2007-05-18 02:56:50 · 17 answers · asked by Rob M 1 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
this question is asked daily
including once about an hour ago
http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=A0WTcJA_sU1G3FgBpBBWxQt.?p=who+is+the+greatest+running+back
2007-05-18 02:59:27 · answer #1 · answered by retired 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the greatest pure runner was Barry Sanders, without question. He did things with his feet and body that defied the laws of physics. Some runners have been able to capture a glimmer of Barry's elusiveness, but nobody can do it on a consistent basis like Barry.
But Barry was not the greatest all-around back in the history of the league. For that, I think you would have to go with Sweetness. The grace, athleticism, talent, and complete package of skills is unmatched in the history of the league. Jim Brown was something special, but I still harken to memories of Sweetness launching himself to impossible heights over a pile of players and sailing into the end zone, time and again.
2007-05-18 03:06:48 · answer #2 · answered by bmwguy_mi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Barry Sanders
Walter Payton
Jim Brown
Gayle Sayers
Emmit Smith
2007-05-18 04:16:10 · answer #3 · answered by PhillyFan76 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) Barry Sanders-if he stayed in the NFL just a couple more seasons all of his records would be untouchable...just like jerry rice records
2) Walter Payton-he set the mark for Barry Sanders, he took the bears places that they may never go again, no one form the bears will touch his records
3) Jim Brown-Jim brown is THE running back that set up the way all running backs now run and is the first truly great running back
2007-05-18 03:23:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best Running back of all time is:
Earl Campbell, if he didnt get beat up so much (i mean the man can barely walk now) then he would have shattered almost every record. This guy would stuff linebackers as if he was a linebacker himself. When people would try to take him down he would keep his feet moving and truck the next guy.
The next four would have to be:
Jim Brown
Barry Sanders
Walter Payton
LaDainian Tomlinson
Hope i could help
2007-05-18 05:12:40 · answer #5 · answered by Bryan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If If If...
enough already there is so many players that would have been the best IF....but they aren't most memorable is Barry Sanders, and Campbell, and Tomlinson, and Bush in the future...well maybe later but not now.
The best Running Back is Walter Payton. Unlike Emmit Smith he didn't have a supporting team and he still had the most rushing yards untill Smith broke it in the 2000's
2007-05-18 03:01:12 · answer #6 · answered by Kizle 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry guys I gotta go with this
1. Barry Sanders
2. Walter Payton
3. Jim Brown
At least we agree that these three should be on top. Barry was on a whole different level. If he wasn't in Detroit and he would have played longer, Emmitt Smith would still be chasing records.
2007-05-18 03:21:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Eric, except the order would be:
1. Jim Brown
2. Barry Sanders
3. Walter Peyton
2007-05-18 03:06:04 · answer #8 · answered by JOhn M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jim Brown
2007-05-18 03:44:46 · answer #9 · answered by The Bull 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walter Payton – The truth is that a lot of people would put Payton first. Running, blocking, catching, leadership, endurance – he had it all. The greatest of all time in my opinion. Had Payton ran behind a decent offensive line early in his career, he would still be the league leading rusher.
2007-05-18 05:08:46 · answer #10 · answered by ballerboi1515 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. walter payton
2. Jim Brown
3. Barry Sanders
2007-05-18 03:00:14 · answer #11 · answered by Eric S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