Your comment was meant to be funny but ironically the complete opposite happened, the league was run heavy but ever since Brady came to the league the league started slowly shifting to a pass heavy league to catch up with Brady, there is a reason rbs aren’t valued as much anymore and their stats are no where near what they used to be
Huge props for giving Edgerrin James a spot on the list. Even though he's in the HOF, dude is still somehow criminally underrated. I never hear anyone discuss his name amongst All-Time great backs!
TB12 willpowered the watch to move faster, just like his lineman on a draw screen pass which is a penalty, but luckily he willpowered the refs to ignore it too.
I was a Chargers fan growing up. Watching LT play every week was really a treat to watch. It seemed like every time he touched the ball you knew something exciting was going to happen.
I watched LT absolutely CRUSH the Lions in Ford Field once. He caught like 8 passes for 2 TDs and 200+ yards and ran for an additional 60 yards. Guy was godly.
Yup and I remember when Steve Sabol was interviewing Barry Sanders for that game , Barry made a joke about LT using his signature handing the ball to the referee after he scored a TD
A long career, yes, but the poor man's Curtis Martin, I guess. Never won a Super Bowl and only appeared in one. He played a lot of years and mostly played them well, which is to be commended, but outside of that... eh...
@@johnclerk666cmon dude he’s obviously not anywhere close to being the best running back but he was known as a phenomenal athlete in all regards I’m sure he could at the very least be an average slot receiver like a lot of white receivers these days
I came to write this as well. MVP, SBMVP, retired with the most rushing tds ( he’s 3rd all time currently) after spending 4 years as a full back for bo and sitting the bench for 3 years due to al Davis trying to ruin his career. First running back with 10k rush yards and 5k receiving. He was also the active leader in career rush yards when he retired in 97. I’d take James off the list for Allen.
It doesn't surprise. ANY Raider has to do 4X's what any other player does to even get mentioned. It's all in keeping with the NFL's hatred of anything Raider
Surprised that Gale Sayers didn’t make the list, but a great all-time list. Not sure who I would swap him out for, so can’t complain. I would personally swap #1 and #2, but those are my definitive top 2 as well
Barry Sanders might just be the best pure runner ever, even above Adrian Peterson. I think Walter Payton has to take the top spot though because he was Chicago’s entire offense, and despite everyone knowing that he still couldn’t be stopped
@@Rekcha I completely agree with you on the fact that Payton was the bears offense pretty much. However, the same thing applies for Barry as well, and he didn’t have the safety net of arguably the best defense in NFL history on the other side..not downgrading Payton in anyway at all, but he was a one man offense where as Sanders had to be a one man team
Only thing going for Allen is longevity. Definitely doesn’t deserve to be in here imo. His super bowl performance may help his case too. Outside of that he just has inflated numbers from playing for a long time. He really only had like 3 noteworthy seasons
@@Icyhotboo @ 6’2” 210lbs?!? Yeah ok😭. Dude was built like a safety. I’ll take Eddie George, Jerome Bettis, earl Campbell over him in a short yardage situation anyday
Barry is perhaps the greatest rusher of all time (Mr. Brown may disagree)… but running back is more than rushing. It is demonstrable that he did not contribute much to the passing game, pass blocking, time of possession, 1st downs, or route participation. There was the Lions’ passing game and the Sanders’ game. But they were not well integrated. That is a problem at the coaching level… but bottom line, Sanders’ contributions came in chunks (huge runs from scrimmage and 3 touch down games). The Lions’ winning results are less correlated to his performance than a few other backs… very few… but it’s real
i am a bears fan and when i saw that he made this video i instantly thought he would put sanders at 1 and payton at 2, but im happy to see payton at 1 and i agree. dont get me wrong sanders was great and i dont disagree with anyone that think sanders is one, but it just makes me happy to see some people do really think payton is 1. thank you barry mccockiner
@@danielvisintainer3352 I'm biased but one thing I would say is Payton was just a more complete football player. Best blocking back and top 3 pass catching back. And he could throw
Payton is without a doubt the greatest football player ever. He was arguably the best RB of all time while being able to block and catch and had crazy longevity. Not only that but he could throw the football very well and there are rumors of his punting and kicking ability being next level. My all time hero and the goat.
Priest Holmes deserves to be on the list somewhere. Over 11000 yards from scrimmage, twice led NFL in TDs, kept overcoming devastating injuries, great receiver, classically overlooked but deserves to be in the Top 15. Frank Gore is another that never gets his due, particularly after that horrific knee injury he suffered in his last college game at Miami.
Agree about Gore. His longevity is more impressive than Emmitt Smith because he was on some truly terrible teams for the first six years of his career and after he left San Francisco.
My favorite Walter Payton story came from Steve McMichael when he said that the 85 Bears defense would make opposing players scared so bad you see it in their face and Walter would get hit in practice and say “bring it on” that’s a badass.
Great and true story! Nobody now or back in The day could do what sweetness did every single week! Heat of a lion and never ran out of bounds period! That run against KC Is the greatest highlight in running back history.
Glad to see Thurman Thomas on this list. He always gets looked over. The team in general gets overlooked. How many HoF'ers and borderline guys on those Buffalo teams is very impressive!
It’s funny. I’ve always described Thurman like the narrator. He was like Marshall Faulk before Marshall Faulk. It’s the only real way of describing him to anyone that was too young to have seen him. Thurman was the first RB I ever saw running so many pass plays. He was always exciting to watch.
Great list, I think Frank Gore deserved a nod somewhere in the 11-15 range but I understand his lack of dominance in any one year is probably his downfall. Longevity and consistency by far the most impressive though.
Even though Payton had better longevity, I think Barry sanders is still number 1. He AVERAGED 1500 yards a season on his career and averaged 100 yards per game on shitty lions teams
I'd argue that the best true rusher in the NFL is Nick Chubb. Despite the volume numbers, Chubb has averaged over 5 ypc every year of his career. He is currently 2nd all time in ypc, and is on pace to break that record as his averages have only become absurd since Stefanski took over as head coach. With Watson at QB, there is a very real possibility that we'll be looking at Chubb averaging 6+ ypc next season.
