The 40 Greatest Running Backs Of All Time
It’s a question that’s no doubt been posed at every sports bar, stadium, and fantasy football league meeting across the land. Who is the best running back of all time? Well, based on the career rushing yards for each player, we’ve come up with a list of 40 that would easily walk — or more accurately, run — into the G.O.A.T. conversation.
40. Jim Taylor
Total rushing yards: 8,597
Teams: Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints
Years active: 1958-1967
Description: Renowned for his imposing frame and aggressive running style, Jim Taylor spent most of his career with the Green Bay Packers. His most successful period came in the early ’60s when he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in five consecutive seasons. Taylor was also a vital part of the team’s three NFL Championship-winning line-ups.
39. Terry Allen
Total rushing yards: 8,614
Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens
Years active: 1991-2001
Description: Terry Allen was considered past his prime when the Washington Redskins signed him as a free agent in 1995. Yet the former Minnesota Vikings star went on to amass an impressive 1,353 yards and 21 touchdowns the following season and enjoyed a total of five years at FedExField. You may be surprised, then, to learn that he was only selected for the Pro Bowl on one occasion.
38. Ahman Green
Total rushing yards: 9,205
Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans
Years active: 1998-2009
Description: Ahman Green cemented his place in the Green Bay Packers’ record books in 2009 when he overtook Jim Taylor for the most rushing yards in franchise history. He also enjoyed a total of six 1,000-yard seasons with the franchise, which signed him from the Seattle Seahawks at the turn of the century. Green’s early years with the team also resulted in four Pro Bowl selections in a row.
37. Earl Campbell
Total rushing yards: 9,407
Teams: Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints
Years active: 1978-1985
Description: Earl Campbell had quite the start to his Houston Oilers career. Yes, he was crowned both MVP — Most Valuable Player — and Rookie of the Year in his first season with the franchise. And the running back also surpassed the 1,300-yard mark in all but one of his six full years at the Houston Astrodome. Sadly, injury cut short his glittering career in 1985.
36. Shaun Alexander
Total rushing yards: 9,453
Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins
Years active: 2000-2008
Description: Shaun Alexander broke all kinds of records during his stint with the Seattle Seahawks in the ‘00s. He scored a remarkable 73 rushing touchdowns within the space of just four seasons. And in 2005, the running back was crowned the league’s MVP, having guided the franchise to their first-ever Super Bowl. If his career hadn’t been dogged by injuries, Alexander may well have achieved even more.
35. Chris Johnson
Total rushing yards: 9,651
Teams: Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals
Years active: 2008-2017
Description: Chris Johnson almost gave Usain Bolt a run for his money when he played for the Tennessee Titans. The running back’s lightning pace helped him get within striking distance of the 10,000-yard mark, which was no easy feat given his relatively short career. Many critics believe that he’d have been inducted into the Hall of Fame by now had he played for a better team.
34. Joe Perry
Total rushing yards: 9,723
Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Colts
Years active: 1948-1963
Description: One of the NFL’s pioneering figures, Joe Perry was the first-ever player of color to be crowned MVP. The San Francisco 49ers icon had also amassed a then-record of 9,723 rushing yards by the time he hung up his boots. And the man nicknamed "The Jet," whose career stretched from 1948 until 1963, was twice named an All-Pro, too.
33. Matt Forte
Total rushing yards: 9,796
Teams: Chicago Bears, New York Jets
Years active: 2008-2017
Description: Matt Forte established himself as an all-time great during almost a decade with the Chicago Bears. He was the franchise’s first-ever player to amass 900 rushing yards in every single one of his first seven seasons. The running back also came within a whisker of achieving the feat in his eighth. In fact, he only missed out by just two agonizing yards!
32. Clinton Portis
Total rushing yards: 9,923
Teams: Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins
Years active: 2002-2010
Description: Clinton Portis quickly endeared himself to the Washington Redskins after signing from the Denver Broncos. He surpassed the 1,000 rushing yards mark four times and in 2008 was selected for the Pro Bowl. But you may remember that he was just as entertaining in his post-game interviews as he was on the football field.
