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.
Here, thanks to the help of Elias Sports Bureau, is an expanded look at Top 20 leaders in multiple NFL statistical categories. Check out where today’s stars compare to NFL greats at the start of the 2013 NFL Season. | Return to Top 20 at the Start of 2013>>>
CAREER NOTES. There are no active running backs currently ranked in the Top 20 all-time. Steven Jackson needs 508 yards to enter the Top 20 rushers list.
2012 LEADER: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (2,097 yards)
SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Eric Dickerson, Los Angeles Rams (2,105 yards in 1984)
Rushing Yards (at start of 2013 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 | 10,967 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Bold - players active during 2012 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau