Behind the Steel Curtain
The running back position has featured some of the brightest stars in the history of the NFL. From the 1960s with Jim Brown, to the ‘70s with Larry Csonka and Tony Dorsett, the ‘80s featuring Eric Dickerson, and Walter Payton, all the way up to today with the high volume of dynamic backs that take the field every Sunday.
Our friends at Windy City Gridiron put together a ranking of the top 100 running backs of all-time, and four Pittsburgh Steelers made the cut with Franco Harris being the highest at No. 16.
“Harris was the engine behind the Steelers’ offense of the 1970s that won 4 titles,” Bill Zimerman writes. “Known for their defense, people don’t realize that the offense was a far bigger piece of the puzzle for the last two championships.”
Jerome Bettis was next on the list, and it may surprise some to find out he was not in the top 20. The Bus was ranked No. 23, behind No. 22 Marshawn Lynch and ahead of No. 24 Red Grange.
“Bettis was a great power back in his day who could still handle 20 carries a game,” Zimmerman writes. “His longevity for a back of his size was incredible. Defenses always had to make sure they had a plan to drag down Bettis.”
Le’Veon Bell made the list at No. 56 and John Henry Johnson was right behind him at No. 57.
Bell finished his career with 6,544 yards rushing, 399 catches, and 51 total touchdowns while earning two First-Team All-Pro nods and three Pro Bowl appearances. Johnson had 6,803 career rushing yards, 48 touchdowns, and was a four-time Pro Bowler.
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