Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…
1. Jim Brown
Drafted sixth overall by the Cleveland Browns in 1957 out of Syracuse, where he excelled in multiple sports, Brown dominated as a powerhouse back in an era of ground-and-pound football, leading the league nearly every season before retiring at his peak.
Over nine seasons with the Browns, Brown won rushing titles eight times, including 1958 (1,527 yards, 17 touchdowns) and 1963 (1,863 yards, a then-record 6.4 yards per carry). He earned MVP honors in 1957 (rookie year: 942 yards), 1958, and 1965 (1,544 yards, 17 touchdowns).
Brown powered Cleveland to the 1964 NFL Championship (27-0 over Baltimore, 114 yards) and runners-up finishes in 1957 and 1965. His teams consistently contended, but he retired in 1966 amid a contract dispute while filming “The Dirty Dozen,” forgoing a potential longer career.
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Brown’s career totals include 12,312 rushing yards (all-time leader at retirement), 106 rushing touchdowns, 262 receptions for 2,499 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns. He has more than impressive marks in career yards per game (104.3), rushing titles (eight) and yards per carry (5.22). He also ranks high historically in total touchdowns (126) and all-purpose yards (15,459).
Brown’s standout attributes were his imposing size, speed and power at 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, combining brute force with surprising quickness. His playing style was punishing and relentless: a straight-ahead runner who broke arm tackles, used a signature stiff arm and refused to go down easily, often requiring multiple defenders.
Off-field controversies, including multiple assault allegations (never convicted of major crimes), marred his image, but his activism for civil rights and economic empowerment for Black athletes enhanced his legacy.
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Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, Brown is widely regarded as the greatest running back ever.
Brown is the king, but what does the rest of the NFL All-Time RB Rank look like? Count down from the Top 25, starting here.