There should be an 'honorable mention' section. This list is perfect but there are a few guys that had pretty good stretches but for unfortunate circumstances, they didn't get to have the success they could have had. Guys like GALE SAYERS, RODGER CRAIG, LAWRENCE MCCUTCHEON, PREIST HOLMES, CHRISTIAN OKOYE, JOE DELANEY, TODD GURLEY even though he was a full back, I'd have to include Mike Alstot, ERNEST BYNER, CORY DILLON and those are just the guys that popped in my head. There are SO many forgotten guys that were only great for short times but when they were here they were astounding. A list of all the great running backs that Tom Brady WILLED to succeed would be great, too.
@@servicarrrrrrr I only put 10 names. The list on this video is 15 players. He could make a whole other video dealing with the subject, call it 'unsung heroes' or something.
Excellent list. Would be curious, however, to know your thoughts on Marshawn Lynch’s career and where, if anywhere, he places for you in the upper echelon of all-time NFL running backs. :)
Definitely one of the most electrifying of all time, but I think you’d find him pretty far down on any all-time lists. But top 10 in terms of fun to watch in his prime
I know I am biased, but to me Frank Gore has always stood tall (irony) and strong over other RBs of the era. He was the constant staple for the Niners during the years of woes (Nolan and Singletary) Still angers me that SF didn't retire his number or give him a proper send off, while on the subject, the same goes for Tim Lincecum. SF just doesn't have class when parting with franchise players, smh.
Came here to say this. For all of the praise in this video given to consistent and non-flashy backs, its weird Gore doesnt get a mention. He got production playing for absolute garbage squads, and probably gets a ring if he touches the ball at the end of sb47. 3rd all time rushing has to count for something.
@@gwampa7066 it makes me so sad he didn't get a ring, instead we get the first pick in niner SB history, damn you HArbaugh. And btw I didn't even know Gore broke the top 3 at 16,000, that is insane. He's the GROAT in my eyes, seeing his smaller frame burst out of defensive lines was electric.
There is certainly something to be said for longevity, but historically Barry values peak a bit more. I’m not saying I’m in favor of or against that thinking, but Gore did not have the best peak in the world unlike some of the other super-consistent backs
In all honesty, look at Tom Brady’s running backs over the course of their careers and their ability to not fumble when they play with Brady as opposed to when they’re not playing with Brady. It’s astounding. Antowain Smith, Maroney, BJGE, James White, Vereen, Dion Lewis, Sammy Morris, Fournette. I think he whispers something to them on every handoff.
Interesting list. Good arguments to back it up. LT also just had one of the most devastating stiff arms in nfl history. LT wasn't huge, but could literally knock ur helmet off or throw you to the ground.
I personally believe the prototype for an NFL back is 5'8 to 5'10 and around 210 to 215 pounds. LT fits that mold, and if you look at the all time list so does Emmitt, Barry, Peyton, Gore, and Faulk. Idk ... that build just seems to produce longevity, durability, and elusivness while still being stout enough to run between the tackles and pass block effectively
I agree with everything but I would switch sanders and Payton. Sanders was just magical to watch and did so while being hit a yard behind the line of scrimmage every play
You could also argue the statement similar to Barry having no line and always being hit but Payton was the only guy that teams had to watch out for when they played against him and he was still able to produce and fight against the opponents game plans
If only Sanders would have played for more than 10 years. Sanders best years were his last. When Bobby Ross was coaching they played a straight up the gut approach to running. No more rushes for a loss for Barry.
@@ILLUSI_O_N-V1 right the bears oline wasn't great always when Peyton played you can see this when McMahon was running for his life on every 3rd down in their Superbowl win season
Great list!!! I imagine the toughest ones to leave off might include Marcus Allen, Roger Craig, Frank Gore, Marion Motley (although most of his prime was in the AAFC), Marshawn Lynch and potentially Tiki Barber or LeSean McCoy, but I suppose there’s not enough room for everyone to be a top 15 back.
I really like your take on each back, as you explained their placement. I have the same players on my top 15 except Marcus Allen in and Terrell out. The injury cut things too short in my opinion… but the short tenure he has was all peak, so I can’t really argue.
The lack of Jerome Bettis invalidates this list. He had the numbers, the dominance, and the longevity. At his peak, he had an argument as the best RB in the league
#1. Ronnie Lott #2. Ed Reed That’s definitley gonna be the top 2 I think Polamalu, Dawkins, Krause, Tunnell, Houston, Larry Wilson, Yale Lary, and Willie Wood would be the rest. John Lynch, Johnny Robinson, Steve Atwater, Jack Tatum and Donnie Shell as honorable mentions.
@@amgfresh154 top 4 would be #1. Deion Sanders #2. Rod Woodson #3. Mel Blount #4. Dick Lane I think Revis, Bailey, Woodson, Green, Sherman, and Law would be in there. With people like Willie Brown, Mike Haynes, and Aeneas Williams as honorable mentions
I think Gayle Sayers should at least be an honorable mention. He was as close as I have seen to untacklable and had 6 rushing touchdowns in a single game. If he never blew out his knee he would be #1 on this list.
Edgerrin James was one of the players that got me into football at a young age when I wasn't a huge fan like I am now. He was fun to watch and if you have not already, check out is HOF speech. The dude seems as humble as he is a chill and good person.
1. Jim Brown: The best power runner of all time.. And no one will ever touch rushing titles again. 2.. Barry Sanders: The best moves of all time and the most elusive runner of all time. 3. Walter Payton: The most versatile and complete running back of all time. 4, Emmitt Smith: Had the best vision and patience of any running back ever. 5. Eric Dickerson: Just glided along smoothly and made it look effortless. Could be higher without the fumble problem. 6. Ladanian Tomlinson: How insane is 9 straight seasons of double digit touchdowns. Had a nose for the end zone. 7. Gale Sayers: Great moves and elusiveness. The poor man's Barry Sanders. 8. O.J. Simpson: Wonderful mix of power and speed. 9. Earl Campbell: Power. Raw Power. The poor man's Jim Brown. 10. Adrain Peterson: Awesome blend of power and speed. 11. Terrell Davis: Only 3 relevant seasons from 1996-1998, but the best postseason running back ever. 12. Marcus Allen: Complete, versatile, clutch, and could be higher if Al Davis didn't screw him over. 13. Tony Dorsett: Lack of a rushing title keeps him out of the top 10, but 1-3-1983 was amazing. 14. Edgerrin James: The epitome of underrated . 15. Derrick Henry: The best at this nanosecond.
