Ranking the Top 5 New England Patriots Running Backs of All Time
In the span of 20 years, the New England Patriots went from a relatively unheralded franchise to one of the most celebrated and revered organizations in the NFL. This shift in public perception has been linked to quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, who won six Super Bowls and nine AFC titles together.
Quarterback play and defense were the backbone of New England’s dynasty, and everything else, while important, was a secondary concern. This mindset encapsulates how the Patriots have felt about running back play for much of their existence.
Like all positions, New England has looked to put the best players possible in its backfield, but it hasn’t been a top priority.
The team’s recent emphasis on scheme and backfield by committee has stopped any individual back from gaining serious acclaim from the rest of the league.
The Patriots’ all-time running back list requires a deep dive into the franchise’s history and focuses more on very good players than superstars and generational talents.
Sam Cunningham is statistically the best running back in Patriots history and is the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards with 5,453 and ranks second in rushing touchdowns with 43.
Taken 11th overall in the 1973 draft, Cunningham spent the entirety of his nine-season NFL career with the Patriots, which allowed him to accumulate stats and gradually climb the franchise’s rushing leaderboard.
