20 best running back seasons in NFL history

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 15, 1964: Runningback Jim Brown #32 of the Cleveland Browns awaits the next series of plays for the offense during a game on November 15, 1964 against the Detroit Lions at Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Also pictured for the Bowns include Frank Ryan #13 and Clifton McNeil #85. 64-71385 (Photo by: Herman Seid Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 13: Chuck Foreman #44 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball against the Miami Dolphins during Super Bowl VIII at Rice Stadium January 13, 1974 in Houston, Texas. The Dolphins won the Super Bowl 24-7. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

10. Chuck Foreman, Vikings (1975)

It is fascinating to note that the Minnesota Vikings went to three Super Bowls in a four-year span from 1973-76. They were stifled by the Miami Dolphins, 24-7, at Rice Stadium (VIII), shut down by the Pittsburgh Steelers, 16-6, at Tulane Stadium (IX), and humbled by the Oakland Raiders, 32-14, at the Rose Bowl (XI).

However, you could argue the team’s best club during that decade was the 1975 edition of the Purple Gang. That year, the team got off to a 10-0 start and one of the offensive catalysts for Bud Grant’s club was third-year running back Chuck Foreman.

The season, the former University of Miami product and 1973 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year ran for 1,070 yards and 13 touchdowns. Foreman also led the league with 73 receptions, nine of those for scores. When it was all said and done, he finished the year with 1,761 yards from scrimmage and 22 total touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned All-Pro honors. However, it was teammate and quarterback Fran Tarkenton that was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.

The Vikings were one of three teams that season to finish with the NFL’s best record (12-2). However, they were stunned at home in the playoffs when Cowboys’ quarterback Roger Staubach saw his “Hail Mary” answered by wide receiver Drew Pearson.

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