Good list but could have done without the off color commentary on Adrian Petersen and OJ Simpson. Good to see Dorsett on the list but I might have him a few spots higher. If I was selecting a back for the modern offense, Faulk, Dorsett, Payton in his prime or Thurman. Ability to run and catch between the tackles and in traffic. Also, one day someone will review Ottis Anderson's highlights and years w Cards and at least put him in top 20. He did it all for a big man and had moves and light feet in his prime which would make Gale Sayers proud. And now for my all time forgotten but predecessor triple threat of the 70s, Terry Metcalf. Made the original Coryell offense go and held combined single season yard record for over a decade w 14 game season. Running, catching and returns.
Define way better? Payton also had a suspect supporting cast most of his career Yet he had power along with agility he even has passing scores Payton also created his own gaps by steam rolling would be tacklers
Can’t say i’m mad at sweetness at 1 but i’m a barry sanders guy myself i believe he had the least support around him out of the top ten and has the 3rd or 4th most rushing yards of all time in 3 fewer seasons that sweetness and 8 fewer that emmit
While Barry is top 2 in a walk… to say he had the least support is wrong. He had a pro bowl lineman in front of him for 8 of his 10 seasons (2 in 95 and 96). He had also had a pro bowl / all pro receiver in Herman Moore for 4 seasons. He never had a pro bowl QB, but for those 3 seasons that Mitchell peaked, it was special (there were a couple seasons of multiple receivers at 1000+ yards… Perriman, Norton, Moore). Anyway… this is no where near the Cowboys Offense that Emmitt had or the 60s offense Brown had… but is was far from the worse.
#1 : Barry McCockiner. An undrafted free agent who had never played college football, Barry shocked the NFL in his first season with the Detroit Lions. He had incredible efficiency, with 0 tackles for loss, 0 fumbles, and a 13-4 record. Barry continued his streak of dominance for his entire 9 year career. The fact that he won a super bowl each of those 9 years speaks to how incredible Barry was. He never once fumbled and heroically didn't screw up when his team needed him not to.
Biased Bears fan here, but I will die on the hill that WP is the greatest of all time considering how often he had to carry terrible offenses with little to no help.
Walter, by far is my favorite. But, when we try to discuss 'the greatest', I would love to hear from the players themselves who they would vote as the best. We know Walter acknowledged Jim being the best. Emmit says Walter was the best.
Everyone tries to take away from Emmitt just because he had a good line. It’s not his fault he was on a good team during his prime. But I would argue that he made the team what it was. Also, what other 35 year old RBs have a 1000 yard season like him, when he was on a terrible Arizona team with a bad line
Walter Payton did at 33 damn near. Here's the reason why Payton will be better, and I love enmitt Smith. He was on the bears. There is not a single offensive lineman on the bears during his tenure, besides during that super bowl run worth naming.
Barry before we get started here I'm surprised you made this video. RB is such a forgotten position but I think RB highlights are always the most fun to watch. That being said I'm hoping you give props to my man Walter payton
If Barry got hired to a sports network as an announcer the NFL would instantly become 10x better. I am crying and shitting uncontrollably at the fact that he has no offers.
I was too young to watch Jim Brown play. Walter Payton was the best running back that I ever saw. He was just the complete package: running, catching, blocking and even passing. His durability is astonishing and cannot be underestimated. He played with enormous heart and determination. He had no weaknesses, and he did it week in and week out over many, many years. His accomplishments early in his career when he had a terrible team around him are staggering--who knows what he could have done with a better team around him. RIP, Sweetness.
I think Emmett Smith deserve,s to be higher on this list. He is the all-time leading rusher doesn't matter how good his offensive line was he still had to avoid getting tackled so he can gain all that yardage. But still a really good list. Frank Gore and Steven Jackson need to be on a list as well
3 rings and most rushing yards still to this day? yea it was his line he gets zero credit. Just kidding he was the toughest SOB ever to play the position. The Cowboys convoy was a lethal 18 wheeler with the maniac jackhammer Emmitt Smith driving. OK huddle up. Larry Allen and Nate Newton blast the Defensive Linemen then Novacek and Moose run on ahead and smash the LBs and Emmit will Run over the safety. Ready....BREAK!
The lack of respect Emmitt gets to me is crazy. He was the best player on a dynasty and had better longevity than any RB ever. I have him 4th personally.
Maybe its pretty obvious when looking at Aikmen's adjusted, playoff, and efficiency stats, that Emmitt vultured a ton of TDs and 20 to 20 yards, because of his below average pass catching and blocking. It was just wiser to run the ball with Emmitt than do screens and other z-pro routes especially the 80s and 90s versions.
Right on! I actually have E. Smith at #1 I can't see him below #3. Jim Brown is my very close #2 These guys were the toughest fast Running backs ever. Does 3 superbowl rings and all-time leading rusher mean nothing>?
I love ❤️ when u said that EMMITT SMITH leads all stats!! Here's a good stat that proves who the great RBs were. There have been 8 rushers in NFL history to run for 2000 yards in a season. Emmitt Smiths name is not amongst those ELITE names so this is why he should be lucky to be ranked at only #8. Facts!!¡
i have to disagree with barry being number 2. even with his tendancy to lose yards he still averaged 100 yards a game and 5 yards per carry. the only other who did that was jim brown, also barry sanders average 1500 yards a season and if he didnt retire early he would have broke 20k yards. also barry never had a good team and never had a good o line
And Walter was the offense for the bears till 82 like what barry said also he could catch out of the backfield and block when needed to. I never get why people say he was always on a good team because he wasn't when they made the playoffs in that stretch it was because of Peyton pushing the offense forward.