31. Ricky Williams
Total rushing yards: 10,009
Teams: New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens
Years active: 1999-2011
Description: Ricky Williams’ questionable extra-curricular activities often overshadowed his achievements on the field. But when he was in form, few running backs could compete. The Miami Dolphins star was particularly impressive in the 2002 season when he scored no fewer than 16 touchdowns and averaged an incredible 115.8 yards per game.
30. Ottis Anderson
Total rushing yards: 10,273
Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants
Years active: 1979-1992
Description: After overcoming various injury problems, Ottis Anderson established himself as an all-time great for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Giants. While playing for the latter in 1989, he was crowned as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Anderson was also given the MVP title after guiding the G-Men to triumph at Super Bowl XXV.
29. Marshawn Lynch
Total rushing yards: 10,413
Teams: Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders
Years active: 2007-2019
Description: Marshawn Lynch’s astounding 67-yard run in the 2011 playoffs against the New Orleans Saints is considered by many to be the finest example of an NFL rushing play ever. The man nicknamed "Beast Mode" also helped to steer the Seattle Seahawks to victory at Super Bowl XLVIII. Add in his career rushing touchdown tally of 84 and five Pro Bowl selections and he’s a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.
28. Eddie George
Total rushing yards: 10,441
Teams: Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans, Dallas Cowboys
Years active: 1996-2004
Description: Eddie George was named an All-Pro while playing for the Houston Oilers and then again when the team transitioned into the Tennessee Titans. He also enjoyed one of the most enduring careers in the history of his position. In fact, Walter Payton is the only running back who started more regular season games in a row.
27. Tiki Barber
Total rushing yards: 10,449
Team: New York Giants
Years active: 1997-2006
Description: By the time Tiki Barber waved goodbye to the NFL in 2006, he’d become the New York Giants’ all-time leading rusher. The three-time Pro Bowler amassed more than 10,000 yards during his decade-long career with the franchise. Much to his fans’ disappointment, the running back has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
26. Thomas Jones
Total rushing yards: 10,591
Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs
Years active: 2000-2011
Description: Thomas Jones only played 45 games for the Chicago Bears but still made the franchise’s all-time Top Ten leading rushers list. The running back also guided the team to the Super Bowl during his three seasons before moving to the New York Jets, where he added a Pro Bowl selection to his resume. Jones was quite the journeyman, having played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Kansas City Chiefs, too.
25. Jamal Lewis
Total rushing yards: 10,607
Teams: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
Years active: 2000-2009
Description: Jamal Lewis achieved an astonishing career average of 81 rush yards per game by the time he retired from the sport in 2009. His golden year proved to be 2003, when he scored 14 touchdowns and amassed 2,066 rushing yards. Three seasons earlier, Lewis had also helped the Baltimore Ravens win the first Super Bowl of the new millennium.
24. Ricky Watters
Total rushing yards: 10,643
Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks
Years active: 1992-2001
Description: Ricky Watters was selected for the Pro Bowl on no fewer than five occasions but somehow never made it as an All-Pro. The man nicknamed “Running” also helped the San Francisco 49ers lift the Lombardi Trophy during his decade-long stint in the NFL. Spells with the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles added to Watters’ impressive career rushing yards total of 10,643.
23. Warrick Dunn
Total rushing yards: 10,967
Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons
Years active: 1997-2008
Description: Warrick Dunn wasted little time establishing himself in the NFL after being drafted in 1997. He was named a Pro Bowler and crowned Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; the running back twice achieved the 1,000 rushing yard mark during his long-running stint with the franchise. Interestingly enough, he now owns a minority stake in the Atlanta Falcons, a team with whom he spent six years of his career.
22. LeSean McCoy
Total rushing yards: 11,102
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Years active: 2009-2020
Description: Nicknamed "Shady," this six-time Pro Bowler first made a name for himself with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he broke the franchise record for most rush yards in a single game, in a single season, and all time. After continuing his dominance as a member of the Buffalo Bills, McCoy added two Super Bowl rings to his resume — first with the Kansas City Chiefs, then with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — before retiring an Eagle in 2021.
