Seattle Seahawks Top 5 Running Backs of All Time

(last updated on February 12, 2026)

The Seattle Seahawks’ history is a rich tapestry that stretches back to the 1976 when they played in the American Football Conference. The franchise has had multiple stadiums it has called home, but one constant has been its fanbase, the “12th Man,” and an enduring running game with a stable of backs that have given defensive coordinators nightmares.

Join us to examine the best running backs’ accomplishments, impact, and legacy in the Seattle Seahawks franchise’s history. This journey will remind us of their significant contributions to shaping the franchise’s identity and solidifying their place among the greatest running backs in team history.

The following regular-season criteria will be examined to select the quintet of the franchise’s greatest running backs: rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards while with the team. Secondly, if applicable, we will look at playoff numbers with the club, what stats they may have had in the league while not a member of the subject franchise, and any other circumstances or events warranting consideration.

The Best Running Backs in Seahawks History

The selection pool gathers talent from the last half century, stretching back to the club’s early expansion seasons in the mid-1970s. No matter what the decade, the franchise has always seemed willing to run the ball and has had a knack for finding the talent to do so.

Chris Warren rushed for over 6,700 yards as a Hawk and was twice a Second-Team All-Pro. Known for his physical running style and ability to break tackles, Warren was a promising young player. Unfortunately, injuries and the team’s depth at the running back position limited his playing time. While his Seahawks career was relatively short, Warren’s contributions were significant and boosted the offensive system he played in, as recorded in his 44 rushing touchdowns and 1,342 yards receiving.

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Ricky Watters was a vital factor in the Seattle franchise’s offense during the late 1990s. The former Notre Dame runner was a dynamic running back who significantly impacted the team during his tenure with the Seahawks.

Known for his explosive speed and agility, Waters was a threat to break any play open. While his time with the Seahawks was relatively short, he showcased his talent and ability to make defenders miss. In his final career game, he actually topped 100 yards rushing. The results of his skill set led to over 4,000 rushing yards with the team that produced 22 scores from the ground game.

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As a product of the Penn State Nittany Lions program, Curt Warner was no beginner in knowing how to hit a hole and gain yardage with a football under his wing.

Drafted in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, Warner quickly established himself as a workhorse, consistently carrying the ball many times per game—his ability to break tackles and find yards after contact made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Warner finished his stay in Seattle with 6,705 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns scored with his legs.

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Number 37, Shaun Alexander, was the Seahawks’ bell cow back for most of the first decade of the new millennium. His early years overlapped with Ricky Waters, so they shared the running load, but the team realized this young back from the Alabama Crimson Tide program was a legit three-down back.

“Alexander the Great” had a career filled with honors, including an MVP and Offensive Player of the Year; both in his amazing 2005 season, he led Seattle to its first appearance in a Super Bowl. Mr. Touchdown was responsible for a cool 100 rushing scores, and he supplemented those with another dozen produced by catching passes and taking the leather the distance.

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Possibly the most violent rusher in the last four decades was the player they called “Beast-Mode,” Marshawn Lynch. The compact but chiseled back (5-11, 215 pounds) was an explosive run waiting to happen. Lynch had the uncanny ability to thrive upon contact, sometimes escaping the grasp of defenders by running over them! As a Seahawk, 6,381 yards on the ground and 58 rushing TDs place Mr. Lynch on our list.

Lynch and the rest of a talented roster led the NFL franchise of the Great Northwest to a Super Bowl victory and were one ill-fated play selection away from repeating the feat the following season.

That is a complete list, but the talented running personnel of the Seahawks extends beyond the top five we have provided. If these guys are the 1As, you will also enjoy the list of the alternates who were each tremendous players in their own right.

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The Best of the Rest Seattle Rushers

While the Seahawks have a storied history of producing elite running backs, a handful of players who, perhaps not as iconic as Shaun Alexander, Marshawn Lynch, Curt Warner, Chris Warren, and Ricky Waters, have made significant contributions to the team. Often overshadowed by their more celebrated predecessors, these players have showcased exceptional talent and played crucial roles in the Seahawks’ success.

John L. Williams, a standout running back for the Seattle Seahawks, made a significant impact during his tenure with the team. Known for his power and speed, Williams was a consistent threat on the ground. His ability to break tackles and find the end zone made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the Seahawks’ offense.

Williams had some decent running numbers for Seattle, over 4,500 yards rushing with 17 rushing TDs, but his biggest contribution may have been his blocking skills, which opened up holes for his backfield mates. This two-time Pro Bowler was also talented at catching passes from his fullback position and running the ball in short-yardage situations between the tackles.

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Chris Carson was a powerful and versatile running back for the Seattle Seahawks. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Carson quickly established himself as a reliable and productive player. Known for his physical running style and ability to break tackles, he consistently gained tough yards and was a valuable asset in the Seahawks’ offense.

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Kenneth Walker III has impressed in his first four seasons. With two 1,000-yard seasons and 31 total TDs, the immediate impact of his rushing skills has improved Seattle’s offensive firepower. Walker is now immortalized in Seattle after his MVP performance in Super Bowl LX.

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Conclusion

The Seattle Seahawks have a rich history of talented running backs contributing significantly to the team’s success. From the bruising style of Marshawn Lynch to the elusive agility of Shaun Alexander, these players have left an indelible mark on the franchise. While the debate over the greatest Seahawk running back may continue, it’s undeniable that these athletes have played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s identity and legacy. As the Seahawks continue to evolve, it will be exciting to see if future generations of running backs can join the ranks of these legendary players.

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 5:11 pm and is filed under NFL History, Top Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.