Is Barry Sanders the greatest running back of all-time?

Question

I know he is not the all-time leading rusher but if you look at the numbers and situations, I think it is hard to argue against it.

1. Emmitt Smith - 15 career seasons, 18,335 yards

2. Walter Payton - 13 career seasons, 16,726 yards

3. Barry Sanders - 10 career seasons, 15, 269 yards

8. James Brown - 9 career seasons, 12,312 yards

I only included the stats from these 4 because they are usually the ones talked about as the best ever. 

I'm not just saying Barry Sanders because he is my favorite player all time but of the situations he had to run in. Its hard to be a great rusher when you don't have a passing game to help out. The quarterbacks for the Cowboys, Bears, Browns, and Lions show a big difference. Emmitt Smith spent the majority of his career with Hall of Famer Troy Aikman. Walter Payton had it a little bit tougher than Smith with quarterbacks including: Mike Phipps, Vince Evans, Bob Avellini, and Jim McMahon. Jim Brown's quarterbacks included: Tommy O' Connell, Jim Ninowski, and Len Dawson. And then there are the quarterbacks Barry Sanders played with. These include: Rodney Peete, Bob Gagliano, Eric Hipple, Erik Kramer, Andre Ware, Scott Mitchell, Dave Krieg, Don Majkowski, Charlie Batch, and Frank Reich.

So with all of this information, who do you think is the greatesst running back of all time?

Albert · Accepted Answer

Despite being the all time yardage leader, Emmitt Smith doesn't belong in the same category as the other 3.  I personally believe that Barry Sanders was the best all-time, but I'll agree to disagree with those that claim either Jim Brown or Walter Payton.  They all brought something a little different to the game, so I can understand eachargumentt.  Smith, however, was merely thebeneficiaryy of one of the most dominant offensive lines ever assembled. If Sanders played behind that line, he would have likely gained well over 20,000 yds for his career.  Plus he wouldn't have retired as early because he would have played for a contender.

Denky Crane · Answer

Actually it was Walter Payton,but Barry Sanders is a close second you have to see the film of Payton in his early years with the Bears to fully understand his talent during that time the team was awful,but he still put up great numbers and he's probably one of the toughest football players ever only missing one game in his Nfl career.

Jack S · Answer

By far Walter Payton he was a class act on the field and off! Second Bo Jackson he would been the Next payton!

Arrogant Viking · Answer

So far yes he is.  Thank you for saying it.  Barry Sanders was the more productive than ll of those other backs.  The rest got there yards based on longevity.  AP has a long way to go but is gunning for his title.

kyle · Answer

Ladanian Tomlinson 9 1/4 career seasons, 11,830 yards... not the best, but up there.

DevinSS7 · Answer

I think the best ever is Walter Payton then Gale Sayers

Fizzdude (The Original) · Answer

Yes, he is.

Plus, he endorses Coors Original. Anyone who endorses my favorite beer is # 1 in my book!

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Is Barry Sanders the greatest running back of all-time?

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