21. O.J. Simpson
Total rushing yards: 11,236
Teams: Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers
Years active: 1969-1979
Description: It’s easy to forget that before that infamous court case, O.J. Simpson was one of the most talented footballers of his generation. The hugely controversial star’s biggest achievement on the field came in 1973 when he racked up an incredible 2,003 yards in just 14 games. Famed for his explosive speed, "The Juice" enjoyed nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills and two with the San Francisco 49ers. Mind you, he only ever got to the playoffs once.
20. Corey Dillon
Total rushing yards: 11,241
Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots
Years active: 1997-2006
Description: Corey Dillon spent seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals where he was selected for the Pro Bowl on three consecutive occasions. The running back achieved his biggest success, though, during his final years in the NFL with the New England Patriots. Not only did Dillon guide the franchise to Super Bowl XXXIX, but in 2006, he also scored a career high 13 touchdowns.
19. John Riggins
Total rushing yards: 11,352
Teams: New York Jets, Washington Redskins
Years active: 1971-1985
Description: John Riggins certainly had more stamina than most running backs. His NFL career lasted 14 years, the majority of which were spent with the Washington Redskins. Riggins would surpass the 1,000-yard mark on no fewer than four occasions during his career. And in 1982, he was crowned Super Bowl MVP after helping the Redskins to defeat the Miami Dolphins.
18. Steven Jackson
Total rushing yards: 11,438
Teams: St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots
Years active: 2004-2015
Description: Steven Jackson isn’t exactly short of confidence when it comes to his talents on the football field. When asked who he believed was the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams’ greatest running back by the Los Angeles Times in 2018, he put his very own name forward. Jackson does have the receipts, though: he finished his nine-year spell with the Rams with a total of 56 touchdowns and 10,138 rushing yards.
17. Fred Taylor
Total rushing yards: 11,695
Teams: Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots
Years active: 1998-2010
Description: Fred Taylor would no doubt be held in even higher regard if he’d played for a team more successful than the Jacksonville Jaguars. The running back was only once selected for the Pro Bowl and was completely snubbed when it came to the All-Pro team. But his 11,695 career rushing yards are far more than many of his legendary peers ran.
16. Thurman Thomas
Total rushing yards: 12,074
Teams: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
Years active: 1988-2000
Description: Thurman Thomas spent all but one of his 13 NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he cemented himself as an all-time great. The running back amassed more than 12,000 rushing yards and achieved the 1,000-yard mark eight seasons in a row. In 2007, Thomas deservedly received a Hall of Fame induction.
15. Franco Harris
Total rushing yards: 12,120
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks
Years active: 1972-1984
Description: Famed for the play hailed as the "Immaculate Reception," Franco Harris was an instrumental part of one of the greatest NFL teams of the 1970s. The running back played in four Super Bowls during his 12-season spell with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and by the time Harris hung up his cleats, he’d amassed an astonishing 12,120 rush yards.
14. Marcus Allen
Total rushing yards: 12,243
Teams: Los Angeles Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs
Years active: 1982-1997
Description: Marcus Allen booked his place in the NFL record books when he became the first running back ever to reach the 10,000 rushing yards mark. The NFL legend also lifted the Lombardi Trophy during his lengthy spell with the Los Angeles Raiders. And thanks to a further five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen ended his career with a rushing touchdown total of 123.
13. Edgerrin James
Total rushing yards: 12,246
Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks
Years active: 1999-2009
Description: Edgerrin James burst out of the blocks at the turn of the century as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. He was crowned Rookie of the Year following a 369 rushing attempt season and was also named to the Pro Bowl. James continued to impress after joining the Arizona Cardinals in the mid-‘00s, where he surpassed the 12,000-yard milestone.
12. Marshall Faulk
Total rushing yards: 12,279
Teams: Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams
Years active: 1994-2005
Description: Marshall Faulk was a vital part of the turn-of-the-century St. Louis Rams’ line-up hailed as the "Greatest Show on Turf." You may recall that the running back also helped the franchise win a Super Bowl during this period. And thanks to a previous five-year spell with the Indianapolis Colts, he ended his career with an impressive rushing yards total of 12,279.
