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 – SEPTEMBER 21: Running back Priest Holmes #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs upfield against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on September 21, 2003. The Chiefs defeated the Texans 42-14. (Photo by Joseph Patronite/Getty Images) /

9. Priest Holmes, Chiefs (2003)

The former University of Texas standout was part of a Super Bowl championship club with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000 (XXXV). However, he wasn’t much of a factor in the team’s postseason run that year as Brian Billick’s team rode rookie Jamal Lewis in the playoffs.

Running back Priest Holmes signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001 after four seasons with the Ravens. During his first three seasons with Dick Vermeil’s club, he put up some astonishing numbers that resulted in not only three consecutive Pro Bowl invitations, but three straight All-Pro nods as well.

In 46 regular-season contests from 2001-03, Holmes rolled up a combined 6,566 yards and 61 trips to the end zone. In 2003, the Chiefs were back in the playoffs for the first time since 1997. Holmes amassed 1,420 yards on the ground with 27 scores and caught 74 passes for 690 yards. His 27 total touchdowns remain the third-highest single-season total in NFL history.

In a wild playoff clash at Arrowhead Stadium, Holmes came up big in the Chiefs’ 38-31 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries in a contest in which neither team punted.

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