Top 20 - Rushing Yards

1 Emmitt Smith* 18,355   Career Notes:
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is the highest ranked rusher among those players active in 2009. He added 730 yards to his career rushing total to jump from 14th place all-time at the start of the season to 8th place by season's end.

Season at a glance:
2009 LEADER: Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans (2,006 yards)

SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Eric Dickerson*, Los Angeles Rams (2,105 yards in 1984)


* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2009 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau


Return to Top 20 at the Start of 2010>>>

2 Walter Payton* 16,726
3 Barry Sanders* 15,269
4 Curtis Martin 14,101
5 Jerome Bettis 13,662
6 Eric Dickerson* 13,259
7 Tony Dorsett* 12,739
8 LaDanian Tomlinson 12,490
9 Jim Brown* 12,312
10 Marshall Faulk 12,279
11 Edgerrin James 12,246
12 Marcus Allen* 12,243
13 Franco Harris* 12,120
14 Thurman Thomas* 12,074
15 Fred Taylor 11,540
16 John Riggins* 11,352
17 Corey Dillon 11,241
18 O.J. Simpson* 11,236
19 Warrick Dunn 10,967
20 Ricky Watters 10,643