{"id":1121,"date":"2025-04-17T17:34:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T21:34:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=1121"},"modified":"2026-02-22T16:12:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T20:12:19","slug":"kansas-city-chiefs-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/04\/kansas-city-chiefs-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Kansas City Chiefs Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 22, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kansas City Chiefs’ history is a rich tapestry that stretches back to 1960 when they played in the American Football Conference and were originally the Dallas Texans<\/a>. The franchise has had multiple stadiums it has called home, but one constant has been its fanbase, the “Chiefs Nation,” and an enduring running game with a stable of backs that have given defensive coordinators nightmares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us to examine the best running backs’ accomplishments, impact, and legacy in Kansas City 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project will select and identify the quintet of the franchise’s greatest running backs; the following regular-season criteria will be examined: 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Best Running Backs in Chiefs History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The selection pool gathers talent from the last 65+ years, stretching back to the club’s early seasons in the 1960s. No matter what the decade, the franchise has always seemed willing to run the ball and the knack of finding the talent to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\t\n\n
\n\t

\n\t\tChristian Okoye<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Christian Emeka Okoye\n  (Nigerian Nightmare<\/span>)\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPosition<\/strong>: RB\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n

6-1<\/span>, 253lb<\/span> (185cm, 114kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tAugust 16<\/a>, 1961\n \n \n in Enugu, Nigeria<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 63-190d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tAzusa Pacific<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Weighted Career AV (100-95-…)<\/a>:<\/strong> 34 (3322nd overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tUwani Secondary School<\/a> (Nigeria<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> in the 2nd round (35th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n