5. Emmit Smith

Emmit Smith is the career lead in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, as well as an owner of three SuperBowl rings. However, he benefited from one of the best offensive lines in history that constantly gave him gaping holes to run through. That being said, Emmit was the model of consistency and wee deserving to be on this list.

4. Earl Campbell

When you talk power back, there was no better in the NFL than Earl Campbell. At 5-11, 250 pounds, Campbell just bullied teams into submission.  The drawback to his ferocious running style was an 8 year career cut short due to injuries but in his prime, he was an unstoppable juggernaut.

3. Barry Sanders

Like the number one on this list, Barry Sanders walked away from the game at the peak of his ability. This 2 time offensive player of the year was the type of runner that would lose a yard on consecutive plays and then break out for a huge gain. In 1997, Sanders rushed for an amazing 14 straight 100 yds game on his way to 2053 yards that season; the second player to ever break the 2000 yard rushing barrier.

2. Walter Peyton

Walter “Sweetness” Peyton, a nine time pro bowler, was the League’s record holder for most career rushing yards, touchdowns and carries when he retired. He was one of the first players to use a stutter-step in their rushes; a high stepping, irregular paced run that holds up defenders, giving the rusher more time to find the gaps. He was also known for his brutal stiff-arms.

1. Jim Brown

Easily the number one choice as top running back. The record holder for all-time rushing yards per game (104.3) and total yards from scrimmage per game (125. 5), Brown was a boy among men and could probably still suit up and play at a high level today. He retired from the NFL at age 29 to pursue an acting career but left the game as the NFL record holder for both single-season (1,863 in 1963) and career rushing (12,312 yards), as well as the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (106), total touchdowns (126), and all-purpose yards (15,549). He was also the first player ever to reach the 100-rushing-touchdowns milestone.