Best NFL Running Backs of the 90s

Barry Sanders dazzled football. His elusive running style broke opponents' ankles with shifty moves and rapid acceleration. People compared him to a magician for escaping tackles in tough spots. Sanders brought pure joy to watch on the field. His impact continues, inspiring new running backs to use that same finesse and agility.

Emmitt Smith's hard-nosed, relentless running style made him the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Smith mixed power and speed perfectly, making him a force against opposing defenses. Smith also caught passes out of the backfield. This paved the way for modern running backs to become more versatile and multi-skilled.

Marshall Faulk changed how NFL offenses used running backs. His unmatched vision and intuition as a runner and receiver let him make plays other backs couldn't dream of. He earned the nickname 'Swiss Army Knife' of running backs. Faulk's smart, new style pushed teams to find creative ways to use their backs in the passing game.

Thurman Thomas showed consistency throughout his NFL years. Thomas performed at an elite level every year. As a dual-threat back, Thomas served as a major rushing threat and a receiving target. His powerful, steady play leaves a lasting mark on NFL history.

Terrell Davis combined vision, acceleration, and toughness, making him unstoppable on the gridiron. Despite a short career, Davis left a lasting mark through dominant performances on the NFL stage. In an era of passing games, Davis showed the importance of a strong running game.

Jerome Bettis, nicknamed "Bus" for his bruising style, was a power back who steamrolled every defense. With huge endurance and a will to keep going, Bettis showed determination. His powerful runs became legendary. They inspire young backs to bring brute force back to the NFL.

Eric Dickerson's tall, upright running style made him instantly recognizable. Dickerson had incredible breakaway speed and easily shed defenders. Dickerson tore through defenses. Young running backs today try to copy his fluid, efficient running style.

Curtis Martin showed great versatility and stayed long in his career. Martin handled both long runs and tough yardage grinding. Martin's all-around skills made him a valuable team asset. Today's NFL running backs look to Martin's consistent excellence for inspiration.

Eddie George used power, speed, and toughness to terrorize opposing defenses. George was a true workhorse back. He carried offenses with his big frame and ran for yardage regardless of the situation. His dominant plays show how important a tough, reliable rushing attack is in the NFL.

Marcus Allen's smooth, gliding running style and deceptive speed made him a unique talent on the field. Allen combined elusiveness with sheer determination, finding running lanes where none existed. He left a lasting legacy as one of the most gifted and graceful runners in NFL history.

Ricky Watters had a fiery personality and intense competitiveness, earning the nickname "Running Waters." His fearless, aggressive running style and ability to make defenders miss in open space made him a constant threat for big plays. Watters passed his game passion to the next generation, inspiring them to play with heart and intensity.

Mike Alstott was a bruising fullback with a running back's heart, making him a unique weapon. Nicknamed "The A-Train" for barrel-rolling through defenders with power and ferocity, Alstott was key to the classic smash-mouth football style. Coaches now look to this versatile, punishing position to boost fullbacks in the NFL.

Bo Jackson used his massive athleticism and raw talent to succeed in both baseball and football. On the football field, his size, strength, and incredible speed made him almost a myth. Jackson's huge status proves that legends can exist.

Edgerrin James had a sharp mix of power, speed, and agility, making him one of the most dynamic running backs of his time. James quickly hit the hole and broke tackles with toughness. He was a true workhorse for his teams. Today's versatile backs see roots in players like James, who mastered every part of the game.

Christian Okoye, the "Nigerian Nightmare," was an imposing figure with a devastating mix of size and power. His bone-crushing running style scared defenders, who often ended up on the wrong side of his punishing runs. Okoye's dominance shows pure physicality still matters in the NFL today.

Warrick Dunn’s lightning acceleration and elusive running style mesmerized fans and opponents. Dunn’s breakaway speed and determination proved size isn't everything, even though he was smaller. He inspires undersized backs wanting to make their mark on the sport.

Priest Holmes' burst and elusiveness made him a force. Holmes turned tough spots into big plays. His vision and determination show in NFL offenses that value versatility and unpredictability.

Jamal Anderson burst onto the NFL with his "Dirty Bird" celebration. His powerful running style truly set him apart. Anderson combined raw strength with finding cutback lanes, wreaking havoc on defenses. His gritty play and energy inspired players to add flair to the field.

Corey Dillon's relentless drive and punishing running style took him to great heights in the NFL. Dillon was a warrior on the field, churning out yardage in tough spots. His determination and work ethic still model aspiring running backs.

Herschel Walker's world-class athleticism translated to the NFL. Walker was a versatile weapon. With breakneck speed and great upper-body strength, Walker evaded defenders and shed tackles easily. His unique talents shape how coaches use running backs.

Robert Smith was an NFL home run hitter. Smith had rare speed that made defenders struggle. Smith threatened to score any time he touched the ball; his breakaway runs were a spectacle. That excitement still inspires young playmakers.

Fred Taylor showed great breakaway speed and agility. Taylor consistently delivered big plays and game-changing moments. His nimble footwork and ability to change direction made him a threat. Taylor's runs prove his greatness and inspire young backs.

Roger Craig's high-kicking running style and versatility as a runner and receiver made him an NFL pioneer. Craig's ability to make plays in the passing game changed how teams used running backs. His impact shows in the versatile runners now in the NFL.

