Top 5 Running Back All Time
- Thread starter jtaconutz
- Start date
Sanders, Griffin, Davis, Brown, Campbell
All Heismans except Brown, who should have been. I was fortunate to be able to speak to Horning about that once. When I asked who he thought the greagtest RB of all time was, he did not hesitate. "Jim Brown", he said. He said the thing he is most proud of is that he was drafted ahead of the great Jim Brown. "I could not carry his jock strap" quipped Horning. Horning won that Heisman over Brown, an African-American who deserved it but no African-American had ever won it then, and they made no exception that year.
All Heismans except Brown, who should have been. I was fortunate to be able to speak to Horning about that once. When I asked who he thought the greagtest RB of all time was, he did not hesitate. "Jim Brown", he said. He said the thing he is most proud of is that he was drafted ahead of the great Jim Brown. "I could not carry his jock strap" quipped Horning. Horning won that Heisman over Brown, an African-American who deserved it but no African-American had ever won it then, and they made no exception that year.
does anyone think that IF Iowa State were a better team, that Troy might have won the Heisman, I mean his numbers spoke for himself, but again it's all a popularity contest, IMO
Thank you! I cannot believe Walter Payton was not listed before now. Just like Troy Davis, he did not play on some of the best of teams.
That's a laughable statement. Kinda like saying that Ladainian Tomlinson didn't light it up in college. Among other things, Payton set the NCAA record for career rushing touchdowns at the time, with 65.
Troy Davis has gotta be up there. Think of the teams he was on. If those ISU teams in the mid-90s had anything else to work with, he may as well be considered along side the rest of the college greats.
Barry Sanders was very exceptional as well. The combination of speed and the "sixth sense" that separates great running backs and exceptional running backs... looking from that video, Sanders didn't even have to pull off a lot of extravagant moves to break those long runs. A subtle shoulder twist was enough to throw defenders dead set on tackling him off his scent completely. It almost looked effortless the way he made guys miss.
Barry Sanders was very exceptional as well. The combination of speed and the "sixth sense" that separates great running backs and exceptional running backs... looking from that video, Sanders didn't even have to pull off a lot of extravagant moves to break those long runs. A subtle shoulder twist was enough to throw defenders dead set on tackling him off his scent completely. It almost looked effortless the way he made guys miss.
His college team had several future NFL standouts on it, including Jackie Slater and Robert Brazile...back then, the SEC didn't offer many black athletes, and Jackson State was a powerhouse program.
I can only judge the guys I've seen in my lifetime, and to me nobody compares to Barry Sanders - and it's not even close.
All I'm saying is he was not a house hold name coming out of college. He was in the NFL.
Hershel Walker in comparison was in college.
I agree. Jim Brown was good because he was bigger then everbody. Barry just out moved people. Walter Paytons #2 on my list.
Jim Brown wasn't just a good RB - he was the best football player of all time. He had power, speed, agility, and a nasty attitude. Anybody who wouldn't choose him to build a team around is targeting second place.
As good as he was at football, it was Jim Brown's second sport. He was an unbelievable lacrosse player. Imagine you are on a lacrosse field and a man, 6'2" weighing 232 lbs is bearing down on you with world class speed carrying a club. SHHHEEEEEEIT. Right this way, Mr Brown.
No Emmitt Smith anywhere? he is the all time leading rusher.
But as a lifelong Cowboy fan I must admit he had some pretty darn good lines in his time there. To go by stats he's one of, if not, the best. Going off talent prolly Barry Sanders. He would have done amazing things if he ran behind Dallas' line instead of Detroits
But as a lifelong Cowboy fan I must admit he had some pretty darn good lines in his time there. To go by stats he's one of, if not, the best. Going off talent prolly Barry Sanders. He would have done amazing things if he ran behind Dallas' line instead of Detroits
My favorite
1. Priest Holmes
2. Ricky Williams
3. Shawn Alexander
4. Emmet Smitih
5. Jerome Bettis
1. Priest Holmes
2. Ricky Williams
3. Shawn Alexander
4. Emmet Smitih
5. Jerome Bettis
Yeah, Jim Brown has to go right up there with Barry Sanders, if not above him. Also, Gale Sayers should be on the list.
Even more impressive is what he did against NFL competition...
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TflnHlQMt8]YouTube - Barry Sanders - Greatest of All Time[/ame]