Tom Brady should be on this list. The way he motivated his running backs by how well he throws. Incredible.
Jonas Gray 😬
Jim Brown could never make those 5 yard passes
Your comment was meant to be funny but ironically the complete opposite happened, the league was run heavy but ever since Brady came to the league the league started slowly shifting to a pass heavy league to catch up with Brady, there is a reason rbs aren’t valued as much anymore and their stats are no where near what they used to be
Was about to say. He's so multi talented. He could easily beat MJ or Lebron in basketball, Jeff Gordon at Nascar, and Wayne Gretzky at hockey. GOAT
Not to mention being one of, if not THE most feared runners of all time
Imagine if any of these Running backs had Tom Brady motivating them.
Jesus Christ. Hard to even imagine
There would be multiple number ones
Now imagine if Tom Brady played running back.
Or if Tom Brady baked them warm cookies the night before
@@TheRealAbraxas nfl teams gonna lose all the time
Huge props for giving Edgerrin James a spot on the list. Even though he's in the HOF, dude is still somehow criminally underrated. I never hear anyone discuss his name amongst All-Time great backs!
Fight me
Colts fan since 98, and saw his first 2 years before the injury. He would be higher on this list if it didn’t happen, balanced and shifty.
He was drafted over Ricky Williams for a reason
Edgerin James is in the HOF
@@maxlewis2011 did I not say that
Fun fact. Tom Brady actually ran a 3.85 but they slowed down the footage to make everyone else look faster. What a team player.
TB12 willpowered the watch to move faster, just like his lineman on a draw screen pass which is a penalty, but luckily he willpowered the refs to ignore it too.
I’m dead
😂😂😂
LOLOLOL...I was there when he did it...LOLOL
Don't forget that he was wearing flip-flops and carrying a super model girlfriend at the time he ran that 3.85. Against the wind. ; )
I was a Chargers fan growing up. Watching LT play every week was really a treat to watch. It seemed like every time he touched the ball you knew something exciting was going to happen.
Yeah I was a Raiders fan growing up can't say the same. Pretty sure I saw him drop 200 yards on us a hundred times. Legend
he's also statistically the best passer of all time
I'm still mad that this dude tried to claim that Philip Rivers deserved LT's MVP in another video...
@@pangobara8182 do you mean Brees?
As a Broncos fan I hated LT. But man that dude was a beast
The restraint you showed to keep Westbrook off the list is truly impressive.
Absolutely lol
@@tomjones2121 Czonka , and Riggins, just got stronger as the game farther on.
Who
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂lol lol
Barry's top 3 RBs that won't trigger anyone.
1. Willie Parker
2. Shaun Alexander
3. Mercury Morris
Don’t forget:
4. Darren McFadden
5. Reggie Bush
Fast Willie Parker.
Don’t forget honorable mention Eddie Lacy
Mercury Morris is a legit back
@@ShrexyGuy he had a pretty good season in dallas but Romo got hurt and it killed their red zone efficiency
wasn’t expecting Ryan Torain to be #1 but overall i agree
Better not be spoiling...
I was expecting Torain at #1, but forgot he came from Columbia, MS like the rest of my family. Too sweet!!
Jim Brown's highlights are hilarious, could not be stopped
That’s because he played against a bunch of slow white guys.
@@LiterallyGod You should have made us faster ),:
@@bmsonic7468 i made your brain too big
@@LiterallyGod Uh Dick Butkus , Sam Hurd, Dick Lebeau all played with Jim Brown
I watched LT absolutely CRUSH the Lions in Ford Field once. He caught like 8 passes for 2 TDs and 200+ yards and ran for an additional 60 yards. Guy was godly.
Yup and I remember when Steve Sabol was interviewing Barry Sanders for that game , Barry made a joke about LT using his signature handing the ball to the referee after he scored a TD
Here is an honorable mention I guess, Frank Gore: The Ageless Wonder, what a career.
For some reason no one really knows him
A long career, yes, but the poor man's Curtis Martin, I guess. Never won a Super Bowl and only appeared in one. He played a lot of years and mostly played them well, which is to be commended, but outside of that... eh...
@@proa007 I mean bro what do u want him to do play qb too?😭
@@soosbendem5345 They're all pretty good athletes in their own way. He won me a fantasy football title 15 years ago so I'll settle for that.
@@proa007name another running back to tear both acls and a pcl in another and still have that consistency
Did You Know Jim Brown Is Labeled As The Best Lacrosse Player Of All Time. That's CRAZY To Know He Dominated In Another Sport Other Than Football.
Not only greatest pro football player, but greatest pro player in any sport.
@@tomjones2121 GTHOH, Jim Thorpe was NOT the greatest and would gotten his ass handed to him on a sliver platter playing in the 1960's and 70's
@@tomjones2121 Jim Thorpe would have played WB (Way Back) in today's game...... Way Back off the field.
@@johnclerk666cmon dude he’s obviously not anywhere close to being the best running back but he was known as a phenomenal athlete in all regards I’m sure he could at the very least be an average slot receiver like a lot of white receivers these days
0:12 Campbell
0:47 Davis
1:30 James
2:05 Dorsett
2:42 Thomas
3:19 Martin
3:58 Simpson
4:43 Smith
5:30 Peterson
6:17 Faulk
6:58 Dickerson
7:42 Tomlinson
8:18 Brown
9:01 Sanders
9:48 Payton
You are amazing
A little interesting no bettis
All-time leading rusher in history at 8? Lmfao!! What a joke
@@justineslick6463 well tbh i don’t blame him for saying that but ye I don’t agree he has some good points tho
No Beastmode?
I disagree with Marcus Allen's absence from this list but I respect your opinion and insight Barry.
Wow you are right. That's just unacceptable.
I’d put Fred Taylor above him
@@billybussey Marcus Allen was the oldest back to get 1000 tds for a good decade too until Curtis Martin did it in 2005
I came to write this as well. MVP, SBMVP, retired with the most rushing tds ( he’s 3rd all time currently) after spending 4 years as a full back for bo and sitting the bench for 3 years due to al Davis trying to ruin his career. First running back with 10k rush yards and 5k receiving. He was also the active leader in career rush yards when he retired in 97. I’d take James off the list for Allen.
