5. LaDainian Tomlinson
Tomlinson may be underrated because he only retired a couple of years ago, but I think he should go down as one of the all time greats. He was extremely great in his prime, showing receiving skills to go along with his great running talent. He broke the single season rushing touchdown record in 2006, the same season that he rushed for 1800 yards, he also chipped in with 500 receiving yards. He had some dominant seasons until the end of his career. LT's running, pass catching ability and ability to score in close lands him at number five on this list
4. Emmitt Smith
Smith had five dominant seasons from 1991-1995 in which he had more than 1400 rushing yards in all five season and 20 or more rushing touchdowns in two of those seasons. Smith was a very consistent running back, which is what got him the rushing record, but I do not think he was as great as some claim. When he went to Arizona to chase the record, he ran into efficiency problems, but they kept feeding him the ball in order to break the record. Smith had decent receiving ability, but it was not great which puts him a step behind some other running backs.
3. Walter Payton
Walter Payton was true legend. He put together great season after great season in Chicago. In his last full season he rushed for 1333 yards on 4.2 yards per carry when he was 32 years old. That is something that a lot of running backs are nat able to do, especially after all of the touches he received during his career. He was the heart of the 1985 championship Bears team that went 15-1. He retired as the all time rushing yards leader and he did not have to desperately change teams in order to do it.
2. Barry Sanders
Sanders was probably one of the most unique running backs to ever play in the NFL. His blinding speed left players in the dust and his elusiveness could leave him untouched on an 80 touchdown run. He rushed for at least 1100 yards in every single season and that 1100 yards was reached in a season in which he only played 11 games. Sanders was the first running back to rush for five 1500 yard season, four of which were in a row. He also went two full seasons without a fumble, 91 and 94. In 1997, he rushed for 2053 yards, second most in NFL history. Sanders is underrated because he cut his career short, but there is no doubt in my mind that he was one of the greatest to play the game.
1. Jim Brown
Brown was probably the most complete back the NFL has ever seen. He could run through defenders as well as around them. He rushed for at least 1200 yards in every season, but two of them, in seasons that only lasted 12 and 14 games. He averaged more than one TD per game during his career and he averaged 5.2 yards per carry, the highest in NFL history. He cut his career short for acting, but even with a short career, he is unquestionably the best running back ever.
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