11. Jim Brown
Total rushing yards: 12,312
Team: Cleveland Browns
Years active: 1957-1965
Description: The legendary Jim Brown spent nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns in the mid-20th century and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in all but two. Had he not retired at the age of 29, there’s every chance he could have topped the all-time list. Brown was also selected as an All-Pro on eight occasions and was crowned MVP three times, too.
10. Tony Dorsett
Total rushing yards: 12,739
Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos
Years active: 1977-1988
Description: Tony Dorsett retired from the game way back in 1988 but remains one of just two players in NFL history to break for a 99-yard run. The running back spent all but one of his 12 years in the game with the Dallas Cowboys. And if it hadn’t been for the 1982 campaign cut short by leaguewide strike, then he no doubt would have achieved nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
9. Eric Dickerson
Total rushing yards: 13,259
Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, Atlanta Falcons
Years active: 1983-1993
Description: Standing at 6'3", Eric Dickerson was much taller than your average running back. And he used his extra height to his full advantage, particularly in the 1984 season where he accumulated a record-breaking 2,105 yards. The former Los Angeles Rams and Indianapolis Colts star also surpassed the 10,000-yard mark in record time.
8. Jerome Bettis
Total rushing yards: 13,662
Teams: Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers
Years active: 1993-2005
Description: Jerome Bettis was nicknamed “The Bus” for a reason. The running back used his imposing frame to score 91 touchdowns and amassed more than 13,000 rush yards during his stints with the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis also enjoyed the sweet taste of success at Super Bowl XL and played in no fewer than six Pro Bowls.
7. LaDainian Tomlinson
Total rushing yards: 13,684
Teams: San Diego Chargers, New York Jets
Years active: 2001-2011
Description: San Diego Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson passed the 1,000-yard mark eight seasons in a row after making it to the NFL in 2001. The running back was also crowned the 2006 Walter Payton Man of the Year and ended his career with the New York Jets with a rushing yard total of 13,684. Unfortunately, Tomlinson never got the chance to showcase his talents at a Super Bowl.
6. Curtis Martin
Total rushing yards: 14,101
Teams: New England Patriots, New York Jets
Years active: 1995-2005
Description: Curtis Martin posted his team’s highest rushing yards tally in all of his three seasons with the New England Patriots and all of his eight with the New York Jets. The running back was also only the second NFL player ever to achieve the 1,000-yard mark in each and every one of his first ten years on the field. Martin’s best performance came in 2004 with a remarkable total of 1,697.
5. Adrian Peterson
Total rushing yards: 14,918 (and counting)
Teams: Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks
Years active: 2007-2021
Description: Adrian Peterson debuted in the NFL in 2007 and is still going strong 14 years later. The Tennessee Titans running back returned from severe injury in 2011 to continue his legendary career and has since taken his rushing yards tally to an astonishing 14,841 (as of 11/9/2021). The running back’s golden year came with the Minnesota Vikings in 2012, when he posted a staggering 2,097 rushing yards fresh off both ACL and MCL tears. Even at age 36, Peterson shows no signs of slowing down.
4. Barry Sanders
Total rushing yards: 15,269
Team: Detroit Lions
Years active: 1989-1998
Description: Barry Sanders was still considered to be very much at the top of his game when he walked away from the NFL in 1998 — just a year earlier, he’d amassed a whopping 2,053 rush yards! Renowned for his brute strength, the Detroit Lions icon passed the 1,000-yard mark in each and every one of his ten seasons with the franchise.
3. Frank Gore
Total rushing yards: 16,000
Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets
Years active: 2005-2020
Description: Frank Gore is another NFL star who still has the chance to extend his incredible rushing yards total before retiring from the football field. Known for both his longevity and his effectiveness, Gore has seen stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets, though he amassed the majority of his 16,000 yards while playing for the San Francisco 49ers from 2005 until 2014.
2. Walter Payton
Total rushing yards: 16,726
Team: Chicago Bears
Years active: 1975-1987
Description: What Walter Payton lacked in speed, he more than made up for in determination. The late, great running back never stopped working whenever he took the football field, which perhaps explains how he racked up a colossal 16,726 rushing yards during his career. Payton spent all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, and, even more remarkably, only ever missed one game.