It doesn't surprise. ANY Raider has to do 4X's what any other player does to even get mentioned. It's all in keeping with the NFL's hatred of anything Raider
Good list, but I missed Gale Sayers here, his career was simillar to Tarell Davis and he was byfar the most dominant Back of his era
Surprised that Gale Sayers didn’t make the list, but a great all-time list. Not sure who I would swap him out for, so can’t complain. I would personally swap #1 and #2, but those are my definitive top 2 as well
Agreed. Barry my #1
I may be a huge payton fan, but there is no denying you have a very strong case
Barry Sanders might just be the best pure runner ever, even above Adrian Peterson. I think Walter Payton has to take the top spot though because he was Chicago’s entire offense, and despite everyone knowing that he still couldn’t be stopped
@@Rekcha I completely agree with you on the fact that Payton was the bears offense pretty much. However, the same thing applies for Barry as well, and he didn’t have the safety net of arguably the best defense in NFL history on the other side..not downgrading Payton in anyway at all, but he was a one man offense where as Sanders had to be a one man team
I would have placed Gale next to TD.
Great list Barry; always enjoy when you post these. My top 10 list is very similar to yours. Bit surprised not to see Marcus Allen on here.
Only thing going for Allen is longevity. Definitely doesn’t deserve to be in here imo. His super bowl performance may help his case too. Outside of that he just has inflated numbers from playing for a long time. He really only had like 3 noteworthy seasons
@@egiat4636 curtis martin and terrell davis over marcus allen?
@@Instinct0425 Maybe not TD (And that's a MAYBE), but Curtis Martin 100%. What drugs are you smoking to have Marcus Allen over Curtis Martin?
@@egiat4636 The absolute best short yardage man to ever play...anywhere...any level.
@@Icyhotboo @ 6’2” 210lbs?!? Yeah ok😭. Dude was built like a safety. I’ll take Eddie George, Jerome Bettis, earl Campbell over him in a short yardage situation anyday
Prime Shaun Alexander was also worth mentioning. The man was absolutely unstoppable and was pretty decent as a receiver, too.
And Marcus allen
He played so long ago, that a lot of people forget about him, but I think Marion Motley deserves to be on this list. Dude was Derrick Henry of the 40s
No
@@LiterallyGod why not
@@biged680 just no
Totally agree with you! Motley was the first 'power back' in league history
always a great day when Barry uploads
Barry Sanders is the best just based on his dominance. Emmitt Smith needs to be higher too.
Barry is perhaps the greatest rusher of all time (Mr. Brown may disagree)… but running back is more than rushing. It is demonstrable that he did not contribute much to the passing game, pass blocking, time of possession, 1st downs, or route participation. There was the Lions’ passing game and the Sanders’ game. But they were not well integrated. That is a problem at the coaching level… but bottom line, Sanders’ contributions came in chunks (huge runs from scrimmage and 3 touch down games). The Lions’ winning results are less correlated to his performance than a few other backs… very few… but it’s real
Barry Sanders is it! Jim Brown can hold a candle. However Emmit Smith. He was great do to the greatest O-Line Ever
i am a bears fan and when i saw that he made this video i instantly thought he would put sanders at 1 and payton at 2, but im happy to see payton at 1 and i agree. dont get me wrong sanders was great and i dont disagree with anyone that think sanders is one, but it just makes me happy to see some people do really think payton is 1. thank you barry mccockiner
Barry and Peyton are interchangeable at the top, but as a Lions fan I think we can agree they’re both top 2 all-time.
@@danielvisintainer3352 I'm biased but one thing I would say is Payton was just a more complete football player. Best blocking back and top 3 pass catching back. And he could throw
@@danielvisintainer3352 I am a bears fan, I go back and forth constantly lol. But sam Russo makes a great point
I honestly thought he was gonna say walter payton was overrated
@@danielvisintainer3352 i think jim brown and walter are interchangeable and barry is 3
Tom Brady came out of retirement to break Emmitt Smiths records
He is about to break the record for my rushing TDs in the playoffs for a career haha
Payton is without a doubt the greatest football player ever. He was arguably the best RB of all time while being able to block and catch and had crazy longevity. Not only that but he could throw the football very well and there are rumors of his punting and kicking ability being next level. My all time hero and the goat.
Fact! Goat period.
I knew I could trust you on all things football Barry. RIP Sweetness
I’m a bears fan and looking at your pfp makes me sad, but fr tho Rip sweetness
@@josephhanicak7922 walter payton
Priest Holmes deserves to be on the list somewhere. Over 11000 yards from scrimmage, twice led NFL in TDs, kept overcoming devastating injuries, great receiver, classically overlooked but deserves to be in the Top 15. Frank Gore is another that never gets his due, particularly after that horrific knee injury he suffered in his last college game at Miami.
Agree about Gore. His longevity is more impressive than Emmitt Smith because he was on some truly terrible teams for the first six years of his career and after he left San Francisco.
@@violenceteacher6669 Dude... This is why they need to remove the comment section. Because of comments like this.
My favorite Walter Payton story came from Steve McMichael when he said that the 85 Bears defense would make opposing players scared so bad you see it in their face and Walter would get hit in practice and say “bring it on” that’s a badass.
Indeed he's the best running back on my list too
Great and true story! Nobody now or back in The day could do what sweetness did every single week! Heat of a lion and never ran out of bounds period! That run against KC Is the greatest highlight in running back history.
Glad to see Thurman Thomas on this list. He always gets looked over. The team in general gets overlooked. How many HoF'ers and borderline guys on those Buffalo teams is very impressive!
It’s funny. I’ve always described Thurman like the narrator. He was like Marshall Faulk before Marshall Faulk. It’s the only real way of describing him to anyone that was too young to have seen him. Thurman was the first RB I ever saw running so many pass plays. He was always exciting to watch.
Great list, I think Frank Gore deserved a nod somewhere in the 11-15 range but I understand his lack of dominance in any one year is probably his downfall. Longevity and consistency by far the most impressive though.
