Ranking the NFL's Top 30 Running Backs of the 21st Century

The 21st century introduced game-changing NFL running backs shattering records with electrifying runs, prolific seasons, and spectacular careers redefining the position.

 As offenses emphasize creative rushing attacks more than ever, here are 30 premiere ball carriers that defined greatness since Y2K.


1) LaDainian Tomlinson - All-time leader with 31  rushing touchdowns in a single season, Tomlinson captured 2006 MVP honors during a dominantChargers stretch seeing him annually flirt with 2,000+ scrimmage yards behind elite vision and burst.

2) Adrian Peterson – “AD’s” punishing running style and breakaway speed headlined Vikings offenses for a decade highlighted by a 2,000-yard rushing 2012 campaign showing his peerless upside.

3) Edgerrin James – Underrated versatile Colts engine maintaining a 2000+ scrimmage yard 4-year opening stretch with superb receiving skills out of the backfield.  

4) Marshawn Lynch - "Beast Mode's” overwhelming physicality and trendsetting tackle-shedding balance spawned iconic highlights leading Seattle’s ground and pound attacks.  

5) Frank Gore – Model of unmatched longevity and consistency totaling 16,000+ career yards after emerging as San Francisco’s relentless yet shifty pounding threat.

6) Jamaal Charles – Dynamic big-play magician for the Chiefs flashing game-wrecking open field moves and receiving abilities evolving schemes.   

7) Le’Veon Bell – Patient runner setting the template for duel-threat backs as Pittsburgh’s “triplets” centerpiece thanks to smooth athleticism through contact showing every tool. 

8) Maurice Jones-Drew – Pint-sized yet stocky frame belying tackle-breaking might for annual 1300+ scrimmage yard Jaguars outputs as their top weapon.  

9) Shaun Alexander – Seattle’s finesse franchise back netting multiple 1600+ yards seasons en route to 2005 MVP honors behind the Seahawks’ ruthless line.

10) Chris Johnson – Home run-hitter producing legendary 2000+ total yard Titans campaign punctuated by world-class sprinter’s acceleration.

Rounding out the top running backs...

11) Tiki Barber

12) Priest Holmes  

13) Arian Foster

14) Jonathan Taylor

15) Derrick Henry 

16) Jamal Lewis

17) Steven Jackson  

18) Curtis Martin

19) Ahman Green

20) Brian Westbrook

21) Clinton Portis  

22) Deuce McAllister

23) Fred Taylor 

24) Marshawn Lynch

25) Thomas Jones

26) Eddie George 

27) Ricky Williams 

28) CJ2K Chris Johnson

29) Mike Alstott

30) Warrick Dunn

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