by Running backs are some of the most exciting players in football.
They carry the ball, dodge defenders, and fight for every yard. They score touchdowns and help their teams win games.
But here’s an interesting fact: white running backs have become very rare in the NFL.
Most running backs in today’s game are Black athletes. That’s just how the position has evolved.
But throughout NFL history, especially in the Super Bowl era (1966 to now), some incredible white running backs have made their mark.
These players broke barriers, won championships, and showed that greatness comes from hard work and heart — not skin color.
Greatest White Running Backs
This article celebrates the 15 greatest white running backs from the Super Bowl era.
From power runners like John Riggins to modern stars like Christian McCaffrey, these players proved they belonged among the best!
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Quick List of the 15 Greatest White Running Backs
Here’s the complete ranking at a glance:
| Rank | Player Name | Teams Played For | Active Years | Total Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Riggins | Jets, Redskins | 1971–1985 | 11,352 | 116 |
| 2 | Larry Csonka | Dolphins, Giants | 1968–1979 | 8,081 | 68 |
| 3 | Rocky Bleier | Steelers | 1968–1980 | 3,865 | 25 |
| 4 | Mark Van Eeghen | Raiders, Patriots | 1974–1983 | 6,651 | 41 |
| 5 | Merrill Hoge | Steelers, Bears | 1987–1994 | 3,139 | 34 |
| 6 | Tom Rathman | 49ers, Raiders | 1986–1994 | 2,020 | 38 |
| 7 | Ed Podolak | Chiefs | 1969–1977 | 4,451 | 40 |
| 8 | Mike Alstott | Buccaneers | 1996–2006 | 5,088 | 60 |
| 9 | Peyton Hillis | Browns, Broncos | 2008–2014 | 2,832 | 26 |
| 10 | Tom Matte | Colts | 1961–1972 | 4,646 | 57 |
| 11 | Matt Suhey | Bears | 1980–1989 | 2,946 | 25 |
| 12 | Craig James | Patriots | 1984–1988 | 2,469 | 13 |
| 13 | John Cappelletti | Rams, Chargers | 1974–1983 | 2,951 | 28 |
| 14 | Daryl Johnston | Cowboys | 1989–1999 | 753 | 22 |
| 15 | Paul Hornung & Jim Taylor | Packers | 1957–1967 | 12,308 (combined) | 155 (combined) |
Now let’s learn about each player’s incredible story!
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Top 15 Greatest White Running Backs of the Super Bowl Era
🏆 No. 1: John Riggins (Washington Redskins)
- Years Active: 1971–1985
- Teams: New York Jets, Washington Redskins
- Career Stats: 11,352 rushing yards, 116 total touchdowns
- Famous For: Super Bowl XVII MVP
Why He’s Great:
John Riggins was a powerful runner who never feared contact. He ran through defenders like a truck!
Riggins carried the Washington Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XVII with an incredible 166 rushing yards.
His famous 43-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter sealed the championship. He broke a tackle and rumbled to the end zone!
Fun Fact: He was known as “The Diesel” because he could run through anyone! He once took a year off to protest his contract, then came back and dominated.
🏆 No. 2: Larry Csonka (Miami Dolphins)
- Years Active: 1968–1979
- Teams: Miami Dolphins, New York Giants
- Career Stats: 8,081 rushing yards, 68 touchdowns
- Famous For: Super Bowl VIII MVP and the Dolphins’ perfect season
Why He’s Great:
Larry Csonka was a bruising fullback who led the Dolphins to their legendary 17-0 perfect season in 1972!
He won Super Bowl VIII MVP with 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His powerful running style punished defenders.
Csonka made the Hall of Fame in 1987 and is remembered as one of football’s toughest players.
Fun Fact: His iconic mustache became almost as famous as his touchdowns! He once appeared on American Gladiators after retirement.
🏆 No. 3: Rocky Bleier (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Years Active: 1968–1980
- Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
- Career Stats: 3,865 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns
- Famous For: Four Super Bowl rings and an incredible comeback story
Why He’s Great:
Rocky Bleier’s story is one of the most inspiring in NFL history.
He served in the Vietnam War, where a grenade exploded near him. Shrapnel hit his leg, and doctors said he might never walk normally again.
But Rocky refused to give up! He came back to the NFL and won four Super Bowls with the Steelers.
In 1976, when Franco Harris was injured, Bleier rushed for over 1,000 yards. He proved that determination beats any obstacle.
Fun Fact: He made an amazing acrobatic touchdown catch in Super Bowl XIII that helped the Steelers beat Dallas!
🏆 No. 4: Mark Van Eeghen (Oakland Raiders)
- Years Active: 1974–1983
- Teams: Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots
- Career Stats: 6,651 rushing yards, 41 touchdowns
Why He’s Great:
Mark Van Eeghen was often forgotten on Raiders teams filled with Hall of Famers. But he was crucial to their success!
