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The Top 10 Greatest NFL Rushing Performances of All Time

By Erik Lambert

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 6: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs downfield with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 6: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs downfield with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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#1: Walter Payton vs. Minnesota Vikings (1977)

The man known as “Sweetness” was never sweeter in his NFL career than in 1977. Payton claimed the rushing title with 1,852 yards and 14 touchdowns. Keep in mind this was in a 14-game season with Bob Avellini as his quarterback. Everybody in the world knew Chicago was going to run the football every week and they still weren’t able to stop him. If there was a signature game that locked up his MVP award that year, it was this one.

To understand why it’s the greatest rushing performance ever, people must know the context. The Bears were 4-5 going into this game. One more loss eliminated them from playoff contention. Minnesota had gone to the Super Bowl the year before and had beaten the Bears earlier that year. Worst of all? Payton was diagnosed with the flu prior to the game, so he was playing sick.

Did the Bears try to go easy on him? Hell no. Payton ran the ball 40 times. That’s right: 40. In cold weather with the flu. He ran over the Vikings for a then-record 275 yards and a touchdown. Chicago won the game 10-7 and would make the playoffs for the first time in 14 years a few weeks later.

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