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It is natural for sports fans to debate the greatest players of all time. However, I am reluctant because each era is different, and today's players are much bigger and faster than those of the past. I decided to examine the historical significance of running backs in NFL history and attempt to assess it objectively. Obviously, all-time greats like Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith, Marcus Allen, LaDainian Tomlinson, Barry Sanders, and Eric Dickerson were ruled out: There is no denying the magnitude of those Hall of Famers. Instead, I looked at the often-forgotten pass-catching running backs in history. The former competitors, who are not often cited among NFL nobility, were selected based on their yards-from-scrimmage percentage (Scrimmage Yards Dominator) and average fantasy points per game (FPPG).
If one examines Frank Gifford's statistics from 1956, it is easy to discount his influence. Nonetheless, his 38% market share of the Giants' total yards from scrimmage provides a much better perspective of his performance and abilities. What if Lydell Mitchell suited up today? Based on his 1975 numbers, he would be a first-round selection in fantasy leagues. The list is not comprehensive. It only aims to examine the dominance of past players who are often overlooked in fantasy football history. Enjoy, my fellow Fantasy Football Diehards!
Tiki Barber, New York Giants, 2005
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 40%
FPPG: 22.4
When compiling the numbers, I was shocked that Barber adorned the top of the list with a 40% dominator rating. The former second-round pick in 1997 may be the most overlooked runner in NFL history. He surpassed 1,000 yards rushing six times and concluded his career with five consecutive 1,000-yard crusades. He also totaled 586 receptions and scored 67 times. Barber’s 2005 campaign is one for the ages: He carried the football 357 times and rushed for 1,860 yards. New York won the NFC East with an 11-5 record; nonetheless, the Carolina Panthers dismantled the Giants 23-0 in the Wild Card Game. At 31 years old, he abruptly retired after the 2006 season, missing the Super Bowl Championship season in New York. In my humble opinion, Barber is a Hall of Fame talent who should be voted into Canton, OH.
James Wilder, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1984
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 39%
FPPG: 24.1
In the 1980s, my best friend and I would travel to the Meadowlands and scalp tickets in the parking lot. It was so affordable that we would usually pass through the gate for less than $25 and attend as many games as possible. On November 17, 1985, we attended the Buccaneers' (1-10) game against the Jets (8-3), and we were excited to watch James Wilder, who scored two touchdowns that afternoon. The year before, the menacing Buccaneer had produced his magnum opus as a professional. The 1984 season produced record-breaking campaigns by Dan Marino (5,084 passing yards and 48 touchdowns), Eric Dickerson (2,105 rushing yards), and Art Monk (106 receptions). Wilder’s incredible crusade falls into the dustpan of history because of his contemporaries on the gridiron and the Buccaneers’ lackluster record. During the unforgettable campaign, the bulldozing ball carrier carried the ball 407 times for 1,544 yards and 13 touchdowns. He added 85 receptions for 685 yards, accumulating 2,229 yards from scrimmage. At 6-3 and 225 pounds, the former Missouri product produced only two 1,000-yard campaigns before the incredibly high number of carries (772) in back-to-back seasons ('84 & '85) limited his career productivity.
Priest Holmes, Kansas City Chiefs, 2002 & 2003
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 37% & 35%
FPPG: 31.6 & 27.9
After leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 1999, coach Dick Vermeil retired for a second time. In 2001, he yearned to be back on the sideline and took control in Kansas City. In Philadelphia and St. Louis, the coach relied on a stud in the backfield to lead the offense, and Vermeil uncovered a hidden gem in free agency. At 5-9 and 213 pounds, Priest Holmes went undrafted out of Texas and earned a roster spot as an UDFA in Baltimore. He gained over 1,000 rushing yards in 1998 and won a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens in 2000. Afterward, the Chiefs signed the discounted runner before the 2001 kickoff, and Holmes' career took off.
During his first two seasons in Kansas City, the Chiefs posted a 14-18 record despite an improved offense that averaged nearly 25 points per game. In 2002, Holmes earned the AP Offensive Player of the Year, totaling 2,287 yards from scrimmage and scoring 24 times. In 2003, Holmes scored 27 touchdowns, snatched 74 passes, and logged a third straight 1,000-yard season as the Chiefs captured the AFC West with a 13-3 record. Holmes earned First Team All-Pro in each of his first three seasons in Kansas City, totaling 6,566 yards from scrimmage, catching 206 passes, and scoring 61 times. Holmes ranks among the paramount free-agent signings and best fantasy performers in NFL history.
Frank Gifford, New York Giants, 1956
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 38%
FPPG: 20.6
If you are over a certain age, your fondest memories of Frank Gifford are likely on ABC Monday Night Football as an announcer. Long before he became a household broadcaster, Gifford starred on both coasts—at the Coliseum in the City of Angels and at Yankee Stadium in the Big Apple. A versatile competitor, he played halfback, defensive back, and kicker in college. As a senior in 1951, Gifford led USC in rushing and scoring. In 1952, the Giants selected the Trojans’ All-American with the eleventh selection in the first round of the draft.