I love gore, but he don't belong in a list like this. He was never really a top back in the league, he was just there.
Gale Sayers was magical in his prime, as short as it was. Jim Brown and I appreciate the exclusion of Franco Harris. 😂😂😂
My mother went into labor with me and wouldn’t go to the hospital until the Barry sanders highlights were done. I feel like that speaks for itself.
Even though Payton had better longevity, I think Barry sanders is still number 1. He AVERAGED 1500 yards a season on his career and averaged 100 yards per game on shitty lions teams
Its not even close. Barry averages 10 more yards a game and Walter never even hit 2k in one season.
@Fries career yards per game barry averaged 11 more
@Fries barry is way better and its not even close
@@LiterallyGodur delusional
So many deserving MVPs on here. They deserved MVP almost as much as Jim Brown intensely respects women, which is obviously a lot
Sweetness is the only RB to turn a 5 yard loss into one of the most beautiful runs ever seen!
Fact!!! The way he held that pigskin and studder step was epic!! Then he would either fake you out or run your ass over!
Best RB list I’ve seen yet! Love that you did top15 instead of the typical top 10. Most of these guys get left off lists and it’s appreciated!
Barry was the GOAT for me. Played in rubbish teams, retired early but is still top 3 for most. Plus he was great to watch
Jerome Bettis needs to be on this list. Broke 1,000 yds 8 times.
Honorable mention to Ricky Williams... Quietly ran for 10000+ yards and is the best Madden RB ever
Also, Henry tops Campbell now
I'd argue that the best true rusher in the NFL is Nick Chubb. Despite the volume numbers, Chubb has averaged over 5 ypc every year of his career. He is currently 2nd all time in ypc, and is on pace to break that record as his averages have only become absurd since Stefanski took over as head coach. With Watson at QB, there is a very real possibility that we'll be looking at Chubb averaging 6+ ypc next season.
Honorable mention to Priest Holmes
We need a remake of your top 10 QB’s now and we’ll be all set
No sadly
@@yessir7630 Yes, we do, sir
Y
There should be an 'honorable mention' section. This list is perfect but there are a few guys that had pretty good stretches but for unfortunate circumstances, they didn't get to have the success they could have had. Guys like GALE SAYERS, RODGER CRAIG, LAWRENCE MCCUTCHEON, PREIST HOLMES, CHRISTIAN OKOYE, JOE DELANEY, TODD GURLEY even though he was a full back, I'd have to include Mike Alstot, ERNEST BYNER, CORY DILLON and those are just the guys that popped in my head. There are SO many forgotten guys that were only great for short times but when they were here they were astounding.
A list of all the great running backs that Tom Brady WILLED to succeed would be great, too.
Frank gore
marcus allen
@@servicarrrrrrr I only put 10 names. The list on this video is 15 players.
He could make a whole other video dealing with the subject, call it 'unsung heroes' or something.
Bo Jackson
That’s the honorable mention list
Good stuff Barry. Could you do a "Best teams of each year" for the 2000's?
Top 10 coaches in NFL history
Been waiting for this
Love your top tens I always show my dad cuz he seen most of this and he starts talking about seeing them live it’s fun thanks barry
Excellent list. Would be curious, however, to know your thoughts on Marshawn Lynch’s career and where, if anywhere, he places for you in the upper echelon of all-time NFL running backs. :)
Definitely one of the most electrifying of all time, but I think you’d find him pretty far down on any all-time lists. But top 10 in terms of fun to watch in his prime
Marshawn is top 25 or top 20 all time
Lynch was outplayed in Buffalo by Fred Jackson, so they moved him.
I know I am biased, but to me Frank Gore has always stood tall (irony) and strong over other RBs of the era. He was the constant staple for the Niners during the years of woes (Nolan and Singletary) Still angers me that SF didn't retire his number or give him a proper send off, while on the subject, the same goes for Tim Lincecum. SF just doesn't have class when parting with franchise players, smh.
Came here to say this. For all of the praise in this video given to consistent and non-flashy backs, its weird Gore doesnt get a mention. He got production playing for absolute garbage squads, and probably gets a ring if he touches the ball at the end of sb47. 3rd all time rushing has to count for something.
@@gwampa7066 it makes me so sad he didn't get a ring, instead we get the first pick in niner SB history, damn you HArbaugh. And btw I didn't even know Gore broke the top 3 at 16,000, that is insane. He's the GROAT in my eyes, seeing his smaller frame burst out of defensive lines was electric.
I agree gore and Bettis need to be on the list
Minus edge and someone else t.d. or Campbell
There is certainly something to be said for longevity, but historically Barry values peak a bit more. I’m not saying I’m in favor of or against that thinking, but Gore did not have the best peak in the world unlike some of the other super-consistent backs
That was fun to watch. Great list. Thank you for making this.
Have enjoyed watching all these amazing backs. All great.
In all honesty, look at Tom Brady’s running backs over the course of their careers and their ability to not fumble when they play with Brady as opposed to when they’re not playing with Brady. It’s astounding. Antowain Smith, Maroney, BJGE, James White, Vereen, Dion Lewis, Sammy Morris, Fournette. I think he whispers something to them on every handoff.
Ever hear of deflate gate. That 1.5 psi makes ALL the difference in the world.
@@mikegike7273 exactly
Unpopular Opinion: Marshawn Lynch is a top 20 running back before he "retired" and then came back.
Short prime
Interesting list. Good arguments to back it up.
LT also just had one of the most devastating stiff arms in nfl history. LT wasn't huge, but could literally knock ur helmet off or throw you to the ground.
I personally believe the prototype for an NFL back is 5'8 to 5'10 and around 210 to 215 pounds. LT fits that mold, and if you look at the all time list so does Emmitt, Barry, Peyton, Gore, and Faulk. Idk ... that build just seems to produce longevity, durability, and elusivness while still being stout enough to run between the tackles and pass block effectively
thank you for hearing my request, king!
I’d probably swap James with Gore. But literally nothing else wrong with this list. Spot on
gore was just slightly above average his whole career yes he was good he just was never great
@@maxskubisz1103 doesn’t help he wasted his young prime on a garbage 49ers team
I agree with everything but I would switch sanders and Payton. Sanders was just magical to watch and did so while being hit a yard behind the line of scrimmage every play
With waaaay worse teams as well.
You could also argue the statement similar to Barry having no line and always being hit but Payton was the only guy that teams had to watch out for when they played against him and he was still able to produce and fight against the opponents game plans
I thought that too. But he's right about Payton being more complete.
If only Sanders would have played for more than 10 years.
Sanders best years were his last. When Bobby Ross was coaching they played a straight up the gut approach to running. No more rushes for a loss for Barry.
@@ILLUSI_O_N-V1 right the bears oline wasn't great always when Peyton played you can see this when McMahon was running for his life on every 3rd down in their Superbowl win season
Great list!!! I imagine the toughest ones to leave off might include Marcus Allen, Roger Craig, Frank Gore, Marion Motley (although most of his prime was in the AAFC), Marshawn Lynch and potentially Tiki Barber or LeSean McCoy, but I suppose there’s not enough room for everyone to be a top 15 back.
I really like your take on each back, as you explained their placement. I have the same players on my top 15 except Marcus Allen in and Terrell out. The injury cut things too short in my opinion… but the short tenure he has was all peak, so I can’t really argue.
The lack of Jerome Bettis invalidates this list. He had the numbers, the dominance, and the longevity. At his peak, he had an argument as the best RB in the league
Forgot about him....Good Call.
any chance of a video ranking all time safeties?
Or cbs
#1. Ronnie Lott
#2. Ed Reed
That’s definitley gonna be the top 2
I think Polamalu, Dawkins, Krause, Tunnell, Houston, Larry Wilson, Yale Lary, and Willie Wood would be the rest. John Lynch, Johnny Robinson, Steve Atwater, Jack Tatum and Donnie Shell as honorable mentions.
@@amgfresh154 top 4 would be
#1. Deion Sanders
#2. Rod Woodson
#3. Mel Blount
#4. Dick Lane
I think Revis, Bailey, Woodson, Green, Sherman, and Law would be in there. With people like Willie Brown, Mike Haynes, and Aeneas Williams as honorable mentions
I think Gayle Sayers should at least be an honorable mention. He was as close as I have seen to untacklable and had 6 rushing touchdowns in a single game. If he never blew out his knee he would be #1 on this list.
22 TDs as a rookie in a 12 game season, he also scored those 6TDs on a very muddy field
@@aceassn716 everyone was running in mud that day except for Gayle. He was running on turf.
Edgerrin James was one of the players that got me into football at a young age when I wasn't a huge fan like I am now. He was fun to watch and if you have not already, check out is HOF speech. The dude seems as humble as he is a chill and good person.
No Frank Gore SMH his durability alone puts him in the convo
EDIT: He could still be playing
1. Jim Brown: The best power runner of all time.. And no one will ever touch rushing titles again.
2.. Barry Sanders: The best moves of all time and the most elusive runner of all time.
3. Walter Payton: The most versatile and complete running back of all time.
4, Emmitt Smith: Had the best vision and patience of any running back ever.
5. Eric Dickerson: Just glided along smoothly and made it look effortless. Could be higher without the fumble problem.
6. Ladanian Tomlinson: How insane is 9 straight seasons of double digit touchdowns. Had a nose for the end zone.
7. Gale Sayers: Great moves and elusiveness. The poor man's Barry Sanders.
8. O.J. Simpson: Wonderful mix of power and speed.
9. Earl Campbell: Power. Raw Power. The poor man's Jim Brown.
10. Adrain Peterson: Awesome blend of power and speed.
11. Terrell Davis: Only 3 relevant seasons from 1996-1998, but the best postseason running back ever.
12. Marcus Allen: Complete, versatile, clutch, and could be higher if Al Davis didn't screw him over.
13. Tony Dorsett: Lack of a rushing title keeps him out of the top 10, but 1-3-1983 was amazing.
14. Edgerrin James: The epitome of underrated .
15. Derrick Henry: The best at this nanosecond.
Good list, but one glaring omission: Marshall Faulk
This list is great! It would be even better after you flip spots with #1 and #3. I agree with the other picks. Especially the one on Emmitt Smith.
Great list. I got to see most of them live.
Great list.. Payton definitely the greatest RB ever.
I’m a little surprised to see Derrick Henry absent, as your lists tend to boost current players due to their level of competition, but I respect it.
id say not enough longevity
Henry is already about to fall off a cliff
Henry isn’t even top 30, I don’t even know if he’s worth the hall of fame
I like your lists, you should do longer ones (like top 50 or more) and really get into it.
Good list but could have done without the off color commentary on Adrian Petersen and OJ Simpson. Good to see Dorsett on the list but I might have him a few spots higher. If I was selecting a back for the modern offense, Faulk, Dorsett, Payton in his prime or Thurman. Ability to run and catch between the tackles and in traffic. Also, one day someone will review Ottis Anderson's highlights and years w Cards and at least put him in top 20. He did it all for a big man and had moves and light feet in his prime which would make Gale Sayers proud. And now for my all time forgotten but predecessor triple threat of the 70s, Terry Metcalf. Made the original Coryell offense go and held combined single season yard record for over a decade w 14 game season. Running, catching and returns.
Great points. Chris Johnson was a freak so if you include short career guys then him and Bo Jackson seem like a good tandem for a modern team.
Marshawn lynch should be on here
Barry Sanders
I like this list, it’s the best list I’ve seen in a long, long time
Barry with the good list content again.
Something that doesn't go mentioned with LT but is a fun meme. in his record 31 touchdown season, he had more touchdowns than the Oakland Raiders.
He actually had 33
Most forget his 2passing TDs as well
Barry Sanders is way better and more fun to watch than Walter Payton
Define way better?
Payton also had a suspect supporting cast most of his career
Yet he had power along with agility he even has passing scores
Payton also created his own gaps by steam rolling would be tacklers
Love your vids keep up the good work
Love your videos man
I wonder where Bo Jackson would have landed on this list if he never got hurt.
