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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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NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: Former running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Titans on the field at halftime to celebrate his name during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 19-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: Former running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Titans on the field at halftime to celebrate his name during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 19-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

25 best NFL running backs of the 21st century

Eddie George. 6. player. 35. . .

During his time at Ohio State, Eddie George dominated college defenses, and in his final season, he would go on to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, this after rushing for nearly 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. So when he was selected in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the then-Houston Oilers, it was no surprise, and he certainly hit the ground running at the next level.

Given the starting job as a rookie, George would go on to win the NFL’s Rookie of the Year honor, and throughout his entire career with the Oilers/Titans franchise, he would never miss a game. George spent eight seasons with the franchise, rushing for over 1,000 yards in a season seven times, and he nearly led the franchise to a Super Bowl win over the then-St. Louis Rams.

Known for his tough style of running, he would average less than four yards per carry during his NFL career but was as steady as they come from his running back position. He amassed over 400 carries during the 2000 season alone, and he currently holds dozens of franchise records, including most rushing attempts in a career.

A first-team All-Pro during that 2000 campaign, George went to four straight Pro Bowls from 1997 through 2000 and had his No. 27 retired by the Titans franchise. All told, George rushed for 10,441 yards in his NFL career, becoming one of the more punishing backs of the 21st century.

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