1. Emmitt Smith
Total rushing yards: 18,355
Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals
Years active: 1990-2004
Description: The running back who holds the NFL’s all-time rushing yards record of 18,355 is a man who was once told he’d never make it. Yes, Emmitt Smith’s smaller-than-average frame deterred many franchise scouts early on in his career. But after the Dallas Cowboys took a chance on him, Smith repaid their faith by reaching the 1,000-yard mark 11 seasons in a row.
Of all the positions, running backs often have the shortest NFL tenures, but a few have beaten back Father Time and become the oldest men to ever play professional football. In fact, some of these stars may have been older than you realized...
Ken Strong
Position: Halfback/Fullback
Teams: Staten Island Stapletons, New York Giants, New York Yankees, Jersey City Giants
Years active: 1929-1940, 1944-1947
Age in final game: 41 years, 8 months, 24 days
Notable stats: 24 rushing touchdowns, 7 receiving touchdowns, 38 field goals made, 166 extra points made
Career highlights: NFL champion, 4x First-team All-Pro, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
Sebastian Janikowski
Nickname: "The Polish Cannon"
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks
Years active: 2000-2019
Age in final game: 40 years, 10 months, 3 days
Notable stats: 436 field goals made (80.4 percent), 605 extra points made (98.5 percent), 1,913 points scored
Career highlights: Pro Bowl, kicked a 63-yard field goal on September 12, 2011
Darren Bennett
Position: Punter
Teams: San Diego Chargers, Amsterdam Admirals, Minnesota Vikings
Years active: 1994-2005
Age in final game: 40 years, 11 months, 9 days
Notable stats: 36,316 punting yards, 836 punts
Career highlights: 2x All-Pro, 2x Pro Bowl
Fun fact: A native Australian, he was credited with bringing the "Aussie rules kick" or "drop punt" to the NFL.
Lee Johnson
Nickname: "Thunderfoot"
Position: Punter
Teams: Houston Oilers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles
Years active: 1985-2003
Age in final game: 41 years, 1 month, 23 days
Notable stats: 51,979 punting yards, 1,226 punts
Fun fact: He was immediately cut in 1998 after publicly criticizing Bengals management over the team's years of ineffective play.
Brett Favre
Position: Quarterback
Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings
Years active: 1991-2011
Age in final game: 41 years, 2 months, 23 days
Notable stats: 297 consecutive starts (most all-time), 71,838 passing yards, 508 passing touchdowns
Career highlights: Super Bowl champion, 3x NFL Most Valuable Player, NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 3x First-team All-Pro, 11x Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
Mark Brunell
Position: Quarterback
Teams: Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets
Years active: 1993-2012
Age in final game: 41 years, 3 months, 15 days
Notable stats: 32,072 passing yards, 184 passing touchdowns
Career highlights: Super Bowl champion, 3x Pro Bowl
Fun fact: He was the first quarterback for the Jaguars, joining them for their 1995 inaugural season.
Shane Lechler
Position: Punter
Teams: Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans
Years active: 2000-2017
Age in final game: 41 years, 4 months, 24 days
Notable stats: One punt of at least 50 yards in 33 consecutive games (most all-time), 47.6 average yards per punt (most all-time) 68,678 punting yards, 1,444 punts
Career highlights: 6x First-team All-Pro, 7x Pro Bowl
Jackie Slater
Nickname: "Big Bad Jackie"
Position: Offensive Tackle
Team: Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams
Years active: 1976-1995
Age in final game: 41 years, 5 months, 16 days
Career highlights: 7x Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
Fun fact: Together with his son Matthew, the Slaters have 17 Pro Bowl selections between them, making them the third-most nominated NFL family behind the Manning (Archie, Peyton, and Eli) and the Matthews (Bruce, Clay Jr., Clay III) clans.
