July 30, 2026, 8:55 a.m. CT

Our final installment of the all-time leaders series is finally here, and today we’re wrapping things up by ranking the NFL’s all-time leaders in career rushing yards. This list is packed with Hall of Famers who dominated on the ground for years, shattered countless records, and cemented themselves among the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Among the names featured is one active player who continues to climb the leaderboard. Heading into his 11th NFL season, Derrick Henry is fresh off another remarkable campaign in which he rushed for nearly 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns, giving him a legitimate chance to move even higher before his career comes to an end. The rest of the list is filled with legendary figures such as Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Eric Dickerson — running backs whose dominance defined generations and set the standard for greatness at the position.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 rushing yards leaders in NFL history.

10. Derrick Henry: 13,018 rushing yardsCLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 16: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball defended by Myles Harden #26 of the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field on November 16, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Teams: Tennessee Titans (2016 to 2023) and Baltimore Ravens (2024 to 2025)

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.9. Eric Dickerson: 13,259 rushing yardsDec 1986; Unknown location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson (29) during the 1986 season. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1983 to 1987), Indianapolis (1987 to 1991), and Los Angeles Raiders (1992)

8. Jerome Bettis: 13,662 rushing yards8 Dec 1996: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes his way through the San Diego Chargers' defense during the first quarter at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/Allsport

Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1993 to 1995) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1996 to 2005)

7. LaDainian Tomlinson: 13,684 rushing yardsNov 27, 2005: Landover, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson breaks a tackle from Washington Redskins cornerback Ryan Clark (25) to score the winning touchdown in overtime of the Chargers matchup with the Redskins at FedEx Field Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Geoff Burke

Teams: San Diego Chargers (2001 to 2009) and New York Jets (2010 to 2011)

6. Curtis Martin: 14,101 rushing yardsNew York Jets running back Curtis Martin (C) runs for a first down past the defense of Miami Dolphins defenders Jamar Fletcher (L) and right end Jason Taylor (R) during the third quarter of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford New Jersey, October 14, 2001. Martin scored the Jets' second touchdown of the game as the Jets rallied from a 17-0 halftime deficit to win the game 21-17. REUTERS/Mike Segar MS

Teams: New England Patriots (1995 to 1997) and New York Jets (1998-2005)

5. Adrian Peterson: 14,918 rushing yardsMinnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (R) rushes for a gain and first down past Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones during the second quarter of their NFL game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, December 13, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2007 to 2016), New Orleans Saints (2017), Arizona Cardinals (2017), Washington Redskins/Football Team (2018 to 2019), Detroit Lions (2020), Tennessee Titans (2021) and Seattle Seahawks (2021)

4. Barry Sanders: 15,269 rushing yardsBarry Sanders was masterful when it came to eluding opposing defenses, as he did during a first-quarter touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns at the Pontiac Silverdome, as captured by a Detroit Free Press photograph on Oct. 8, 1995. But when it came to his relationship with former Detroit Lions' Director of Security Allen "Jocko" Hughes, Sanders had no problem slowing down to talk to a gentleman, who was respected throughout the organization. Sanders' relationship with Hughes became known nationally during the summer of 1999.

Team: Detroit Lions (1989 to 1998)

3. Frank Gore: 16,000 rushing yardsFILE PHOTO: San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium.

Teams: San Francisco 49ers (2005 to 2014), Indianapolis Colts (2015 to 2017), Miami Dolphins (2018), Buffalo Bills (2019) and New York Jets (2020)

2. Walter Payton: 16,726 rushing yards34: Walter Payton

Team: Chicago Bears (1975 to 1987)

1. Emmitt Smith: 18,355 rushing yardsJan 31, 1993; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (22) carries the ball during Super Bowl XXVII past Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith (78) at the Rose Bowl. Smith rushed for 108 yards on 22 carries and 1 touchdown as the Cowboys defeated the Bills 52-17. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1990 to 2002) and Arizona Cardinals (2003 to 2004)