-1998), peaking in 1998 with 2,008 yards (fourth all-time single-season) and 21 touchdowns, earning NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and his third consecutive Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.
Story continues below advertisement
His postseason dominance was legendary: in 1997, he set an NFL record with eight rushing touchdowns in the playoffs, including [Super Bowl XXXII](https://sports.yahoo.com/date-denver-broncos-win-super-140000326.html) MVP with 157 yards and three scores in a 31-24 win over the Green Bay Packers, despite battling a migraine.
The next year, he added 199 yards and two touchdowns in Super Bowl XXXIII’s 34-19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Davis holds Broncos records for career rushing yards (7,607), single-season yards (2,008) and most 100-yard games (35).
What do you think? [Leave a comment.](javascript:void(0))
Injuries, including a devastating 1999 ACL/MCL tear, curtailed his career; he played just 17 games from 1999-2001 before retiring in 2002 at age 29. His totals: 7,607 rushing yards, 60 rushing touchdowns, 169 receptions for 1,280 yards and five receiving touchdowns across 78 games, with a 4.6 yards-per-carry average.
Story continues below advertisement
He owns playoff records for most rushing TDs in a postseason (eight) and seven straight 100-yard playoff games.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, Davis popularized the “Mile High Salute” celebration.
Davis’s standout attributes were his blend of power, speed (4.4 40-yard dash) and vision, allowing him to explode through holes and break tackles effectively. He was explosive but also patient behind blocks, thriving in zone schemes with cutback ability.
Story continues below advertisement
Critics note his injury-shortened prime when discussing all-time rank, but his three-year peak (4,987 yards, 49 TDs) rivals anyone.
Featured image via Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright 1997 by USA TODAY Sports