Who is the greatest running back of all time?

Answer 1

I would either say Ladainian Tomlinson or Emmitt Smith. I think a better question to ask would be what was the greatest offensive line of all time. In front of every great running back is a great offensive line. Without a good offensive line, none of these players would have been what they are today.

Answer 2

What?!? Only one other Walter payton supporters. Walter was not only the greatest running back but the greatest player ever. Jim Brown, as good as he was, played on waaaay better teams against suck competition. Emmit had the greatest O-line, and the benefit of one of the best Qb's and Wide recievers at the time. Barry was absouletly dominating but he was nearly as well rounded. Walter was the emergency Qb, and threw for several TDs. Also, he was a better reciever, and was the best blocking running back of all time. And the majority of his career on horrible bears teams. However LT may be the best if he continues at this pace.

Answer 3

First off,I am a huge Bears fan.
I would have to say Walter Payton, but I would put Barry Sanders right there at 1 A ....if not the best ever.
He played the game with as much respect and dignity as Walter did.
Emmit Smith, while a great running back (and evidently a good dancer) and deserving to be mentioned as one of the best, is not in the top 3-4.


1. Walter Payton
1-A. Barry Sanders
2. Jim Brown
3. Gayle Sayers
4. Earl Campbell
5. O.J. Simpson JERK - OFF

Let the hateful arguments begin............

Time will tell with all of these 'new' guys. Please.... lets wait to see if they will be the "next" Payton, Brown, Sanders....

I would like to see more of the respect that La Dainian Tomlinson displays from more of his colleagues these days.

If a running back today shows me that he would rather hit a potential tackler (like Walter Payton did), than go out of bounds unless time is a factor, then we will talk about who may be worthy of mention with these giants..........

Oh, to have seen what Gayle Sayers and Bo Jackson could have done if they could have stayed healthy.....

Answer 4

People over 50 will say Jim Brown. However, I believe that over the past 20 years the defensive players have been much tougher and stronger than back then. I personally believe that as of right now, Barry Sanders is probably the best ever. He didn't run over people like Brown did, but when you're 5'8", you're not going to run over many people.

Ask this question again in 5 years and the answer will probably be Tomlinson.

Answer 5

Depends on Your definition of great.
Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Emmit Smith, for sure. but, also, Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson, Larry Csonka, John Riggins, Rodney Hampton, Billy Sims, Duane Thomas, Larry Brown, Wilbert Montgomery, Earl Campbell, Calvin Hill, Otis Anderson, Robert Smith, Thurman Thomas, Franco Harris, Tony Dorsett, Herschel Walker and, as You might expect I would say, Tiki Barber.

Answer 6

Barry Sanders

Answer 7

Barry Sanders

Answer 8

Jim Brown was the best ever! Check out his career stats and consider he played 12 game seasons. For instance one year he gained 1863 yards in 12 games. Just think if he would have played 16 games! He also averaged 5.2 yards a carry over his career and scored 106 touchdowns in about 120 NFL games.

Answer 9

Walter Peyton

Answer 10

Walter Payton.