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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MIAMI, FL- JANUARY 22: Roger Craig #33 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XXIII on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida. The 49ers won the Super Bowl 20-16. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

15. Roger Craig, 49ers (1988)

It was in 1985 that running back Roger Craig became the first player in league history to gain at least 1,000 yards as a runner (1,050) and a pass-catcher (1,015). He finished with 2,066 yards from scrimmage and 15 scores on his way to his first Pro Bowl.

However, it was the versatile performer’s 1988 campaign that has gone a bit under the radar because of his accomplishments three years earlier. The hard-charging runner led the NFL with 2,036 yards and posted career-highs in rushing attempts (310) and rushing yardage (1,502). He also managed a team-best 76 receptions.

It was the postseason in which Craig came up huge, totaling 434 yards from scrimmage in three contests. In a 34-9 win over the Vikings, Craig totaled 21 carries for 135 yards and two scores. A week later in frigid Chicago, there were 21 touches and 101 yards from scrimmage. Two weeks later in South Florida, the Niners would come from behind to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII.

Teammate Jerry Rice would be named the game’s MVP and wide receiver John Taylor caught the game-winning TD pass with 34 seconds to play. Craig (who did lose a fumble in the game) had an enormous outing. He ran 17 times for 71 yards and totaled eight receptions for 101 yards in the 20-16 triumph.

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