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Top 25 seasons by a running back ever: Which Kansas City Chiefs make the cut?

By Jordan Mannix

SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Running back Priest Holmes #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball during the game against the San Diego Chargers on November 30, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers 28-24. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Running back Priest Holmes #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball during the game against the San Diego Chargers on November 30, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers 28-24. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Running Back, Walter Payton
Walter Payton #34, Running Back for the Chicago Bears during his final game in the American Football Conference West game against the Los Angeles Raiders on 27 December 1987 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Bears won the game 6 – 3. Visions of Sport. (Photo by Mike Powell/Allsport/Getty Images) /

7. LaDainian Tomlinson, 2006

Tomlinson’s second entry on this list falls in his record breaking 2006 season. During this season Tomlinson broke the all time total touchdown mark that had been set three seasons before by Chiefs’ running back Priest Holmes. That’s not all he would do.

In total, Tomlinson gained 1,815 rushing yards, 508 receiving yards, and scored 31 total touchdowns. For his incredible performance he was voted to the Pro Bowl, named First Team All-Pro, received the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, a rare feat for a running back.

For his career, Tomlinson ranks second all time in rushing touchdowns with 145, third all in total touchdowns with 162, and sixth all time in career rushing yards.

NORMALIZED SEASON SCORE: 2548.07

6. Walter Payton, 1977

Walter Payton, known as “Sweetness,” had one of the greatest overall careers for a running back ever. He dominated the mid-1970s through the late-1980s, posting 1,000 yard rushing seasons in 10 of his 13 years in the NFL. He’s currently second on the list of all-time rushing yards, trailing only Emmitt Smith who played two seasons more than he did. He’s also No. 4 in rushing touchdowns and No. 7 in rushing yards per game. Simply put, he’s one of the all time greats at the position.

The season checking in at No. 6 all time is Payton’s 1977 campaign. During that season Payton played in 14 games, had 1,852 yards rushing, 269 yards receiving and 16 total touchdowns. He was voted to the Pro Bowl, was voted First Team All-Pro, and was voted the AP Offensive Player of the Year.

This was Payton’s best season, but it was not his only great season. In total, he was named to 9 Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro 5 times, and was eventually enshrined in Canton as part of the 1993 class. In 1999, Payton unfortunately passed away due complications from a rare liver disease. His NFL legend continues to live on in Bears’ fans across the world.

TOTAL SEASON SCORE: 2613.67

5. Jim Brown, 1963

Like I said before, Jim Brown had an incredibly dominant career. As such, he has multiple years in the top 25 best seasons all time for a running back. If you’re counting, this is the third entry in the top 25. That’s pretty incredible.

The year in question that comes in fifth on this list is Brown’s 1963 season. During that season he played in 14 games and ran the ball 291 times for 1,863 yards and twelve touchdowns. He added 29 receptions for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns. It was an incredible season and one of the best all time. In an era where the game was arguably more physical, Brown’s accomplishments are tremendous.

A final fun fact about Jim Brown: he has a successful acting career, starring in numerous films beginning in 1964 and most recently played himself in “Draft Day” in 2014.

TOTAL SEASON SCORE: 2631.05

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