He rushed for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons (1976-1978). In 1977, he led the entire AFC with 1,273 rushing yards.
Van Eeghen was the leading rusher in Super Bowl XV when the Raiders won their second championship.
Fun Fact: He played college football at small Colgate University but became a star in the NFL!
🏆 No. 5: Merrill Hoge (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Years Active: 1987–1994
- Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears
- Career Stats: 3,139 rushing yards, 34 touchdowns
Why He’s Great:
Before becoming a famous ESPN analyst, Merrill Hoge was a tough running back for the Steelers.
In 1988, he led Pittsburgh in rushing yards, attempts, and touchdowns. A year later, his 100-yard playoff performance upset the Houston Oilers.
Hoge played with heart and intelligence. Sadly, concussions ended his career early.
Fun Fact: He rushed for 120 yards against Denver in a playoff game, showing he could compete with anyone!
🏆 No. 6: Tom Rathman (San Francisco 49ers)
- Years Active: 1986–1994
- Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Raiders
- Career Stats: 2,020 rushing yards, 38 touchdowns
Why He’s Great:
Tom Rathman was a key player on the legendary 49ers teams of the late 1980s.
In Super Bowl XXIV, he scored two rushing touchdowns in San Francisco’s 55-10 blowout of Denver.
When Roger Craig was injured in 1990, Rathman led the team with seven rushing touchdowns. He was versatile and reliable!
Fun Fact: He caught 73 passes in 1989, second only to Jerry Rice on that incredible offense!
🏆 No. 7: Ed Podolak (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Years Active: 1969–1977
- Teams: Kansas City Chiefs
- Career Stats: 4,451 rushing yards, 40 touchdowns
Why He’s Great:
Ed Podolak had one of the greatest individual playoff performances in NFL history!
On Christmas Day 1971 against Miami, he scored two touchdowns, rushed for 85 yards, caught eight passes for 110 yards, and returned kicks for 154 yards.
That’s 350 total yards in one game! Though the Chiefs lost in double overtime, Podolak became a legend.
Fun Fact: He was a star at Iowa before becoming a second-round NFL pick!
🏆 No. 8: Mike Alstott (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Years Active: 1996–2006
- Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Career Stats: 5,088 rushing yards, 60 touchdowns
- Famous For: “A-Train” — the NFL’s premier fullback
Why He’s Great:
Mike Alstott was a fan favorite in Tampa Bay for over a decade!
A six-time Pro Bowler, he nearly rushed for 1,000 yards in 1999. He led the team in rushing touchdowns multiple seasons.
Alstott was also a receiving threat with 305 career catches. He helped the Bucs win their first Super Bowl!
Fun Fact: Chris Berman called him “You’re in good hands with Alstott” — and Tampa fans loved it!
🏆 No. 9: Peyton Hillis (Cleveland Browns)
- Years Active: 2008–2014
- Teams: Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs
- Career Stats: 2,832 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns
- Famous For: Madden NFL 12 cover athlete
Why He’s Great:
Peyton Hillis came from nowhere to become a national sensation in 2010!
Playing for Cleveland, he rushed for over 1,100 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 61 passes for 477 yards.
Fans voted him onto the Madden NFL 12 cover — one of the biggest honors in football gaming!
Fun Fact: He made an incredible one-handed touchdown catch against Atlanta that went viral!
🏆 No. 10: Tom Matte (Baltimore Colts)
- Years Active: 1961–1972
- Teams: Baltimore Colts
- Career Stats: 4,646 rushing yards, 57 touchdowns
Why He’s Great:
Tom Matte was a Pro Bowl running back who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1969.
In Super Bowl III, despite the Colts’ shocking loss, Matte was the game’s leading rusher with 116 yards.
He replaced legendary Hall of Famer Alan Ameche and created his own legacy!
Fun Fact: He was the 7th overall pick from Ohio State in 1961!
🏆 No. 11: Matt Suhey (Chicago Bears)
- Years Active: 1980–1989
- Teams: Chicago Bears
- Career Stats: 2,946 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns
Why He’s Great:
Matt Suhey played alongside the legendary Walter Payton for eight seasons.
In Chicago’s only Super Bowl win, Suhey gained more total yards than Payton and scored the Bears’ first touchdown!
He was a Penn State fullback who became a crucial part of one of football’s greatest teams.
Fun Fact: Suhey joked that “the best combination is Walter Payton and any other running back!”
🏆 No. 12: Craig James (New England Patriots)
- Years Active: 1984–1988
- Teams: New England Patriots
- Career Stats: 2,469 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns
Why He’s Great:
Craig James is now famous as a broadcaster, but he was once a great runner!
He was part of SMU’s “Pony Express” backfield with Eric Dickerson. In 1986, his running helped the Patriots reach their first Super Bowl.
James had back-to-back 100-yard playoff games that year — a huge accomplishment!
Fun Fact: He retired at just 28 years old but left a lasting impact!
🏆 No. 13: John Cappelletti (Los Angeles Rams)
- Years Active: 1974–1983
- Teams: Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers
- Career Stats: 2,951 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns
Why He’s Great:
John Cappelletti was the only Penn State player ever to win the Heisman Trophy (1973).
As a first-round pick, he became a great blocker and helped running backs shine. When needed, he could carry the load too!
Fun Fact: In 1976, he helped Lawrence McCutcheon earn his fourth straight Pro Bowl!
🏆 No. 14: Daryl Johnston (Dallas Cowboys)
- Years Active: 1989–1999
- Teams: Dallas Cowboys
- Career Stats: 753 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns
- Famous For: “Moose” — the ultimate blocker
Why He’s Great:
“Moose” Johnston won three Super Bowls and was instrumental in Emmitt Smith becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.
Though primarily a blocker, he was also a receiving threat with 294 career catches and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
Fun Fact: His nickname “Moose” fit his powerful blocking style perfectly!
🏆 No. 15: Paul Hornung & Jim Taylor (Green Bay Packers)
- Years Active: 1957–1967
- Teams: Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints (Taylor)
- Combined Stats: 12,308 rushing yards, 155 touchdowns
Why They’re Great:
Both are Hall of Famers who helped the Packers win four NFL titles in the 1960s!
They barely played in the Super Bowl era, but their impact on football history is undeniable.
Together, they formed one of the greatest running back duos ever!
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Common Traits of Great White Running Backs
Looking at these legends, we see similar qualities:
- Tough and fearless players — They never backed down from contact
- Strong runners with great blocking ability — Many played fullback roles
- Great at catching passes — Versatile threats out of the backfield
- Known for work ethic and leadership — They led by example
- Most played both running back and fullback roles — Ultimate team players
These traits made them successful despite being rare in their position!
Old Legends vs. Modern Players
The position has evolved over the decades:
| Era | Player Example | Playing Style | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Larry Csonka | Power runner | Super Bowl hero |
| 1980s | Tom Rathman | Dual-threat back | 49ers dynasty player |
| 1990s | Mike Alstott | Smash-mouth fullback | Fan favorite in Tampa |
| 2000s | Peyton Hillis | Short but viral career | Madden cover athlete |
| 2020s | Christian McCaffrey | Modern all-purpose back | MVP candidate |
Each era brought different styles, but all showed excellence!
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Famous Stories and Comebacks
- Rocky Bleier’s Miracle
Rocky Bleier’s comeback from war injuries is one of sports’ greatest stories.
After being wounded in Vietnam, doctors said he might never walk normally. But Rocky worked harder than anyone.
He made it back to the NFL and won four Super Bowls! His story proves that determination beats any obstacle.
- Peyton Hillis’ Viral Rise
Peyton Hillis went from unknown backup to Madden cover star in one season!
Playing behind better-known players in college and early in his career, Hillis finally got his chance in Cleveland.
He exploded for over 1,600 total yards and became a national sensation. Fans voted him onto the Madden 12 cover!
- Mike Alstott’s Super Bowl Glory
Mike Alstott was Tampa Bay’s heart and soul for years.
He helped the Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl in 2002. His powerful running and tough blocking were crucial.
Fans in Tampa still love “A-Train” today!
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Fun Facts
Here are some amazing facts about the best white running backs:
- Dick Butkus once said running backs like Csonka made defenders “earn their paycheck”
- Peyton Hillis was voted onto the Madden NFL cover by fans in 2011 — a huge honor!
- Larry Csonka’s mustache became almost as famous as his touchdowns!
- John Riggins once left football for a year because of contract issues, then came back and dominated
- Rocky Bleier served in Vietnam and returned to win four Super Bowls
- Mike Alstott led Tampa Bay in receptions as a rookie — 65 catches!
Conclusion:
White running backs may not be common in the NFL today, but their stories prove that hard work and heart can make anyone great.
From John Riggins to Larry Csonka, from Rocky Bleier to Mike Alstott — these players remind us that greatness comes from passion, not color.
They broke through barriers, won championships, and created memories that last forever.
These NFL legends showed that the running back position belongs to anyone willing to work hard enough.
Christian McCaffrey carries on this tradition today, proving that excellence has no color.
Who knows? The next great white running back might be just around the corner!
Their legacy lives on, inspiring young players of all backgrounds to chase their dreams.
For more NFL history, player stories, and everything football — visit FieldBulls.com, where we celebrate the legends who made the game great!
