Fansided

25 best NFL running backs of the 21st century

By Brad Weiss

Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson runs down the field as the San Diego Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20 - 9 on December 17, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Tracy Frankel/Getty Images)
Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson runs down the field as the San Diego Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20 - 9 on December 17, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Tracy Frankel/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS – DECEMBER 06: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 6, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS – DECEMBER 06: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 6, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

25 best NFL running backs of the 21st century

13. player. 35. . . . Chris Johnson

After running a 4.24 40-yard dash during the NFL combine in 2008, a mark that set a record, Chris Johnson was a first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans. From the jump, Johnson became an instant star for the Titans, putting together some of the more remarkable seasons we have seen from a running back since the turn of the century.

Johnson started immediately in Tennessee, starting 14 games as a rookie while rushing for over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns. However, it would be what he did in his second season with the team that put him on the map, as he ran over and around all NFL defenses to the tune of a 2,000-yard rushing season.

With his 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, Johnson became the sixth player to do so in league history, while also setting the NFL record for total yards with 2,509. For his efforts, Johnson would be named the AP Offensive Player of the Year and would earn the nickname “CJ2K,” though he would never rush for 2,000 yards in a season again.

While he is known for that magical season, he put together an incredible body of work with the Titans, rushing for over 1,000 yards in all six of his seasons there. He holds a host of NFL records and finished his career with nearly 10,000 rushing yards.

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