5. Jamal Lewis, BAL/CLE: Lewis was a machine for the majority of his career – if he played, he produced. Although he suffered a torn ACL and missed the entire 2001 season, he continued to rack up 1,000-yard seasons – including a 2,066-yard one in 2003. All in all, he rushed for over 10,000 yards in his nine-year career.
4. Tiki Barber, NYG
Barber initially struggled to find carries in the Big Apple, but once he did, there was no denying his star power. Despite never being a workhorse until later in his career, Barber racked up over 10,000 career yards and made 3 Pro Bowls by averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
3. Fred Taylor, JAX/NE
Taylor was an explosive playmaker for a productive Jacksonville offense. Despite weighing around 230 pounds, he had a surprising amount of agility to go with home-run speed. He had six 1,000-yard seasons in the 2000s and totaled 11,695 rushing yards in his career.
2. Edgerrin James, IND/ARI/SEA
James was a special multi-tool weapon for Peyton Manning in Indianapolis – the 4-time Pro Bowler and current NFL Hall of Famer excelled as both a runner and a receiver. He ran for over 1,500 yards four times and caught at least 50 passes in a season five times.
1. LaDanian Tomlison, SD/NYJ
One of the most productive running backs in NFL history, Tomlinson was a one-man wrecking crew in San Diego. Five Pro Bowls, one Offensive Player of the Year award, and one NFL MVP fail to capture his dominance. His 2006 season – over 2,300 total yards and 31 TDs – may never be equaled again.
