Every 2000-Yard Rusher in NFL History
Source: George Gojkovich / Getty
The 2,000-yard rushing milestone is one of the NFL’s most difficult and celebrated achievements. Only a select group of running backs have managed to breach this threshold, showcasing unparalleled skill, durability, and impact over the course of a season. The list of 2,000-yard rushers begins with O.J. Simpson, who accomplished the feat in 1973. Remarkably, he achieved this in just 14 games, setting a standard of excellence that few have matched since.
RELATED: 32 Teams: Fun Fact On Every NFL Football Team
RELATED: Notable NFL Players Who Have Signed With New Teams
What makes this achievement so rare is the combination of talent, workload, and health it demands. The Running Back position was once an in-demand job but lately, the position has been devalued. However, the 2024 NFL season has seen a renaissance, with Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley becoming the latest member of the 2000-Yard Rushers club. On Sunday, December 29th, Barkley surpassed the mark and has one more game left to try to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record of 2,105 yards.
Running backs endure punishing physical demands each week, making this level of consistency extraordinary. The names on the 2,000-yard list reflect not just incredible statistics, but the heart, toughness, and brilliance required to achieve true greatness in the NFL.
