NFL RecordsNFL All-Time Rushing Yards Leaders
Top 25 career rushing yards leaders (regular season only)
| Rank | Player | Yards | Years Active | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emmitt Smith | 18,355 | 1990-2004 | DAL, ARI |
| 2 | Walter Payton | 16,726 | 1975-1987 | CHI |
| 3 | Frank Gore | 16,000 | 2005-2020 | SF, IND, MIA, BUF, NYJ |
| 4 | Barry Sanders | 15,269 | 1989-1998 | DET |
| 5 | Curtis Martin | 14,101 | 1995-2005 | NE, NYJ |
| 6 | LaDainian Tomlinson | 13,684 | 2001-2011 | SD, NYJ |
| 7 | Jerome Bettis | 13,662 | 1993-2005 | LA, PIT |
| 8 | Eric Dickerson | 13,259 | 1983-1993 | LA, IND, ATL |
| 9 | Tony Dorsett | 12,739 | 1977-1988 | DAL, DEN |
| 10 | Adrian Peterson | 14,918 | 2007-2021 | MIN, NO, ARI, WAS, DET, TEN, SEA |
| 11 | Jim Brown | 12,312 | 1957-1965 | CLE |
| 12 | Marshawn Lynch | 10,413 | 2007-2019 | BUF, SEA, OAK |
| 13 | Marcus Allen | 12,243 | 1982-1997 | LA, KC |
| 14 | Franco Harris | 12,120 | 1972-1984 | PIT, SEA |
| 15 | Thurman Thomas | 12,074 | 1988-2000 | BUF, MIA |
| 16 | Edgerrin James | 12,246 | 1999-2009 | IND, ARI, SEA |
| 17 | Steven Jackson | 11,388 | 2004-2015 | STL, ATL, NE |
| 18 | Corey Dillon | 11,241 | 1997-2006 | CIN, NE |
| 19 | Tiki Barber | 10,449 | 1997-2006 | NYG |
| 20 | Fred Taylor | 11,695 | 1998-2010 | JAX, NE |
| 21 | Ricky Williams | 10,009 | 1999-2011 | NO, MIA, BAL |
| 22 | LeSean McCoy | 11,102 | 2009-2020 | PHI, BUF, KC, TB |
| 23 | Warrick Dunn | 10,967 | 1997-2008 | TB, ATL |
| 24 | Clinton Portis | 9,923 | 2002-2010 | DEN, WAS |
| 25 | Derrick Henry | 10,500 | 2016-2024 | TEN, BAL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the most rushing yards in NFL history?
Emmitt Smith holds the all-time NFL record with 18,355 rushing yards over his 15-year career with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted 17th overall in the 1st round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
How many running backs have rushed for over 15,000 yards?
Seven running backs have surpassed 15,000 career rushing yards: Emmitt Smith (18,355), Walter Payton (16,726), Frank Gore (16,000), Barry Sanders (15,269), Curtis Martin (14,101), LaDainian Tomlinson (13,684), and Jerome Bettis (13,662).
Which undrafted running back has the most rushing yards?
Among undrafted running backs, Priest Holmes holds the record with 6,070 career rushing yards, though many legendary rushers like Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders were drafted picks.