Top 20 - Rushing Yards

History Published on : 2/16/2012
There are many ways in which a player’s success in the NFL is measured. One of the most obvious and easiest yardsticks to use are statistics. Each week during the NFL’s regular season we’ve provided updated Top 20 lists for four main statistical categories. Now, with the help from Elias Sports Bureau, we are rolling out our expanded season’s end lists so you can compare today’s stars with the greatest of all-time. Tomorrow: Top 20 Passing Attempts

1 Emmitt Smith* 18,355   Career Notes:
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is the only ranked rusher among those players active in 2011. He added 280 yards to his career rushing total. In doing so, he passed Jerome Bettis to rank 5th all-time.

Season at a Glance:
2011 Leader: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars (1,606 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 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau

2 Walter Payton* 16,726
3 Barry Sanders* 15,269
4 Curtis Martin* 14,101
5 LaDanian Tomlinson 13,684
6 Jerome Bettis 13,662
7 Eric Dickerson* 13,259
8 Tony Dorsett* 12,739
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 11,695
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