A Running Back (RB) bursts through the line, leaving defenders flailing in his wake. His feet pound the turf, a drumbeat of anticipation. Every stride holds the potential for glory, the peak of a season’s worth of dedication.
Rushing touchdowns – the ultimate measure of dominance for an RB, is cemented forever in the annals of gridiron history. But who are the warriors who have scaled these peaks, leaving a trail of broken tackles and shattering records in their wake?
Prepare as we unveil the 12 players who stand tallest in the pantheon of rushing prowess, their names forever connected to the most entertaining moments the game has ever witnessed.
When these RBs crossed the goal line, they redefined the very meaning of a rushing TD.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson, aka “LT,” had an unforgettable 2006 season. He dominated the NFL rushing game, leaving behind a trail of broken records for rushing touchdowns and highlight-reel plays.
Tomlinson surpassed the legendary Shaun Alexander’s single-season rushing TD record of 27. LT reached a staggering 28 rushing touchdowns, an accomplishment that still stands today as the NFL’s single-season record.
His dominance wasn’t just about TDs. Tomlinson also led the league in rushing yards (1,815) and the average rushing yards per game (113.4). He was a true offensive juggernaut in 2006, a nightmare for defenses, and a joy to watch for the Chargers fans.
2. Shaun Alexander
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander’s 2005 season saw him carve his name into NFL lore with a rushing performance that rewrote the record books.
Alexander amassed a monstrous 27 rushing touchdowns, tying Priest Holmes’ single-season record set back in 2003. Shawn carried the ball with an almost great consistency, leading the league with 117.5 rushing yards per game.
The Seahawks RB also became the league leader in rushing yards (1,880), averaging a stellar 5.1 yards per carry. Alexander received the MVP title and a trip to the Pro Bowl, thus earning his place as one of the NFL’s all-time great rushers.
3. Priest Holmes
Priest Holmes, the Kansas City Chiefs running back, cemented his name in NFL history during the 2003 season. His Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears was special.
With seconds ticking away in the third quarter, Holmes took a handoff, weaved through Bears defenders, and ran across the goal line for his 27th rushing TD of the season. He had broken Emmitt Smith’s single-season rushing touchdown record, a mark that stood since 1985.
Holmes’ 2003 season saw him accumulate 1,420 rushing yards while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. His record-breaking performance earned him his third Pro Bowl honors.
4. Emmitt Smith
In 1995, Emmitt Smith not only led the league in rushing yards for the third time in four years, but he also shattered the single-season rushing TDs record.
Smith’s 25 rushing TDs surpassed John Riggins’ 1983 mark of 24, a record that had stood for almost a decade. It was a testament to Smith’s consistency and talent throughout the season.
The 1995 season wasn’t just about touchdowns for Smith. He also rushed for the league-highest 1,773 yards and added 62 receptions for 375 yards, demonstrating his versatility as a “pass catcher” running back.
His superb performance was integral in leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 12-4 record and winning the Super Bowl. He made two TDs in the Lombardi game.
5. John Riggins
John Riggins, the hard-nosed running back, aka Riggo, etched his name into NFL history in 1983. The Washington Redskins RB was unstoppable, rewriting the record books with his punishing runs and relentless pursuit of the end zone.
A staggering 24 rushing touchdowns, a then-NFL record that stood for about a decade. Riggins found the paydirt with remarkable consistency, crossing the plane an average of once every game throughout the season.
Riggins defied expectations at age 34 and earned the prestigious Bert Bell Award as the league’s Most Valuable Player, a testament to his incredible performance. He also received the All-Pro selection.
6. Terry Allen
Terry Allen’s 1996 season was nothing short of phenomenal. The Washington Redskins RB carved his name into the franchise’s rushing TD record books, leaving fans in awe and defenses scrambling.
Allen’s greatest feat was his league-leading 21 rushing TDs. Only 11 other running backs in NFL history have ever surpassed the 20-touchdown mark in a single season.
His 1,353 rushing yards surpassed John Riggins’ 1983 franchise record, solidifying Allen’s legacy as one of the Redskins’ all-time greats.
Terry’s punishing running style opened up the passing game too. He amassed 32 receptions and 194 receiving yards, displaying his versatility as a dual-threat back.
7. Terrell Davis
1998 wasn’t just a banner year for Terrell Davis, it was a masterpiece. With a league-leading 21 rushing TDs, Davis made his place as the NFL’s scoring leader, his name echoing alongside legends like Joe Morris and Emmitt Smith.
Every time “Touchdown Broncos” blared through the Mile High air, you knew Davis was likely the architect. He tumbled his way to 2,008 rushing yards and 125.5 yards per game, a record-breaking feat.
That season wasn’t just about numbers, it was about dominance too. Davis’ TDs assisted the Broncos to the reach the 1998 Super Bowl. His touchdowns marked a glorious era of Denver’s prowess.
8. Joe Morris
In 1985, New York Giants’ Joe Morris wasn’t just racking up touchdowns; he was consistently finding the end zone. His explosive runs and punishing dives kept defenses on their toes all season.
His 21 rushing touchdowns remain a beacon of excellence in Giants history, a reminder of a season when the Big Blue ruled the Meadowlands.
His clutch scores led the Giants to victories, including an unforgettable three-TD performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers that secured a Wild Card entry.
That same year, he racked up over 1,300 rushing yards, cementing his place as a league leader. His powerful performance pushed the Giants forward, paving the way for a postseason run.
9. Larry Johnson
A bruising running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnson’s powerful running style and relentless determination in 2005 made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He made 20 rushing touchdowns that year.
Johnson’s performance was a key factor in the Chiefs finishing with a 10-6 record. Although the Chiefs did not reach the playoffs, Larry had a brilliant performance.
He rushed for 1,750 yards while averaging 109.4 yards per game. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Moreover, he also received the All-Pro honors.
Johnson’s 2005 season was one of the best of his career, and this performance confirmed his status as one of the top running backs of his generation.
10. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell, aka “Tyler Rose,” was a powerful running back with relentless determination who etched his name in the NFL record books with a staggering 1979 performance.
Campbell made an impressive 19 rushing TDs, the most in the NFL that year. His punishing runs and electrifying celebrations made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing teams.
He also racked up 1,697 rushing yards, while averaging 106.1 yards per game. He was a true offensive genius for the Oilers, capable of both big plays and grinding out tough yards.
His efforts earned him the coveted NFL MVP award, confirming his status as one of the league’s greatest RBs.
11. Chuck Muncie
In 1981, Chuck Muncie created an NFL legacy by tying the then-record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season (Jim Taylor’s) with his own 19 scores.
An RB for the San Diego Chargers, Muncie wasn’t just making TDs; he was dominating defenses. He accumulated 1,144 rushing yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry. His skillful running style and knack for finding the end zone made him a danger to other teams.
Muncie’s 1981 performance saw him rushing for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ epic playoff victory against the Miami Dolphins, a game known today as “The Epic in Miami.”
12. Jim Taylor
Jim Taylor’s 1962 season stands as a testament to his talent, power, and determination. He cemented his name in the record books with an astonishing feat: 19 rushing TDs, the most in the league that year.
The Packers star dethroned the legendary Jim Brown, who had held the rushing touchdown crown since 1958. This wasn’t just about touchdowns, though. Taylor led the league in rushing yards (1,474) and yards per game (105.3), earning his status as one of the NFL’s most dominant ground forces.
Taylor’s relentless drive and unwavering dedication fueled the Green Bay Packers to a thrilling 16-7 NFL Championship victory that year.