Dallas Cowboys Top 5 Running Backs of All Time

(last updated on February 9, 2026)

The Dallas Cowboys have a rich history dating back to the early 1960s and have seen countless talented players don their uniforms. Among these athletes, the running backs have often been the driving force behind the team’s success. Their ability to pound the ball between the tackles, break off explosive runs, and contribute to the passing game has left few to doubt the potency and commitment of the Boys to run the rock.

Embarking on a captivating journey through time, we will delve into the careers of the top five running backs in Dallas Cowboys’ history. These players have not only showcased their exceptional athleticism but have also become beloved figures among fans. From the franchise’s early days to the modern era, these running backs have captivated audiences with their performances on the field.

This post will examine each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy. Their contributions helped shape the “Big D” identity and cemented 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 best ball toters: 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 that warrant consideration.

Top Five Cowboys Rushers

A couple of names will be no surprise in the top five, but maybe some of the others will bring back a memory or two. Dallas has traditionally liked to run the football behind a dominant offensive line; it is part of the Cowboy DNA.

Calvin Hill was the man in Dallas’s running back room from 1969 through 1974. Wearing the star on his helmet, Hill ran past defenders for over 5,000 yards, scoring 39 rushing touchdowns. The 1969 Offensive Rookie of the Year was an intelligent player (hailing from Yale), and when Calvin applied his brainpower with his athleticism, he was hard to stop.

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Tony Dorsett’s impact on the Dallas Cowboys offense was electrifying. A dynamic and elusive runner, he consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the field. His speed, agility, and vision allowed him to consistently gain yards, break tackles, and score touchdowns. “TD Tony” won a Heisman Trophy and a national championship in his final season at Pitt and then carried the success to the NFL when the Cowboys drafted him as the second overall pick in the 1977 NFL Draft.

Dorsett’s presence opened the field for other players, making the Cowboys’ offense more versatile and unpredictable. His ability to thrive in both the running and passing game made him a nightmare for opposing defenses; he is second in team history with 12,036 rushing yards while adding over 3,400 receiving yards. Dorsett’s contributions to the Cowboys’ success were undeniable, solidifying his place among the franchise’s all-time greats.

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What can you say about the NFL’s all-time leading rusher? Emmitt Smith became an integral part of the 1990s Cowboy Dynasty. His solid frame and low center of gravity made him a bowling ball to tackle, and once he accelerated into the open field, he was a tough guy to bring down.

Smith rushed for 17,162 yards with Dallas, adding more later with the Cardinals. Emmitt was also a scoring machine, accounting for 153 Cowboy career rushing TDs and 11 more catching passes. He always credited his talented lineman and fellow Dallas playmakers Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman.

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Ezekiel Elliott picked up in the NFL where he left off in college at Ohio State. Zeke rushed for almost 8,500 yards as a Cowboy in his two tours of duty in Big D. Elliott led the NFL in rushing twice … as a rookie in 2016 (1,631 yards) and again in 2018 (1,434 yards).

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The Dallas Cowboys were a new franchise in 1960 and did not exist in time to participate in the 1959 NFL Draft. They took a flier before gaining their charter, had to pay the Colts handsomely to keep him, and Don did not disappoint his new employer. Perkins, a First-Team All-Pro in 1962, would become a six-time Pro Bowler and would hardly miss a game in his eight seasons in Dallas, accumulating 6,217 rushing yards and 45 total TDs.

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The Other Outstanding Backs in Dallas History

While the Dallas Cowboys have been synonymous with a stellar rushing attack, the team’s success is not defined alone by their iconic top-five running backs. Many other talented players have contributed significantly to the Cowboys’ rushing legacy. Though not as widely celebrated, these lesser-known backs (or at least lesser impact) have played crucial roles in the team’s victories and helped shape the franchise’s identity. These running backs have played vital roles in the team’s success, providing a potent ground game and contributing to memorable moments throughout the franchise’s history.

Marion Barber ran like a man on fire most of the time. His aggressive approach to hitting a hole often produced positive yardage. Over 4,300 ground yards and 47 rushing scores were the results of his valiant efforts.

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Robert Newhouse may have served in a blocking capacity for Mr. Dorsett for part of his career, but he was a skilled runner, as proven by his 4,784 career Dallas rushing yards and 36 total TDs scored.

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Herschel Walker brought the Dallas Cowboys a unique blend of speed, power, and versatility. His ability to break tackles, outrun defenders, and catch passes made him a dynamic offensive weapon. In 1988, Herschel had 2,019 scrimmage yards (1,514 on the ground and 505 in the air), garnering a top-five MVP finish. His production in Big D provided for one of the most significant trades in NFL history when the Vikings gave up many players and draft picks to acquire Walker, and the transaction helped build the Cowboy Dynasty.

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DeMarco Murray’s impact on the Dallas Cowboys was undeniable. His explosive running style and ability to break tackles made him a force to be reckoned with. Murray’s 2014 season was particularly dominant, as he led the NFL in rushing yards and earned Offensive Player of the Year honors; those 1,845 rushing yards are still a single-season Dallas record. His contributions helped revitalize the Cowboys’ rushing attack and excited the franchise.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys’ history has had a handful of exceptional running backs who have each left their mark on the franchise’s ground game success. From the groundbreaking play of Emmitt Smith, whose versatility and workhorse mentality set a high standard, to the dynamic and game-changing performances of “TD” Tony Dorsett, these players have not only contributed significantly to the team’s success but have also become iconic figures in Boys’ lore.

Whether through record-setting seasons, memorable plays, or leadership on and off the field, each running back has embodied the spirit and determination that define the Dallas Cowboys. As the team continues to evolve and seek new stars, the legacy of these great backs will undoubtedly inspire future generations to chase greatness with the same enthusiasm and dedication.

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This entry was posted on Friday, March 28th, 2025 at 2:56 pm 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.