List of National Football League rushing yards leaders

This is a list of National Football League running backs by total career rushing yards. This list includes all running backs who have rushed for at least 10,000 yards.

Active players listed in bold type.

As of Week 16 of the 2016 NFL season

As of Week 16 of the 2016 NFL season

Seven players have been recognized as having held the career rushing yards record in the NFL. Since reliable yardage statistics were not recorded prior to 1932, the first NFL player recognized as the career leader in rushing yards was Cliff Battles, who played from 1932 to 1937 for the Boston Braves/Boston Redskins/Washington Redskins. He led the NFL with 576 yards in 1932, and held on to the record throughout his career. Emmitt Smith has held the record since surpassing Walter Payton's long-standing total in 2002.

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