Greatest Rushing Seasons in the NFL

The NFL has seen some incredible rushing seasons, where individual players showcased extraordinary talent, determination, and physicality. Here are some of the greatest rushing seasons in NFL history:

1. Eric Dickerson – 1984 (2,105 yards)

Eric Dickerson's 1984 season is one of the most iconic in NFL history. Playing for the Los Angeles Rams, Dickerson set a single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, a mark that still stands today. Dickerson’s combination of speed, power, and vision made him nearly unstoppable, as he averaged 131.6 yards per game and ran for 14 touchdowns. He surpassed the previous single-season record by nearly 200 yards and remains a legend for his performance that year.

2. Derrick Henry – 2020 (2,027 yards)

Derrick Henry's 2020 season with the Tennessee Titans was a masterclass in sheer dominance. Henry became the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, finishing with 2,027 yards. He also led the league with 17 touchdowns. His size, speed, and stamina allowed him to wear down defenses over the course of games, highlighted by his incredible 250-yard, 2-touchdown performance against the Houston Texans in Week 17. Henry’s season was a rare combination of power running and explosive big plays.

3. Barry Sanders – 1997 (2,053 yards)

Barry Sanders was known for his electrifying runs and elusive style, and his 1997 season with the Detroit Lions was one of the best ever. Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards, finishing with an average of 5.0 yards per carry. Despite playing behind a subpar offensive line, Sanders was a constant threat and delivered spectacular runs week in and week out. He earned his second NFL MVP award in 1997 and helped solidify his legacy as one of the most elusive running backs of all time.

4. Jamal Lewis – 2003 (2,066 yards)

Jamal Lewis had a remarkable 2003 season with the Baltimore Ravens, finishing with 2,066 rushing yards. Lewis led the NFL in rushing yards that year and also scored 14 touchdowns. He set the Ravens' single-game rushing record with a 295-yard performance against the Cleveland Browns. Lewis' bruising running style, combined with his ability to break long runs, made him one of the most dominant backs of the early 2000s.

5. Terrell Davis – 1998 (2,008 yards)

Terrell Davis’ 1998 season with the Denver Broncos is remembered as one of the most impressive in NFL history. Davis rushed for 2,008 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, leading the Broncos to a Super Bowl win. His season was remarkable not only for the yards and touchdowns but also for his consistency and ability to perform in crucial moments. Davis' dominance in the postseason earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, cementing his legacy as one of the best backs in NFL history.

6. LaDainian Tomlinson – 2006 (1,815 yards)

While LaDainian Tomlinson’s 2006 season didn’t crack the 2,000-yard mark, it remains one of the greatest in history. Tomlinson rushed for 1,815 yards, but it was his 28 rushing touchdowns, an NFL record for a single season, that stole the show. His ability to find the end zone and be a dual threat as both a runner and a receiver (he caught 56 passes for 508 yards) made him one of the most dangerous offensive players of the year. He won both the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards for his efforts.

7. Adrian Peterson – 2012 (2,097 yards)

Adrian Peterson came incredibly close to breaking Eric Dickerson’s longstanding single-seasonrushing record in 2012. Peterson finished with 2,097 rushing yards for the Minnesota Vikings, just eight yards shy of Dickerson’s record. What made Peterson’s season even more remarkable was the fact that he was recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. His combination of speed, vision, and power allowed him to achieve one of the most remarkable individual seasons in NFL history and earned him the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards.

8. Chris Johnson – 2006 (2,006 yards)

Chris Johnson’s 2006 season with the Tennessee Titans remains one of the most memorable for its speed and explosiveness. Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards, becoming only the sixth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. His electrifying speed allowed him to rip off big runs, including his famous 2,000-yard season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, where he averaged over 5 yards per carry. Johnson's season was a mixture of big plays and consistent production, helping him earn a spot in the NFL record books.

9. O.J. Simpson – 1973 (2,003 yards)

O.J. Simpson was the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, accomplishing the feat in 1973 with the Buffalo Bills. His 2,003 yards stood as the record for over a decade before being broken by Eric Dickerson. Simpson’s 1973 season was a mixture of power running, speed, and vision, and he also led the league with 12 touchdowns. His performance helped propel the Bills to the playoffs and established him as one of the league’s best running backs.

10. Fred Taylor – 1998 (1,572 yards)

Fred Taylor’s 1998 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars was another incredible, albeit often overlooked, rushing season. Taylor rushed for 1,572 yards and 16 touchdowns. He showcased elite speed and power, becoming one of the most consistent running backs in the league during his career. His 1998 season was instrumental in the Jaguars’ deep playoff run, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s premier backs during that era.

These rushing seasons are iconic for their incredible individual performances. The combination of physical talent, consistency, and often overcoming adversity made these seasons stand out in NFL history, and they continue to be benchmarks for future running backs to aim for