Fansided

Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander heads up field during 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in NFL Network Thursday Night Football game at Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash. on December 14, 2006. (Photo by Kirby Lee/NFLPhotoLibrary)
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander heads up field during 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in NFL Network Thursday Night Football game at Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash. on December 14, 2006. (Photo by Kirby Lee/NFLPhotoLibrary) /

28. Shaun Alexander

Shaun Alexander may not have had the longevity of other great running backs that will be on this list, but for a five year span, he was unstoppable.

He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2001 with 14. He also ran for over 1,300 yards that season on 309 carries. He had another good year in 2002, this time rushing for 16 touchdowns and just under 1,200 yards.

Alexander finally earned his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2003. He had over 1,400 yards on the ground and 14 touchdowns. He continued his strong work in 2004, racking up nearly 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Alexander’s 2005 season was one of the best by a running back in NFL history. He led the NFL with 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns, an NFL record at the time. He also carried the ball an astonishing 370 times, as the Seahawks made it to the Super Bowl. Alexander was named league MVP for his record-breaking season.

His production would slow down after the 2005 season, but the Seahawks rode Alexander for five seasons, and he constantly delivered. He retired with 100 rushing touchdowns and over 9,400 yards rushing for his career.

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