Top 20 - Rushing Yards

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

Rushing Yards (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
	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