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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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 30: Emmitt Smith #22 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVIII on January 30, 1994 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl 30 -13. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

8. Emmitt Smith, Cowboys (1993)

Jimmy Johnson’s Dallas Cowboys were coming off a sensational 13-3 season in 1992 and an impressive 52-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl. Could the club repeat as NFL champions?

It would not be easy, especially with star running back Emmitt Smith opting to sit out the early part of the season due to a contract dispute. Johnson’s club would get off to a 0-2 start via a Monday night loss at Washington followed by a home loss to the Bills in a Super Bowl rematch.

Smith was back in Week 3, and he would not only run for 100-plus yards in seven of the team’s last 14 contests. He wound up leading the NFL in rushing for the third straight year (1,486 yards). There was that memorable Week 17 clash with the Giants in which he touched the ball 42 times while dealing with a shoulder injury. He would wind up being named the league’s Most Valuable Player.

Smith added a combined 418 yards from scrimmage and four TDs in the playoff sweep of the Packers, 49ers, and Bills. That included 30 carries for 132 yards and two scores in capturing Super Bowl XXVIII MVP honors in the 30-13 win over Buffalo.

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