3 legendary NFL running backs who played in the wrong era

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 13, 1974: Runningback Chuck Foreman #44, of the Minnesota Vikings, tries to find running room during Super Bowl VIII on January 13, 1974 against the Miami Dolphins at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Dolphins beat the Vikings, 24-7. Chuck Foreman7402 (Photo by: Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

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PASADENA, CA- JANUARY 9: Chuck Foreman #44 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during Super Bowl XI on January 9, 1977 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Raiders won the Super Bowl 32 -14. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

NFL running backs from the wrong era: 2. Chuck Foreman

The Minnesota Vikings reached their first Super Bowl in 1969, their ninth season of existence. That club proved to be no match for the AFL powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs and were throttled, 23-7, at Tulane Stadium.

Four years later, Bud Grant’s team would make the first of three Super Bowl appearances in a four-year span. None of those contests went the Purple Gang’s way either. However, in 1973, a big reason the club found itself in championship contention was the versatility of running back Chuck Foreman.

Minnesota made the former University of Miami, Florida product the 12th overall pick in the 1973 draft. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, totaling 1,163 yards from scrimmage and six TDs in 12 games. Foreman and his signature spin move were just getting warmed up as he would log the first of five straight Pro Bowl invitations.

In seven years with the Vikings, he ran for 5,887 yards and 52 scores, plus totaled 336 receptions for 3,057 yards and 23 touchdowns. He earned All-Pro honors in 1975 when he finished with an imposing 1,761 yards from scrimmage and 22 total TDs. Foreman spent his final season in the league with the New England Patriots.

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