Can’t say i’m mad at sweetness at 1 but i’m a barry sanders guy myself i believe he had the least support around him out of the top ten and has the 3rd or 4th most rushing yards of all time in 3 fewer seasons that sweetness and 8 fewer that emmit
While Barry is top 2 in a walk… to say he had the least support is wrong. He had a pro bowl lineman in front of him for 8 of his 10 seasons (2 in 95 and 96).
He had also had a pro bowl / all pro receiver in Herman Moore for 4 seasons. He never had a pro bowl QB, but for those 3 seasons that Mitchell peaked, it was special (there were a couple seasons of multiple receivers at 1000+ yards… Perriman, Norton, Moore).
Anyway… this is no where near the Cowboys Offense that Emmitt had or the 60s offense Brown had… but is was far from the worse.
#1 : Barry McCockiner. An undrafted free agent who had never played college football, Barry shocked the NFL in his first season with the Detroit Lions. He had incredible efficiency, with 0 tackles for loss, 0 fumbles, and a 13-4 record. Barry continued his streak of dominance for his entire 9 year career. The fact that he won a super bowl each of those 9 years speaks to how incredible Barry was. He never once fumbled and heroically didn't screw up when his team needed him not to.
every time this man uploads a video it's the most entertaining thing i'll see hear or watch all day
Biased Bears fan here, but I will die on the hill that WP is the greatest of all time considering how often he had to carry terrible offenses with little to no help.
No Jim Brown
Walter, by far is my favorite. But, when we try to discuss 'the greatest', I would love to hear from the players themselves who they would vote as the best. We know Walter acknowledged Jim being the best. Emmit says Walter was the best.
Everyone tries to take away from Emmitt just because he had a good line. It’s not his fault he was on a good team during his prime. But I would argue that he made the team what it was. Also, what other 35 year old RBs have a 1000 yard season like him, when he was on a terrible Arizona team with a bad line
Walter Payton did at 33 damn near. Here's the reason why Payton will be better, and I love enmitt Smith. He was on the bears. There is not a single offensive lineman on the bears during his tenure, besides during that super bowl run worth naming.
Great list
Barry before we get started here I'm surprised you made this video. RB is such a forgotten position but I think RB highlights are always the most fun to watch. That being said I'm hoping you give props to my man Walter payton
U forgot brady
As a 100% unbiased texans fan, I am utterly disgusted to see Arian Foster, Dominick Davis, and Lamar Miller being snubbed
You sound drunk
If Barry got hired to a sports network as an announcer the NFL would instantly become 10x better. I am crying and shitting uncontrollably at the fact that he has no offers.
I was too young to watch Jim Brown play. Walter Payton was the best running back that I ever saw. He was just the complete package: running, catching, blocking and even passing. His durability is astonishing and cannot be underestimated. He played with enormous heart and determination. He had no weaknesses, and he did it week in and week out over many, many years. His accomplishments early in his career when he had a terrible team around him are staggering--who knows what he could have done with a better team around him. RIP, Sweetness.
I think Emmett Smith deserve,s to be higher on this list. He is the all-time leading rusher doesn't matter how good his offensive line was he still had to avoid getting tackled so he can gain all that yardage. But still a really good list. Frank Gore and Steven Jackson need to be on a list as well
For sure
3 rings and most rushing yards still to this day? yea it was his line he gets zero credit. Just kidding he was the toughest SOB ever to play the position. The Cowboys convoy was a lethal 18 wheeler with the maniac jackhammer Emmitt Smith driving. OK huddle up. Larry Allen and Nate Newton blast the Defensive Linemen then Novacek and Moose run on ahead and smash the LBs and Emmit will Run over the safety. Ready....BREAK!
No frank gore mention is an L
Frank Gore was good, but he just played forever. I dunno if he counts as top 15
This list is great 🔥
Barry on a tear recently keep it up
The lack of respect Emmitt gets to me is crazy. He was the best player on a dynasty and had better longevity than any RB ever. I have him 4th personally.
Maybe its pretty obvious when looking at Aikmen's adjusted, playoff, and efficiency stats, that Emmitt vultured a ton of TDs and 20 to 20 yards, because of his below average pass catching and blocking. It was just wiser to run the ball with Emmitt than do screens and other z-pro routes especially the 80s and 90s versions.
Right on! I actually have E. Smith at #1 I can't see him below #3. Jim Brown is my very close #2 These guys were the toughest fast Running backs ever. Does 3 superbowl rings and all-time leading rusher mean nothing>?
dude put emmit smith at 8?!?!?! leads all the stats but isn’t at LEAST top 5? this guy hates dallas😂
I love ❤️ when u said that EMMITT SMITH leads all stats!! Here's a good stat that proves who the great RBs were. There have been 8 rushers in NFL history to run for 2000 yards in a season. Emmitt Smiths name is not amongst those ELITE names so this is why he should be lucky to be ranked at only #8. Facts!!¡
@@mainman7062 Is kareem the all time leading scorer at #8😂😂💀💀🤡
Hater in the House!
I'm glad you included Terrell Davis. He gets overlooked sometimes. OJ needs to be higher despite his off-the-field issues. He was a prototype.
Good list. You can't go wrong picking any of the top 4 guys. And two of those dudes have the big question of what if they hadn't retired young.
i have to disagree with barry being number 2. even with his tendancy to lose yards he still averaged 100 yards a game and 5 yards per carry. the only other who did that was jim brown, also barry sanders average 1500 yards a season and if he didnt retire early he would have broke 20k yards. also barry never had a good team and never had a good o line
1000 yards a game 😳
@@BigFlOz god dam i suck at at typing lol lm fix that
@@SharkBaitSHRKB np
And Walter was the offense for the bears till 82 like what barry said also he could catch out of the backfield and block when needed to. I never get why people say he was always on a good team because he wasn't when they made the playoffs in that stretch it was because of Peyton pushing the offense forward.
@@Zach2017 fair assessment
Ok I love the list but I believe Frank Gore has to be in there to me he is at least better than Campbell at 15 or or maybe honorable mention
I would've added Frank Gore on here
Emmitt smith should warrant discussion for best playoff running back.