The 3 greatest running Backs in NFL history ft. Adrian Peterson

The running back position has long been one of the most physically demanding positions in all sports.

You have to be an elite, tough-as-nails athlete to become a superstar running back in the NFL. You also have to be consistently productive year in and year out. Running hard and taking big hits is just part of the job description as great running backs have to have great speed, soft hands, and the ability to put the game on ice.

With all of that information in mind, here are the three greatest running backs in the history of the NFL:

#3. Walter Payton

The late, great Walter Payton is one of the most legendary football players of all-time. His career portfolio has every accomplishment that all future players dream of.

He was an MVP (1977), a Super Bowl winner (XX), the NFL Man of the Year (1977), an eight-time Pro-Bowler, a nine-time All-Pro, and he is a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary Team.

In his 13 career NFL seasons (all with the Chicago Bears), No. 34 recorded the most consecutive starts by a running back in NFL history with 170. Payton recorded 1,200+ rushing yards and 7+ total touchdowns in 10 of his 13 seasons in the NFL. He is second all-time with 16,726 rushing yards and fifth all-time with 110 rushing touchdowns.

His numbers speak for themselves, as does his running style. He had the ability to both run through defenders, as well as run by them. Not only is he one of the most beloved athletes in Chicago's illustrious sports history, but he is one of the greatest running backs of all-time.

#2. Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders stands on the podium after a statue was unveiled in his honor by the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium

Much like Walter Payton, Barry Sanders is one of the most beloved sports figures in his respective city.

Despite playing just a decade in the NFL, Sanders was the definition of consistency for the Detroit Lions. In a lot of people's eyes, Barry Sanders is the greatest Detroit Lion of all-time.

In each of his 10 years in the Motor City, Sanders recorded over 1,100 rushing yards. Sanders sits fourth all-time in rushing yards with 15,269, which is remarkable considering he only played seven full seasons. His career 99.8 rushing yards per game ranks second all-time, just behind Hall of Famer Jim Brown.

The former Oklahoma State star is the closest thing to Allen Iverson the NFL has ever seen. His ability to cross defenders up with his shake-and-bake moves made him the most feared running back in the sport. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest tailbacks in NFL history.

#1. Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after rushing for a 48 yard touchdown against the Denver Broncos

He has not officially retired from the NFL, but if he is done, Adrian Peterson had one of the greatest careers in NFL history.

The 2012 MVP and seven-time All-Pro was an absolute force of nature with the rock in his hands. The former Minnesota Vikings great led the NFL in rushing yards three times and in rushing touchdowns twice. His elite talent helped him earn a spot on the NFL's 2010 All-Decade Team.

The former Oklahoma Sooner had over 1,000 total scrimmage yards in 10 of his 15 career seasons. He also became one of five players in NFL history aged 33 or older to rush for over 1,000 yards (2018 with Washington).

Peterson has the most rushing yards ever recorded in a single game in NFL history (296; Nov. 4, 2007 against San Diego). Prime Adrian Peterson was arguably the most dangerous runner of all-time.

He had game-breaking speed, special footwork, and exceptional vision. Once he officially retires, Peterson will get a Hall of Fame bust in Canton, Ohio as soon as possible. He is one of the greatest players in NFL history and perhaps the best running back ever.