Bryan Barker
Position: Punter
Teams: Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Redskins, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams
Years active: 1988-2006
Age in final game: 41 years, 6 months, 4 days
Notable stats: 47,641 punting yards, 1,132 punts
Career highlights: First-team All-Pro, Pro Bowl, punted the ball 83 yards in 1999
Jim Thorpe
Native name: Wa-Tho-Huk
Position: Running Back
Teams: Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, New York Giants, Tampa Cardinals, Chicago Cardinals
Years active: 1915-1917, 1919-1926, 1928
Age in final game: 41 years, 6 months, 7 days
Career highlights: First-team All-Pro, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
Fun fact: One of history's greatest all-around athletes, he also played five seasons of professional baseball.
Trey Junkin
Position: Long Snapper/Linebacker/Tight End
Teams: Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants
Years active: 1983-2003
Age in final game: 41 years, 11 months, 13 days
Fun fact: After the Giants brought him out of retirement for a playoff matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, he botched the snap on a winning field goal, ultimately costing New York the game.
Jim Marshall
Position: Defensive End
Teams: Saskatchewan Roughriders, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings
Years active: 1959-1979
Age in final game: 41 years, 11 months, 16 days
Notable stats: 30 fumbles recovered (most all-time)
Career highlights: NFL champion, 2x Pro Bowl
Fun fact: Marshall is best emembered for the "wrong-way run" in 1964, when he returned a fumble 66 yards into his own end zone and spiked the ball out of bounds, resulting in a safety for the opposing team.
Matt Stover
Position: Placekicker
Teams: New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts
Years active: 1990-2010
Age in final game: 42 years, 11 days
Notable stats: 471 field goals made (83.7 percent), 622 extra points made (99.5 percent), 2,004 points scored
Career highlights: 2x Super Bowl champion, First-team All-Pro, Pro Bowl, record for most consecutive games with a field goal (38)
John Kasay
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints
Years active: 1991-2012
Age in final game: 42 years, 2 months, 5 days
Notable stats: Four field goals over 46 yards made in a single game (most all-time), 461 field goals made (81.9 percent), 587 extra points made (98.2 percent), 1,970 points scored
Career highlights: Pro Bowl
Jerry Rice
Position: Wide Receiver
Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks
Years active: 1985-2005
Age in final game: 42 years, 2 months, 26 days
Notable stats: 22,895 receiving yards (most all-time), 1,549 receptions (most all-time), 197 touchdown receptions (most all-time), 14 seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards (most all-time)
Career highlights: 3x Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, 2x NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 10x First-team All-Pro, 13x Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
Jason Hanson
Position: Placekicker
Team: Detroit Lions
Years active: 1992-2012
Age in final game: 42 years, 6 months, 13 days
Notable stats: 189 career field goals over 40 yards (most all-time), 327 games with one team (most all-time), 495 field goals made (82.4 percent), 665 extra points made (98.8 percent), 2,150 points scored
Career highlights: 2x Pro Bowl
Earl Morrall
Position: Quarterback
Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins
Years active: 1956-1976
Age in final game: 42 years, 6 months, 24 days
Notable stats: 20,809 passing yards, 161 passing touchdowns
Career highlights: 3x Super Bowl champion, NFL champion, NFL Most Valuable Player, 2x First-team All-Pro, 2x Pro Bowl
Darrell Green
Nickname: "The Ageless Wonder"
Position: Cornerback
Team: Washington Redskins
Years active: 1983-2002
Age in final game: 42 years, 10 months, 14 days
Notable stats: 295 games played (most by a defensive player all-time), 1,159 tackles, 54 interceptions, 6 touchdowns
Career highlights: 2x Super Bowl champion, 4x First-team All-Pro, 7x Pro Bowl, record for most consecutive seasons with an interception (19), Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
Jan Stenerud
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
Years active: 1967-1985
Age in final game: 43 years, 26 days
Notable stats: 373 field goals made (66.8 percent), 580 extra points made (96.5 percent), 1,699 points scored
Career highlights: Super Bowl champion, 4x First-team All-Pro, 4x Pro Bowl, 4x American Football League All-Star, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
Ray Brown
Position: Guard
Teams: St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions
Years active: 1986-1990, 1992-2005
Age in final game: 43 years, 1 month, 2 days
Notable stats: 261 games played (204 started), 3 fumble recoveries
Career highlights: Pro Bowl
Fun fact: In 2006 and from 2008 to 2018, he served as a coach in the NFL, primarily for the offensive line.
