NFL - Top 10 running backs of all time
June 8, 2008 by James Edwards
Filed under Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, NFL Football
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ESPN lists their Top 10 running backs of all time.
Jim Brown is the big guy on the right
Image details: Jim Brown On The Bench served by picapp.com
1. JIM BROWN
2. BARRY SANDERS
3. WALTER PAYTON
4. EMMITT SMITH
5. GALE SAYERS
6. LADAINIAN TOMLINSON
7. MARSHALL FAULK
8. O.J. SIMPSON
9. LENNY MOORE
10. ERIC DICKERSON
Here is a list of the evaluators for ESPN
By the time all was said and done, Don Shula, Marv Levy, Dan Reeves, Robert Smith, Jerry Richardson, Floyd Reese, Jack Bushofsky and Emmitt Thomas had thrown around nearly four dozen names, debated the merits of runners who had seemed flawless when they entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame and helped pare a list to include only the most elite of the elite.
Jim Brown
Hey, Jim Brown was 6′2″ tall and 232 pounds in an era where a lot of linemen weren’t any bigger. He was fast and elusive. Brown only played for 9 years, but dominated all nine. Think of it, 12,000 yards in his career and they only played a 12 game season!
Barry Sanders
The Barry played for my hapless Lions. Oddly coaches used to pull him near the goal line, because of his small stature. Big mistake. Barry was the Lions for his entire career as they rarely surrounded him with any talent. Barry did not even have a good line in front of him. He was so fun to watch.
Walter Payton and Gale Sayers
The two great Chicago Bears blend in my memory. With power, grace, speed, and elusiveness, it seemed the Chicago Bears had great running backs forever.
Emmitt Smith
Dallas would usually give Emmitt a lead fullback block into a huge offensive line. Emmitt had the knack of making one cut off of the block and accelerating for max yards.
Who is in your top 10?
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