The NFL's 5 Best Running Backs of the Last Decade

With 2010 fast approaching, it's time to look back at the decade that was and discuss the top 5 NFL all-purpose running backs. Every decade has its stars, whether it's Walter Payton and Earl Campbell of the 70's, Roger Craig and Marcus Allen of the 80's, or Thurman Thomas, Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders and Marshall Faulk of the 90's, every decade has their star running backs. Of course, at the end of every decade, arguments ensue as to where they fit in the all time great list of NFL running backs. It's is extremely difficult to compare and grade one decade's star players against another. The offensive philosophies are ever-changing in the NFL, and what works for a time, doesn't necessarily transcend into a new decade. As an example, during the 1980's and 1990's, most tight ends were valued for their blocking. Sure they caught passes, but not to the extend that the position does now. So, to compare one running back to a running back from another time is often difficult. Therefore, we'll keep it simple and look at the totals for both rushing and receiving over the last 10 years. To remain consistent, the stats and totals for these players are from the 2000 season to the current 2009 season. Some of these players started their careers in '98 or '99, but their numbers have been removed for this analysis.

#5) Brian Westbrook: Philadelphia Eagles

Rushing Yards: 5,946 yards on 1294 attempts for a 4.6 yard average
Rushing Touchdowns: 37
Receiving Yards: 3,765 on 420 receptions for 9 yard average
Receiving Touchdowns: 29
All Purpose Yards: 9,711

A two time pro-bowler, and 1 time all-pro selection in 2007, Brian Westbrook was overlooked by a number of NFL teams in the draft because of his small stature. Despite being only 5 feet 10 inches (and this is generous) he's a solid 200 lbs and a constant threat running or receiving out of the backfield. In Philadelphia's pass happy offense under head coach Andy Reid, he's the perfect back for a system that passes more than any other offense in the NFL.

#4) Fred Taylor: Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots

Rushing Yards: 9,517 yards on 2050 attempts for a 4.5 yard average
Rushing Touchdowns: 44
Receiving Yards: 1,874 on 234 receptions for 7.6 yard average
Receiving Touchdowns: 5
All Purpose Yards: 11,391

A running back perhaps nearing the end of his career, Fred Taylor has never been given the credit he so richly deserves. Perhaps due to the fact that he's injury prone, or because he plays in a smaller market, Taylor has only made 1 pro-bowl in his illustrious 12 year career. However, he currently sits 16^th in all time rushing yards in the NFL, and his lifelong 4.6 average per carry over 12 years puts him 5^th best all time in that category.

#3) Clinton Portis: Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins

Rushing Yards: 9,696 yards on 2176 attempts for a 4.5 yard average
Rushing Touchdowns: 73
Receiving Yards: 1,963 on 242 receptions for 8.1 yard average
Receiving Touchdowns: 5
All Purpose Yards: 11,659

The AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2002, Clinton Portis was part of a blockbuster trade that sent a shut down corner of the Redskins, Champ Bailey and a second round pick, to Denver in return for Portis. A 2 time Pro-Bowler and 1 time all Pro, Clinton has always tried to become a bigger personality by dressing and wearing unique and interesting costumes during interviews and press conferences. A solid running back who picks up blitzes, and is willing to do whatever it takes to win, he may be leaving Washington in 2010 and may retire altogether after suffering a serious concussion earlier this year.

#2 Edgerrin James: Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks

Rushing Yards: 10,693 yards on 2659 attempts for a 4.0 yard average
Rushing Touchdowns: 43
Receiving Yards: 2,778 on 371 receptions for 7.37 yard average
Receiving Touchdowns: 7
All Purpose Yards: 13,471

Making this list mostly because of his early career success in Indianapolis, Edgerrin James was picked ahead of Ricky Williams in the 1999 draft. James became an immediate sensation in Indianapolis, securing the NFL's Rookie of the Year honors in 1999. A 4 time pro-bowl selection, and 2 time All-Pro, James tore his ACL in 2001. An extremely difficult injury to recover from, it took a while before Edgerrin was back to his usual self. However, by 2003, he was once again a 1000 yard rusher. James left the Colts in 2006 for Arizona. As a show of gratitude, the Colts gave James a Superbowl Ring despite not having been on the 2006 Colts Championship team.

#1) LaDainian Tomlinson: San Diego Chargers

Rushing Yards: 12,430 yards on 2862 attempts for a 4.3 yard average
Rushing Touchdowns: 136
Receiving Yards: 3,934 yards on 526 receptions for 7.5 yard average
Receiving Touchdowns: 15
All Purpose Yards: 16,364

The most prolific running back of this decade, and one of the greatest of all time, is LaDanian Tomlinson. A 5 time pro-bowler, 4 time All-Pro and NFL MVP (2006), Tomlinson's rare combination of speed, power and moves, made him on of the most feared running backs of this decade. He holds the record for most touchdowns in a season rushing with 28, and the most total with 31. Perhaps nearing the end of his career at 30, Tomlinson is having one of his least productive seasons in 2009 with only 600 yards and a 3.3 yard average in 2009.
He has hinted at retirement and while he once wanted to own the NFL's all time rushing title, he may be on his last season.