Doug Flutie
Position: Quarterback
Teams: New Jersey Generals, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, Toronto Argonauts, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots
Years active: 1985-2006
Age in final game: 43 years, 2 months, 9 days
Notable stats: 14,715 passing yards (NFL), 86 passing touchdowns (NFL), 41,355 passing yards (Canadian Football League), 270 passing touchdowns (CFL)
Career highlights: Pro Bowl, 3x Grey Cup champion, 3x Grey Cup MVP, 6x CFL's Most Outstanding Player, 6x CFL All-Star, most rushing total yards (212) of any player over age 40
Matt Turk
Position: Punter
Teams: Racine Raiders, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars
Years active: 1993-2012
Age in final game: 43 years, 6 months, 30 days
Notable stats: 48,414 punting yards, 1,143 punts
Career highlights: First-team All-Pro, 2x Pro Bowl
Fun fact: During a stint with the Redskins in 1999, he had his brother Dan come in as the long snapper for one of his punts, making them the first sibling duo to achieve this feat.
Jeff Feagles
Position: Punter
Teams: New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants
Years active: 1988-2010
Age in final game: 43 years, 9 months, 27 days
Notable stats: 71,211 punting yards (most all-time), 1,713 punts (most all-time), 352 consecutive games played (most all-time)
Career highlights: Super Bowl champion, 2x Pro Bowl
Phil Dawson
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals
Years active: 1999-2018
Age in final game: 43 years, 10 months, 3 days
Notable stats: 441 field goals made (83.8 percent), 518 extra points made (97.6 percent), 1,847 points scored
Career highlights: Pro Bowl
Fun fact: Dawson had an NFL rule named after him following a controversially negated field goal.
Lou Groza
Nickname: "The Toe"
Position: Placekicker/Tackle
Team: Cleveland Browns
Years active: 1946-1959, 1961-1967
Age in final game: 43 years, 10 months, 29 days
Notable stats: 234 field goals made (57.8 percent), 641 extra points made (97.6 percent)
Career highlights: NFL Most Valuable Player, 4x NFL Champion, 4x First-team All-Pro, 9x Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
Sean Landeta
Position: Punter
Teams: Philadelphia Stars, Baltimore Stars, New York Giants, Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles
Years active: 1983-2006
Age in final game: 43 years, 11 months, 26 days
Notable stats: 60,707 punting yards, 1,401 punts
Career highlights: 2x Super Bowl champion, 3x First-team All-Pro, 2x Pro Bowl, 2x United States Football League champion
Warren Moon
Position: Quarterback
Teams: Edmonton Eskimos, Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs
Years active: 1978-2000
Age in final game: 44 years, 1 month, 6 days
Notable stats: 49,325 passing yards (NFL), 291 passing touchdowns (NFL), 21,228 passing yards (CFL), 144 passing touchdowns (CFL)
Career highlights: NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 9x Pro Bowl, 5x Grey Cup Champion, CFL Most Outstanding Player
Vinny Testaverde
Position: Quarterback
Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers
Years active: 1987-2007
Age in final game: 44 years, 1 month, 17 days
Notable stats: 46,233 passing yards, 275 passing touchdowns
Career highlights: 2x Pro Bowl, most consecutive seasons with a touchdown pass (21)
Eddie Murray
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings
Years active: 1980-1995, 1997, 1999-2000
Age in final game: 44 years, 3 months, 25 days
Notable stats: 352 field goals made (75.5 percent), 538 extra points made (98.7 percent), 1,594 points scored
Career highlights: Super Bowl champion, First-team All-Pro, 2x Pro Bowl
Matt Bryant
Nickname: "Money Matt"
Position: Placekicker
Teams: New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Florida Tuskers, Atlanta Falcons
Years active: 2002-2019
Age in final game: 44 years, 5 months
Notable stats: 397 field goals made (85.6 percent), 567 extra points made (98.6 percent), 1,758 points scored
Career highlights: Pro Bowl, kicked a 62-yard field goal on October 22, 2006
Tom Brady
Position: Quarterback
Teams: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Years active: 2000-2022
