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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Seattle Seahawks runningback Shaun Alexander (37) eyes up Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Roderick Hood (29) Monday, December 5, 2005 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 42-0. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/NFLPhotoLibrary) /

18. Shaun Alexander, Seahawks (2005)

He was the team’s first-round draft choice in 2000. Former University of Alabama running back Shawn Alexander was the 19th overall selection that year. His rookie campaign was less than spectacular as he played in all 16 games. However, he made only one start and totaled only 64 carries for just 313 yards and two touchdowns.

The former Crimson Tide standout would get untracked in his second season and begin a run of five consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaigns. In 2005, the workhorse led the NFL in carries (370) and rushing yards (1,880), to go along with 27 scores on the ground. Alexander caught only 15 passes for 78 yards, but one was for a touchdown. All told, his 28 total TDs led the league that season, and he would be named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player.

In the NFC Divisional Playoffs vs. Washington, Alexander left the game with a concussion after totaling just nine yards on six carries. He more than made up for it vs. the Panthers in the NFC title game, running 34 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-14 victory.

In the Seahawks’ first Super Bowl appearance, Alexander ran for 95 yards on 20 carries in the team’s 21-10 loss to the Steelers at Ford Field in Detroit.

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