Eric Metcalf was a genuine Swiss Army Knife. Metcalf impacted the game as a runner, receiver, and return specialist. This triple threat made opponents scramble. His skills built the foundation for the do-it-all weapons in today's NFL.

Tiki Barber used a smooth, gliding running style and great vision to succeed on the field. Barber combined elusiveness with patience, letting his blocks develop and hitting the hole at the exact right moment. His smart game approach still affects future running backs.

Ricky Williams was a force in the NFL. He used impressive speed and bruising strength to overpower defenders. With a powerful stiff-arm and a never-say-die attitude, Williams ran relentlessly. His mix of skills opened the way for running backs balancing speed and power.

Natrone Means was a bruising, powerful back who liked running over defenders. Means had a low center of gravity and leg drive that matched the best in the league. Means turned out punishing runs and wore down defenses. His physical style shows the importance of a strong ground game.

Rodney Hampton was a talented, reliable workhorse. He churned out yardage when it mattered. Hampton bounced off tacklers and kept his legs moving, making him a strong presence. His steady performances make him an unsung hero of the running back position.

Earnest Byner brought a workmanlike attitude to the field. He consistently produced tough yardage and ground out critical first downs. Byner, an unsung NFL hero, used quiet determination and relentless drive to set the tone for his teams. Hard-nosed, blue-collar runners continue to thrive because of his impact on the league today.

Stephen Davis was a power back. He had size, strength, and a will to fight for every yard. His bruising style battered defenders. His drive to push forward was inspirational. His impact shows the return of physical, powerful backs in the NFL.

Chris Warren showed consistency throughout his career, affecting the ground and the air. His vision and elusiveness let him move through traffic and find running lanes when they mattered. Warren's balanced skills are still wanted in today's NFL.

Dorsey Levens used vision and sharp cuts to make an impressive presence in the NFL. Levens moved through traffic and broke away in open field, producing consistent ground yardage. Levens' smart running style influenced future running backs to focus on vision and decision-making.

Barry Foster used a powerful, punishing running style. He broke tackles and gained yardage. Foster drove his team's offensive success. His relentless play and bull-like determination inspire today's hard-nosed runners.

Kevin Mack played a no-nonsense, straight-ahead style of football. His hard-charging approach and firm will made him the perfect workhorse back for his team. His tough play shows how important a strong ground game is in the NFL.

Duce Staley showed versatility in the NFL. Staley ran and caught passes out of the backfield. Keen instincts and solid fundamentals made him an asset to the offense. His well-rounded skills inspire modern running backs.

Ottis Jerome "O.J." Anderson, born January 19, 1957, played professional football in the NFL. The Associated Press (AP) named him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1979. He also won the Super Bowl XXV MVP in 1991 while playing for the New York Giants. Anderson played college football at the University of Miami.

Tyrone Wheatley combined size, strength, and speed. Wheatley broke tackles easily and burst through traffic. Wheatley delivered impressive performances. His skills shaped the prototype for today's powerful, versatile runners.

Byron "Bam" Morris, born January 13, 1972, played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Richard Ervins, born December 7, 1968, played in the NFL for the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers. Ervins played college football at the University of Southern California.

Rashaan Iman Salaam played in the NFL as a running back for four seasons during the 1990s. Salaam played college football for the University of Colorado and won the 1994 Heisman Trophy. The Chicago Bears picked him in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Salaam played for the Bears and the Cleveland Browns. Salaam died by suicide on December 5, 2016.

Johnny Johnson, Jr., born June 11, 1968, was a retired running back. He played in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Phoenix Cardinals from 1990 to 1994.

Daryl Johnston played fullback, offering blocking power and strong running skills. Called "Moose," Johnston's selfless play and willingness to sacrifice for the team showed determination. Coaches still recognize the value of skilled fullbacks in offensive schemes because of his game contributions.

Tshimanga "Tim" Biakabutuka, born January 24, 1974, was an American football running back. He played college football at the University of Michigan from 1993 to 1995. Tshimanga played professional football for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL from 1996 to 2001. He became the first Zairian to play in the National Football League.

Bobby Humphrey showed blazing speed and shiftiness in the NFL. Humphrey made defenders miss with an uncanny ability. He constantly threatened long runs and made game-changing plays. His elusive running style set the stage for future speedsters.

James Ottis “Little Man” Stewart III, born December 27, 1971, played nine seasons in the NFL. He played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions from 1995 to 2003. Stewart III played college football at Tennessee.

Heath B. Sherman, born March 27, 1967 in Wharton, Texas, played five seasons as an NFL running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. Sherman played college football at Texas A&I University. The 1989 NFL Draft picked him in the sixth round.

Robert Lewis Delpino, born November 2, 1965, played six seasons as an NFL running back. Delpino played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1988 to 1992 and the Denver Broncos in 1993.

Michael T. Rozier, born March 1, 1961, played as a running back in the USFL for two seasons and the NFL for seven seasons during the 1980s and early 1990s. Rozier played college football at the University of Nebraska and won the Heisman Trophy in 1983. He played for the Pittsburgh Maulers and Jacksonville Bulls of the USFL, and the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. Rozier is in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Dalton Hilliard, born January 21, 1964, played as an NFL running back for the New Orleans Saints from 1986 to 1993. Hilliard played his entire NFL career for the Saints and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1989. Hilliard is in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame.

Fred Brown Lane, Jr., born September 6, 1975, and died July 6, 2000, was an American football running back in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers.