Greatest Running Backs

On the gridiron, they were simply the best. From Jim Thorpe and Jerry Rice to Joe Montana and Ronde Barber, NFL Hall of Famers brought unmatched passion and skill to their positions. Revisit football history's greatest professional athletes in this stat-filled, photo-driven sports series for middle-grade readers that showcases star linebackers, defensive linemen and backs, quarterbacks, pass catchers, and running backs. They're some of the most versatile players, taking handoffs, serving as receivers, and blocking defenders. Although the gridiron has seen outstanding running backs throughout pro football history, only a handful of the greatest players have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Photo-driven and stat-filled, this middle-grade sports title for fans of the NFL showcases 11 halfbacks and fullbacks, ranked by induction year, from Steve Van Buren and Walter Payton to Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson. Includes sidebars about the position's role and how it's changed over time.