Top 20 Series. There are many ways in which a player's success in the NFL is measured. One of the most obvious is a comparison of statistics. Each week during the NFL's regular season Profootballhof.com featured 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. | Return to Top 20 at the Start of 2012>>>
CAREER NOTES. Veteran running back LaDainian Tomlinson is the top-ranked player who was active during the 2011 season. He added 729 combined net yards, which allowed him to climb two spots to No. 7 all-time.
Season at a glance: 2011 LEADER: LaDainian Tomlinson, New York Jets (729 yards)
SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Derrick Mason, Tennessee Titans (2,690 yards in 2000)
All-Purpose Yards (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
| 1 | Jerry Rice* | 23,546 |
| 2 | Brian Mitchell | 23,330 |
| 3 | Walter Payton* | 21,803 |
| 4 | Emmitt Smith* | 21,583 |
| 5 | Tim Brown | 19,682 |
| 6 | Marshall Faulk* | 19,190 |
| 7 | LaDainian Tomlinson | 18,456 |
| 8 | Barry Sanders* | 18,308 |
| 9 | Herschel Walker | 18,168 |
| 10 | Marcus Allen | 17,648 |
| 11 | Curtis Martin* | 17,430 |
| 12 | Tiki Barber | 17,359 |
| 13 | Eric Metcalf | 17,230 |
| 14 | Derrick Mason | 17,150 |
| 15 | Thurman Thomas* | 16,532 |
| 16 | Tony Dorsett* | 16,347 |
| 17 | Terrell Owens | 16,276 |
| 18 | Henry Ellard | 15,718 |
| 19 | Warrick Dunn | 15,655 |
| 20 | Edgerrin James | 15,610 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau