The early 2000s was a golden era for running backs in the NFL, who showcased some of the most electrifying seasons in history. From record-breaking touchdowns to jaw-dropping yardage totals, this decade produced extraordinary talents that left an indelible mark on the sport. The best running backs of the 2000s didn’t just dominate on the field; they redefined what it meant to be an elite rusher in professional football. As the league cycles through it’s waves and trends, fans are making their way back to see the new resurgence of the running back position.
2006 LaDainian Tomlinson
LT’s 2006 season stands as one of the most prolific in NFL history. The San Diego Chargers’ running back amassed an impressive 1,815 rushing yards on 348 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. He threatened defenses in the pass game as well with 56 receptions for 508 yards, giving him well over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. Tomlinson’s record-breaking 31 touchdowns solidified his place amongst the best running backs of the 2000s.
Tomlinson’s extraordinary performance earned him numerous accolades. He secured his fourth Pro Bowl selection and was named First-team All-Pro. His dominance on the field led to him winning the NFL Most Valuable Player award and the Offensive Player of the Year honor. Additionally, Tomlinson’s impact extended beyond the gridiron, as he was recognized with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for his contributions off the field. LT’s consistent production throughout the season, averaging 113.4 rushing yards per game, kept defenses on their toes. His performances not only propelled the Chargers to success but even remained effective in a reduce role as a member of the Jets later on in his career.
2005 Shaun Alexander
Shaun Alexander’s 2005 season led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance. He accumulated 1,880 rushing yards on 370 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. Alexander found the end zone 27 times on the ground and once through the air, setting a then NFL record with 28 total touchdowns (LT broke it a year later). His consistency was remarkable.
Alexander’s phenomenal performance earned him numerous accolades. He was named the NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year for 2005. Alexander’s 2005 campaign cemented his legacy as one of the greatest rushers in NFL history, earning him a spot on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
2003 Priest Holmes
One of the earliest speed backs many of us can remember. Considered one of the best running backs of the 2000s, he had an exceptional 2003 season. He rushed for 1,420 yards on 320 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. Holmes’ most impressive feat was his record-breaking 27 rushing touchdowns, which set a new NFL standard at the time. His versatility was showcased in the air through with 74 receptions for 690 yards.
Holmes’ extraordinary performance earned him numerous accolades. He secured his third Pro Bowl selection and was named First-team All-Pro. His dominance on the field led to him finishing fourth in the NFL Offensive Player of the Year voting and fifth in the MVP race. Holmes’ productivity was remarkable, as he scored two or more touchdowns in 10 games, tying LaDainian Tomlinson’s NFL record. Holmes and Emmitt Smith are the only two running backs in NFL history to have back-to-back seasons with 20 or more rushing touchdowns.
2003 Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis was the 2000s version of Derrick Henry. He rushed for 2,066 yards in ’03, which was the second most in a season at the time, trailing only Eric Dickerson (Adrian Peterson would later surpass Lewis for second place). Lewis’s most notable performance came on September 14, 2003, when he set a new NFL single-game rushing record with 295 yards against the Cleveland Browns. His dominance throughout the season was evident, with seven games of over 130 rushing yards. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named First-team All-Pro. His campaign led to him finishing fourth in the NFL Offensive Player of the Year voting and fifth in the MVP race.
2000 Marshall Faulk
The textbook dual threat running back of the 2000s. Rushing for 1,359 yards on 253 attempts, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. His total offensive output reached 2,189 yards, with 26 touchdowns. His 2000 campaign earned him numerous accolades. He was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl and won his second NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Most notably, Faulk was named the NFL Most Valuable Player for the 2000 season. His 26 total touchdowns set a new NFL record at the time.
2000 Edgerrin James
Another 2000 campaign that was MVP worthy was Colts’ Edgerrin James. Racking up 1,709 yards on 387 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. James also aided Peyton Manning’s development with 63 receptions for 594 yards. His total offensive output reached 2,303 yards, with 18 touchdowns. James’ exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named Second-team All-Pro. Most notably, James won the NFL rushing title for the second consecutive year. An impressive run for not even being considered in the MVP race.
2002 Ricky Williams
Forever one of the most intriguing running backs in NFL history. He was as good as he was intriguing, leading the NFL in rushing with an 1,853 yards, averaging 115.8 yards per game. Ricky added 363 receiving yards and a touchdown to his 16 rushing scores. His outstanding performance earned him First-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection. Williams’ 2002 season had a lasting impact on the Dolphins and the NFL. His performance allowed Miami to finish with a 9-7 record, narrowly missing the playoffs.
2003 Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis had an outstanding 2003 season with the Denver Broncos. He gained 1,591 yards on 290 carries, totaling 5.5 yards per attempt. He was possessed in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he rushed for 218 yards and scored five touchdowns, setting a franchise record. Portis’ exceptional performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. Despite missing three games due to injuries, Portis still managed to surpass his rookie rushing mark, achieving the third-best rushing total in Broncos history.
2005 Tiki Barber
Giants fans and Tiki have a complicated relationship, but his 2005 season was remarkable. He rushed for 1,860 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 116.3 yards per game. He also added 54 receptions for 530 yards His total offensive output reached an impressive 2,390 yards from scrimmage, with 11 touchdowns.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named First-team All-Pro. Barber finished fourth in the NFL MVP voting and third in the Offensive Player of the Year race. Almost a third of his rushing yards were during three 200-yard rushing games during the season, including a franchise-record 220 yards against the Chiefs. Tiki showed that Father Time didn’t always affect running backs over 30 years old.
2009 Chris Johnson
Closing out the most electrifying decade is Chris Johnson burning everyone in the open field. His 2,006 rushing yards is good for seventh most all-time. Through the air CJ2K added 50 receptions, which totaled his offensive output to an astonishing 2,509 yards from scrimmage, with 16 touchdowns. He is the only player in NFL history to amass over 2,500 yards from scrimmage.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named First-team All-Pro. Most notably, Johnson added the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award for the 2009 season. His consistent production was remarkable, with ten games surpassing 100 rushing yards.
Honorable Mentions
Ahman Green 2003
Ahman Green’s 2003 season was exceptional, as he rushed for 1,883 yards and 15 touchdowns. Green averaged an impressive 5.3 yards per carry, showcasing his efficiency as one of the best running backs of the 2000s. He added 50 receptions for 367 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Curtis Martin 2004
Curtis Martin’s 2004 season was remarkable, as he led the NFL in rushing with 1,697 yards at the age of 31. Despite playing with a serious MCL tear, Martin averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns. His resilience and productivity earned him First-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
Steven Jackson 2006
Steven Jackson’s 2006 season solidified his status among the elite running backs. He rushed for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching 90 passes for 806 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jackson’s all-purpose yardage of 2,334 yards demonstrated his versatility and impact on the Rams’ offense.
Return of the Back
The running backs of the early 2000s made their own era in NFL history. They all had their own strengths but found their ways to record-breaking games that continue to inspire today’s players. These backs didn’t just rack up yards and touchdowns; they were the focal points of the offense. More than the quarterback in many of these cases.
In 2024, the running back position seems poised for a resurgence. With teams looking to win the time of possession paired with talented rushers primes fans for the return of the running back. This potential revival could bring a revived excitement to the game and remind fans of the thrilling performances that made the 2000s a unique time for NFL offenses.
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