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. 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)
Rushing Yards (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
| 1 | Emmitt Smith* | 18,355 |
| 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 Dillion | 11,241 |
| 18 | O.J. Simpson* | 11,236 |
| 19 | Warrick Dunn | 10,967 |
| 20 | Ricky Watters | 10,643 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau