10 Players with Most Yards from Scrimmage in NFL History

These ten players have the most yards all time from scrimmage in NFL history. Except for the top player who is a wide receiver all the other players on the list are running backs. From scrimmage means rushing or receiving so return yardage is not included here. These are some of the most famous players in football history who sold many NFL jerseys and tickets during their playing days and helped football be the great spectator sport it is.

1) Jerry Rice - 23,540 yards

Jerry Rice is the all time leader in yards from scrimmage in NFL history with 23,540 total yards. Most of Rice's yards are from receiving (22,895) while the rest is from rushing (645). Rice sold a lot of tickets and number 80 NFL jerseys for both the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders.

2) Emmitt Smith - 21,579

Emmitt Smith rushed for 18,355 yards in his career which is the most yards rushed for all time in the NFL and he also had 3,224 receiving yards.

3) Walter Payton - 21,264

Chicago Bears great Walter Payton rushed for 16,726 yards and had 4,538 receiving yards in his Hall of Fame career.

4) Marshall Faulk - 19,154

Marshall Faulk was arguably the most versatile running back in NFL history as he ran for 12,279 yards and also had 6,875 receiving yards.

5) Barry Sanders - 18,190

In his 10 year career Barry Sanders rushed for 15,269 yards and caught passes for another 2,921 yards. Sanders was a one man highlight film who sold a ton of tickets and number 30 Detroit Lions NFL jerseys in his career.

6) Marcus Allen - 17,654

In his 16 year career Marcus Allen rushed for 12,243 yards and had another 5,411 yards receiving.

7) Curtis Martin - 17,430

Curtis Martin rushed for 14,101 yards and had 3,329 receiving yards in his career playing for the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

8) Thurman Thomas - 16,532

Thurman Thomas was a vital cog in the high powered Buffalo Bills hurry-up offense than went to 4 straight Super Bowls in the 1990's. Thomas rushed for 12,074 yards and had 4,458 receiving yards in his great career. Lots of Bills fans still have Thomas' #34 Bills jersey.

9) LaDainian Tomlinson - 16,445

LT is the only active player on the list and he looked like he's nearing the end of the road last season but in just 9 NFL seasons with the San Diego Chargers jersey number 21 has racked up 12,490 rushing yards and 3,955 receiving yards. Tomlinson is playing for the Jets this season.

10) Tony Dorsett - 16,293

Dallas Cowboys great Tony Dorsett rushed for 12,739 yards and had another 3,554 receiving yards in his great Hall of Fame career in which he won two Super Bowls with the Cowboys.

For more see Top 10 QB's With Most Passing Yards in NFL History

Most Touchdown Passes in NFL History

Most Rushing Yards Per Carry in NFL History

Source: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/yds_from_scrimmage_career.htm