I was asked to put together a list of the top 10 receiving backs of all time. Sure, it could have been easy to just look up stats and compile the list that way. Stats do come into play, but don’t always tell the story. My list is of players who I watched play with my own two eyes, leaving out pre -1980s backs. I feel a bit guilty because I am leaving out some very good players who could have made this list. Please post in the comments who you think the best receiving backs are.
10. Keith Byars – Philadelphia Eagles
I hated when the Vikings played the Eagles because I knew Byars would make a big play. Byars makes the list because he made a ton of insane catches and one-handed grabs.
9. Roger Craig – San Francisco 49ers
Craig played the majority of his career with the San Francisco 49ers. I almost left him out because he had so much talent around him that it was easier for him than most. Then, I remember he had a 1,000-yard season and kept him on the list. Plus, he had big touchdown for my Vikings later in his career, which gave him an upper hand.
8. Larry Centers – Arizona Cardinals
Centers was known just for his pass-catching ability. He was a third down specialist who racked up a ton of yards even though the other team knew he was getting the ball.
7. Marcus Allen – Oakland Raiders
My Vikings passed on Allen to draft Darrin Nelson, who was a good pass-catching back himself. Allen would catch a pass and always make the first defender miss. He could change direction and had a nose for the first down.
6. Walter Payton – Chicago Bears
Payton didn’t put up gaudy receiving numbers, but the game was different back then. He would have double the 4,000-plus receiving yards had he played in today’s era.
5. Ronnie Harmon – San Diego Chargers
All Harmond did was catch passes for the Chargers. A third-down specialist, Harmon would rack up over 6,000 yards receiving throughout his career. He would have over 8,000 in this era.
4. Darren Sproles – Philadelphia Eagles
Sproles was like the “Little Engine that Could.” A small player with big game. I think defenders got lost out there because they couldn’t see him. By the time they realized what was going on, Sproles was scooting on by them for a big gain or touchdown.
3. LaDainian Tomlinson – San Diego Chargers
Tomlinson was an electric player who did it all for the Chargers. He didn’t have the most yards, but it seems as though many of his catches were huge plays that led to a score, converted a third down, or sparked a Chargers comeback. He could take a two-yard pass and score from anywhere on the field.
2. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers
McCaffrey would most likely have the most receiving yards of all time for a back if not for injuries. He can line up as a slot receiver and make opposing linebackers look foolish in coverage. His deceptive speed and ability to run to the outside make him a threat to score on any pass play.
1. Marshall Faulk – St. Louis Rams
Faulk is the best pass-catching back I have seen. He had so many big plays and big touchdowns. He made defenders miss and was part of the Rams “Greatest Show on Turf” offense.