Gifford played 12 seasons in the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl invitations and helping the Giants reach five Championship Games. In 1956, the Giants captured their only NFL Title of the decade, beating the Bears 47-7 as Gifford caught four passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. How prodigious was Gifford’s campaign? He led the league in yards from scrimmage (1,422) and receptions (51) while earning the NFL MVP award. During his career, the Hall of Famer seized 367 passes and scored 77 times. A forgotten playmaker, Gifford deserves to be recognized as the first great all-purpose back in league history.
Lydell Mitchell, Baltimore Colts, 1975
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 36%
FPPG: 23.1
In 1974, the Baltimore Colts finished the season 2-12 under coach Howard Schnellenberger. In 1975, the organization hired Ted Marchibroda, and the Colts ascended to the top of the AFC East with a 10-4 mark. During his first three seasons at the helm, Marchibroda guided Baltimore to three consecutive division titles and a 31-11 record. While most Colts’ fans remember QB Bert Jones, one of the keys to the turnaround was Lydell Mitchell.
Over three seasons, the former Penn State product exceeded 1,100 yards rushing and totaled over 60 receptions each year, leading the league with 71 catches in 1977. His 1975 campaign should be recognized among the finest in the past 50 years: Mitchell finished third in rushing yards (1,193) behind O.J. Simpson (1,817) and Franco Harris (1,246), third in yards from scrimmage (1,737), and fourth in total touchdowns, scoring 15 times. The all-purpose runner accounted for 36% of the team’s total yards and earned a Pro Bowl invite. He concluded his career as the leading rusher in Colts’ history with 5,487 yards and was traded to San Diego following the 1977 season. He is truly worthy of being on this list of forgotten stars.
Roger Craig, San Francisco 49ers, 1985
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 33%
FPPG: 24.3
When recalling the stupendous San Francisco teams of the 1980s, the West Coast offense designed by Bill Walsh and orchestrated by Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Dwight Clark usually dominates the conversation. Discounting the running game shortchanges the contributions of the ball carriers. Coach Walsh’s game plan often employed the pass to open a lead and, in the fourth quarter, pounded the rock to kill the clock.
In his third year (1985), Roger Craig became the first player in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season: He averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 11.0 yards per reception while scoring 15 times. Craig also led the NFL in receptions with 92. Three seasons later, Craig captured the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, helping the 49ers to a victory in Super Bowl XXIII over the Bengals. He led the league in yards from scrimmage with 2,036 and set a personal high with 1,502 yards rushing. A unique running style, the dynamic dual-threat challenged tacklers running with his eyes wide open and knees high—it took courage to bring down the 49ers' ball carrier. Craig caught an astonishing 566 passes for 4,911 yards and totaled over 13,000 yards from scrimmage during his career. Any conversation regarding the West Coast offense must include Craig.
Chuck Foreman, Minnesota Vikings, 1975
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 34%
FPPG: 27.2
In the Nineties, the Spin Doctors produced two top 20 Billboard Hot 100 hits. During the Seventies, Chuck Foreman was the original Spin Doctor in Minnesota. Foreman frustrated tacklers with spectacular spin moves in the open field, gained tough yards between the tackles, and soared into the end zone. With sure hands, quick feet, and precise route running, he was occasionally employed out wide, challenging defenses on all three downs. In 1973, the Vikings drafted the University of Miami star with the 12th overall pick, and Minnesota reached the Super Bowl in three of his first four seasons in the league, losing to Miami, Pittsburgh, and Oakland. He exceeded 1,000 yards rushing three consecutive seasons between 1975 and 1977.
Only O.J. Simpson eclipsed the versatile Vikings’ 1,761 yards from scrimmage and 22 touchdowns in Foreman’s memorable crusade in 1975. He also led the league with 73 catches, and he was named First Team All-Pro. Over his career, Foreman snatched 350 passes, twice led the NFL in touchdowns (1974 & 1976), and earned five trips to the Pro Bowl. The pass-catching playmaker suited up in thirteen postseason games but never earned a ring. When his career ended, Foreman had produced 9,106 yards from scrimmage and scored 76 times. Hopefully, the nine-man Seniors Committee gives the original Spin Doctor an invite to the Hall of Fame someday.
Ahman Green, Green Bay Packers, 2003
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 38%
FPPG: 24.7
During thirty-six years of managing fantasy football teams, the outcomes of trades have varied, and at times, did not benefit my team as much as expected. However, when I acquired RB Ahman Green in a keeper league in 2000, lady luck unexpectedly came along in the deal. Green soared to fantasy glory and steered my club to back-to-back championship games.
