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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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#9: Jim Brown vs. Philadelphia Eagles (1961)

This sort of list wouldn’t be the same without including the man whom many still believe is the greatest running back who ever lived. Jim Brown dominated in an era where running the football was the norm and defenses were equipped and practiced to stop it. Even then it was impossible. Brown averaged five yards per carry for his career and if a team wasn’t up to the task of at least trying, then games like this were going to happen.

One must remember the Philadelphia Eagles were the defending NFL champions in 1961. They were 7-2 going into this game and expecting to continue their march towards a second-straight title. It appeared Brown had other ideas. Cleveland fed him constantly from the opening quarter and the Eagles defense couldn’t get him on the ground. In total he got 34 carries that day for 237 yards and four touchdowns. Philadelphia was blown out 45-24.

That loss proved costly as the Eagles failed to reach the playoffs because of it. They would not do so again until 1978.

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