New York Jets Top 5 Running Backs of All Time

(last updated on February 5, 2026)

The New York Jets have been an NFL franchise since 1970, plus about a decade in the AFL, and in that time, the number of players who appeared on the Jets roster was substantial. The corps of running backs lined up for the team has consisted of bruisers, bangers, and speed demons who have all wreaked havoc on opposing defenses.

As we embark on a journey through the careers of the best running back legends, we will explore the impact of the top five rushers in the NY Jets’ history. With their exceptional athleticism, these players have captivated audiences and left us in awe, becoming beloved figures among fans and inspiring respect and admiration.

This post will delve into each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy, reminding us of the significant contributions that not only helped shape the Jets’ identity but also cemented their place among the greatest running backs in team history, a legacy all Jets’ fans can be proud of and feel connected to.

We will examine the following regular-season criteria to select the quintet of the franchise’s greatest running backs. This process involves a comprehensive review of rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards 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 New York Jets History

The brand of football often deployed by the New York Jets teams over the years has often been offensively rooted in the strength of the team’s running game. The talent that the organization has fielded throughout its history has been a top league runner one after the other.

The following list of the franchise’s top five was determined through some tough choices, so fans and experts can use it as a great starting point for some great discussions.

Johnny Hector was a reliable and productive running back for the New York Jets throughout the 1980s. Drafted in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, he quickly became a key contributor to the team’s offense.

Hector’s strength was consistently gaining yards, both between the tackles and on the outside. He was also a threat as a receiver, adding another dimension to the Jets’ offensive attack.

During his 10-year career with the Jets, Hector rushed for over 4,000 yards and had 41 running scores. He was a vital part of the team’s success during that era, and his contributions helped solidify his status as a fan favorite.

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Freeman McNeil was a cornerstone of the New York Jets’ offense during the 1980s. He was drafted third overall in 1981 and quickly established himself as a dominant force, leading the NFL in rushing yards in the strike-shortened 1982 season (786 yards). Known for his power and elusiveness, McNeil formed a formidable duo with Johnny Hector, dubbed the “Two-Headed Monster.” His consistent production and durability made him a fan favorite and a key figure in Jets history. He scampered for a career-high 1,331 yards in 1985. McNeil retired as the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, but our next candidate broke that record.

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One of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Curtis Martin carved out quite a career segment with the New York Jets from 1998 to 2006. Acquired from the divisional rival Patriots, Martin quickly became the focal point of the Jets’ offense with his relentless consistency and durability. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first seven seasons with the Jets, culminating in a league-leading 1,697 rushing yards in 2004 at age 31, making him the oldest player to win the rushing title. Martin was known for his vision, work ethic, and ability to excel in rushing and pass protection. He retired as the fourth all-time leading rusher in NFL history with 14,101 yards. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, Martin remains a beloved Jets icon.

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Matt Snell was pivotal in the New York Jets’ history, playing as a fullback from 1964 to 1972. Selected in the first round of the 1964 AFL Draft, Snell quickly became the cornerstone of the Jets’ offense with his powerful running and blocking ability.

He is best remembered for his historic performance in Super Bowl III, where he rushed for 121 yards and scored the Jets’ only touchdown in their stunning 16-7 victory over the Baltimore Colts. Snell’s efforts helped validate the AFL’s competitiveness against the NFL. Over his career, he earned AFL All-Star honors and was a three-time Pro Bowler, cementing his legacy as one of the Jets’ all-time greats.

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Emerson Boozer was a key player for the Jets, spending his entire career with the team from 1966 to 1975. Known for his versatility and toughness, Boozer excelled as a rusher and blocker.

He remained a consistent contributor despite injuries, rushing for 5,135 yards and scoring 64 scrimmage touchdowns over his career. Boozer played a crucial role in the Jets’ legendary Super Bowl III victory, providing key blocking for Matt Snell and protecting quarterback Joe Namath. A two-time AFL All-Star, Boozer’s leadership and resilience made him one of the most respected players in franchise history. His Jets’ Ring of Honor induction in 2010 is a testament to Boozer’s importance to the franchise.

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Other Significant Jets Backfield Contributors

While the top five running backs of all time have undoubtedly left their mark on the NFL and the team, there are countless other talented players who have made significant contributions to the game from the Jets’ backfield. These other Jets rushing stars have consistently displayed exceptional skills, durability, and a passion for the sport, as we look only at what they did with a Jets logo on the side of their helmet.

Here is a perfect example of a Hall of Fame runner who was good as a Jet but made his hay with the Washington franchise.

John Riggins began his Hall of Fame career with the New York Jets, playing from 1971 to 1975 after being drafted as the sixth overall pick. A powerful and bruising running back, Riggins quickly became a force, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 1975, becoming the first Jet to achieve that milestone. Known for his rugged running style and versatility, he also contributed as a reliable receiver out of the backfield. In his five seasons with the Jets, Riggins totaled 3,880 rushing yards and 25 TD runs. Though he found greater fame with Washington, Riggins’ time with the Jets laid the foundation for his legendary NFL career.

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Bilal Powell was a versatile running back for the New York Jets. Known for his patience and vision, he excelled at finding holes in the defense. Powell was also a reliable receiver, adding another dimension to the Jets’ offense. During his time with the team, he consistently made essential contributions on the ground and through the air with 5,275 scrimmage yards.

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Thomas Jones was a robust and durable running back for the New York Jets. Known for his bruising running style, he consistently gained tough yards between the tackles. Jones was a reliable workhorse, capable of carrying a heavy workload with three straight 1,000-yard years from 2007 to 2009. During his time with the Jets, he was a Pro Bowler and key contributor to the team’s offensive success but also had some of his best seasons while on the rosters of other franchises.

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We can’t leave this guy off of the mentions. Mathis was a versatile two-way player who played for the New York Jets from 1960 to 1969. A two-time AFL All-Star, Mathis contributed to the Jets’ Super Bowl III victory, solidifying his place in franchise history.

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Shonn Greene was a physical running back for the New York Jets. Known for his power and ability to break tackles, he was a reliable ball carrier. Greene contributed to the Jets’ rushing attack, especially during the 2011 and 2012 seasons (both years over 1,000 yards on the ground).

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Brad Baxter was a dependable fullback for the New York Jets from 1989 to 1995. Known for his rugged running style, he led the team in rushing touchdowns for five consecutive seasons (1990-1994). Baxter finished his Jets career with 2,928 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns, becoming a key offensive contributor.

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Conclusion

That is a pretty impressive list of backs … don’t you agree? It shows that the New York Jets have been defined by legendary running backs whose talent, toughness, and dedication left a lasting impact. From power runners to versatile playmakers, these athletes shaped the franchise’s identity and cemented their place in Jets’ history.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at 11:22 am and is filed under NFL History. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.