Running backs around the NFL saw their workloads decrease in the 2010s, as the league realized that the position was too injury-prone to be left unmanaged. But several RBs stood head and shoulders above the rest. Here are my top 10 RBs from the 2010s decade.
10. Todd Gurley, LAR
They say the brightest stars burn the fastest, and that’s exactly how Gurley’s career went. A lengthy injury history caused Gurley to retire after just six seasons, but he was outstanding when on the field. He made three Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro twice.
9. Chris Johnson, TEN/NYJ/ARI
Dubbed “CJ2K” for his 2,000-yard rushing season in 2009, Johnson was not quite as productive in the 2010s. However, he still rushed for over 1,000 yards four years in a row from 2010 to 2013 and played in three career Pro Bowls.
8. Arian Foster, HOU/MIA
Foster was a similar case to Gurley, but he was both more injury-prone and more productive when he did play. He played eight seasons but was healthy in just four of them, making four Pro Bowls, including a league-leading 1,616-yard season in 2010.
7. Le’Veon Bell, PIT/NYJ
Bell was a unique talent at the running back position. Patiently waiting for running lanes to open up behind an excellent Pittsburgh offensive line, Bell’s vision and agility for a 225-pound back made him a nightmare to tackle. He was selected to three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams.
6. Jamaal Charles, KC/DEN/JAX
One of the most dynamic running backs ever, Charles’ 5.4 career yards per carry is tops among all RBs in the Super Bowl era. His 2013 season – nearly 2,000 total yards and 19 total TDs – was the highlight of the 4-time Pro Bowler’s career.
5. Matt Forte, CHI/NYJ
A Swiss army knife of a running back, Forte excelled in running and receiving the ball. The Tulane product wasn’t a workhorse, but his excellent overall skillset helped him have a productive career as Chicago’s lead back.
4. Frank Gore, SF/IND/MIA/BUF
An ageless wonder at the running back position, Gore was still in the league at 37 years of age. His 16,000 career rushing yards is mainly due to his longevity, but at his peak, Gore was a tough man to bring down. He made five Pro Bowls and is a part of the NFL Hall Of Fame’s All-2010s Team.
3. Marshawn Lynch, BUF/SEA/OAK
NFL pundits called this guy “Beast Mode” for a reason. The unstoppable Lynch had a great start to his career in Buffalo but established himself as a true legend in Seattle. His hard-nosed running and unbeatable toughness made him a fan favorite, as well as a five-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion.
2. LeSean McCoy, PHI/BUF/KC
Shady was even more unstoppable than Lynch, but for a different reason. McCoy was simply too fast and elusive for defenders to get their hands on him. McCoy rushed for over 10,000 yards from 2010 to 2019, more than any other player, made six Pro Bowls and was twice named an All-Pro.
1. Adrian Peterson, MIN/NO/ARI/WAS
Peterson had to be number one on this list – not many running backs struck fear into the heart of defenses like AD. His 2012 season was the stuff of legend – coming off a torn ACL, all Peterson did was run for 2,097 yards on 6.0 yards per carry and win NFL MVP. The seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro is without a doubt one of the greatest to ever play the position.