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NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best Running Backs of All-Time

By Bryce Olin

Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) breaks away from Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher (59) during the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Redskins 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) breaks away from Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher (59) during the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Redskins 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith is the all-time leader in total rushing yards with 18,355 yards and had a great career with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals.

Smith also had the great fortune of staying healthy most of his career. This is nothing against Smith, but he did stick around for a couple extra years gunning for the all-time rushing record.

If I was in the situation, I would have done the same thing; however, it needs to be noted that Smith wasn’t the best running back to ever play, just the luckiest.

I’m only being half serious. Smith deserves all the accolades he gets for breaking the rushing record. No running back was as dominant as Smith was for a longer period of time.

Smith was selected for the Pro Bowl nine times in his 15 seasons, and he led the league in rushing yards four of his 15 years in the league. Smith was also the 1993 regular season MVP and MVP of the Super Bowl in the same season.

Next: 4. Walter Payton

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