25 best NFL running backs of the 21st century

25 best NFL running backs of the 21st century

In the history of the NFL, there are very few characters quite like star running back Marshawn Lynch. Between his love for Skittles, his punishing running style, and the way that he commanded a press room, Beast Mode was not only one of the more productive running backs of the 21st century but also one of the most talented.

A first-round draft pick out of Cal back in 2007, Lynch would play his first four seasons with the Buffalo Bills before being a part of a dynasty in Seattle. As the offensive side of the legendary Legion of Boom defense, Lynch helped the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title, and they could have won back-to-back big games if Seattle handed him the ball and not tried to throw it.

A five-time Pro Bowl player, Lynch led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during both the 2013 and 2014 NFL seasons and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s. Across his long career, Lynch amassed over 10,000 rushing yards, found the end zone 85 times, and was even better in the playoffs. In 13 playoff games, Lynch had over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Lynch would finish out his career by going to his hometown Oakland for two seasons with the Raiders, before finishing out back in Seattle. He played in their regular-season finale that year, and in the playoffs, scoring two touchdowns in his final NFL game.