The Seattle Seahawks selected the former Nebraska runner in the third round of the 1998 Draft, and he languished on the bench for two seasons. The Packers surrendered defensive back Fred Vinson and a sixth-round pick to acquire Green (who blossomed in Green Bay) and a fifth-round selection. In six of the next seven campaigns, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and totaled over 1,400 yards from scrimmage.
In 2003, the Packer playmaker produced a crusade that is often overlooked. He finished second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,883) behind Jamal Lewis, who terrorized opponents for 2,066 yards, and second in touchdowns (20), trailing Priest Holmes. At 6-0 and 217 pounds, Green perfectly complemented Brett Favre and the passing attack. One of the great screen runners in history, Green latched onto 378 passes for nearly 3,000 yards with 14 touchdowns during his career. He concluded his tenure in Title Town as the team’s all-time leading rusher (8,322) while earning four trips to the Pro Bowl. The powerful Packer changed the fortunes of thousands of alternative-reality zealots at the turn of the century.
Lenny Moore, Baltimore Colts, 1958
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 33%
FPPG: 23.5
While the franchise is often remembered for its all-time great quarterbacks (Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning), the Colts’ uniforms have decorated a plethora of runners who carved out indelible careers. Lenny Moore, the ninth-overall pick in the 1956 draft, immediately impacted the league and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 1958 and 1959, Baltimore captured consecutive NFL Championships, beating the Giants twice. In the two title games, the Colts' elusive pass-catcher recorded nine receptions for 227 yards and a touchdown.
In 1958, Moore averaged 7.3 yards per carry, finished second in yards from scrimmage (1,536), third in all-purpose yards (1,638), and second in touchdowns (14). Moore predominantly played flanker early in his career and moved to the backfield full-time in 1962. He won the 1964 MVP award by establishing a league record with 20 touchdowns, and during his tenure in the league, he earned consensus First Team All-Pro honors four times. When the curtain closed on his career, the fleet-footed star accumulated 11,213 yards from scrimmage, snatched 363 passes, and scored 111 times. At 6-1 and 191 pounds, the Hall of Famer might be a better player in today’s game than he was in the Fifties.
Ricky Waters, Philadelphia Eagles, 1996
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 31%
FPPG: 19.7
Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders established many rushing records, received accolades from the media, and earned the admiration of fans in the 1990s. While Ricky Waters might have been passed over by the casual fan in the decade, fantasy footballers loved the pass-catching dynamo. Two signature plays illustrate Waters’ controversial career: In Super Bowl XXIX, the 49ers’ game breaker ran a beautiful pass pattern down the seam of the Chargers’ defense and scored on an amazing over-the-shoulder, 51-yard scoring strike from Steve Young. As a member of the Eagles the next year, Waters short-armed a pass from Randall Cunningham during the first game of the season and stated, “For who? For what?” afterward, which did not endear him to the Philly faithful or NFL fans across the nation.
Astute fantasy owners always welcomed the former Notre Dame product on their rosters. From 1992 to 1996, Waters earned five Pro Bowl invitations and rushed for over 1,000 yards with three different franchises: San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Without question, he soared highest as an Eagle in 1996, leading the league in carries with 355 and yards from scrimmage with 1,855. Two post-season games underscore Waters’ incredible ability: In 1993, he scored five touchdowns against the Giants in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs, and three times against the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. An emotional player, he played with passion, and many people disliked his outspoken and braggadocious personality. Despite a stunning resume, Waters awaits a Hall of Fame call after totaling 14,891 yards from scrimmage and scoring 91 times.
Herschel Walker, New Jersey Generals, 1985
Scrimmage Yards Dominator: 45%
FPPG: 25.4
I was a freshman in high school when Herschel Walker adorned the cover of Sports Illustrated and ascended to national prominence. My English teacher caught me reading the article about the Georgia sensation during class and asked me to put it down, which I reluctantly did, finishing it on the bus ride home. In 1982, Walker captured the Heisman Trophy, and afterward, left college early to join the USFL, signing with the New Jersey Generals. I became a loyal cadet of the team, and in 1984 and 1985, I traveled from Connecticut to New Jersey to watch the Generals play at least fifteen times.
Cheering for the 6-1 and 225-pound game breaker became an obsession, and attending games is one of my fondest memories. In 1985, Walker established a professional record for rushing yards with 2,411, scored 22 times, totaled 45% of the team's yards from scrimmage, and led the Generals to an 11-7 record. On April 7, 1985, Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and the Houston Gamblers visited the Meadowlands, and I sat on the 40-yard line to witness Walker’s incredible afternoon: He rushed for 233 yards and scored two touchdowns, including a league-record 88-yard scamper in the first quarter. The USFL folded after the 1985 campaign, and Walker joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1986. The bulldozing speedster's forgotten campaign dwells deep in my memory bank.
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