Age in final game: 44 years, 5 months, 20 days
Notable stats: 243 quarterback wins (most all-time), 84,520 passing yards (most all-time), 624 passing touchdowns (most all-time)
Career highlights: 7x Super Bowl Champion, 5x Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, 3x NFL Most Valuable Player, 2x NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 3x First-team All-Pro, 15x Pro Bowl
Steve DeBerg
Position: Quarterback
Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons
Years active: 1977-1993, 1998-1999
Age in final game: 45 years, 12 days
Notable stats: 34,241 passing yards, 196 passing touchdowns, recorded a 0.9 single-season interception percentage in 1990 (lowest in NFL history at the time)
Career highlights: 1979 NFL completions leader
Ben Agajanian
Nickname: "The Toeless Wonder"
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Hollywood Bears, San Diego Bombers, Hollywood Rangers, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Dons, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Texans, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
Years Active: 1942-1964
Age in final game: 45 years, 3 months, 22 days
Notable stats: 104 field goals made (51 percent), 343 extra points made (97.7 percent)
Career highlights: 2x NFL Champion
Gary Anderson
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans
Years active: 1982-2005
Age in final game: 45 years, 5 months, 17 days
Notable stats: 538 field goals made (80.1 percent), 820 extra points made (99.2 percent), 2,434 points scored
Career highlights: 2x First-team All-Pro, 4x Pro Bowl
John Nesser
Position: Quarterback/Guard/Tackle
Team: Columbus Panhandles
Years active: 1909-1921
Age in final game: 45 years, 7 months, 16 days
Fun fact: He was part of the Nesser Brothers, one of the United States' most famous football families around the turn of the century. At 5'11" and 195 pounds, he was the smallest of the Nessers, but still managed to block and tackle with the best of them.
Bobby Marshall
Position: End
Teams: Rock Island Independents, Minneapolis Marines, Duluth Kelleys
Years active: 1920-1925
Age in final game: 45 years, 7 months, 20 days
Fun fact: Prior to his football career, he played professional baseball for 13 non-consecutive seasons. This included stints with the Minneapolis Lund Lands; LaMoure, North Dakota's team; Minneapolis Keystones; St. Paul Colored Gophers; Chicago Giants; Twin City Gophers; and All Nations.
John Carney
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants
Years active: 1987-2010
Age in final game: 46 years, 5 months, 20 days
Notable stats: 478 field goals made (82.4 percent), 628 extra points made (98.4 percent), 2,062 points scored
Career highlights: Super Bowl champion, First-team All-Pro, 2x Pro Bowl
Adam Vinatieri
Position: Placekicker
Teams: Amsterdam Admirals, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts
Years active: 1996-2019
Age in final game: 46 years, 11 months, 3 days
Notable stats: 599 field goals made (most all-time; 83.8 percent), 367 extra points made (98.1 percent), 2,673 points scored (most all-time)
Career highlights: 4x Super Bowl champion, 3x First-team All-Pro, 3x Pro Bowl
Morten Andersen
Nickname: "Great Dane"
Position: Placekicker
Teams: New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings
Years active: 1982-2007
Age in final game: 47 years, 4 months, 11 days
Notable stats: 382 games played (most all-time), 565 field goals made (79.7 percent), 849 extra points made (98.8 percent), 2,544 points scored
Career highlights: 5x First-team All-Pro, 7x Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
George Blanda
Position: Quarterback/Placekicker
Teams: Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders
Years active: 1949-1958, 1960-1975
Age in final game: 48 years, 3 months, 18 days
Notable stats: 26 seasons played (most all-time), 7 touchdown passes in a game (tied most all-time), 26,920 passing yards, 236 passing touchdowns, 335 fields goals (52.4 percent), 943 extra points (98.3 percent)
Career highlights: 3x AFL Champion, 4x AFL All-Star, First-team All-AFL, AFL MVP, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee