{"id":682,"date":"2024-09-20T15:16:35","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T19:16:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=682"},"modified":"2026-01-23T16:28:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T20:28:18","slug":"arizona-cardinals-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2024\/09\/arizona-cardinals-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Cardinals Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on January 23, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Arizona Cardinals, a franchise that has existed longer than any of its NFL counterparts, have a rich history that dates back to 1898 in Chicago<\/a>. This extended history has produced its fair share of remarkable ball carriers and backfield stalwarts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we delve into the careers of the best running back legends, we will examine the impact of the top five rushers in the Chicago\/St. Louis\/Phoenix\/Arizona Cardinals’ history. With their exceptional athleticism, these players have captivated audiences and become beloved figures among fans, inspiring respect and admiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post will examine each standout player\u2019s accomplishments, impact, and legacy. Their contributions helped shape the Cardinals’ identity and cemented their place among the greatest running backs in team history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following regular-season criteria will be examined to select the quintet of the franchise\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Here is the list of the top five backs with the most impact for the Cardinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\n\t\tOttis Anderson<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Ottis Jerome Anderson\n  (O.J.<\/span>)\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

6-2<\/span>, 220lb<\/span> (188cm, 99kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tJanuary 19<\/a>, 1957\n \n \n in West Palm Beach, FL<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 67-232d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tMiami (FL)<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t (College Stats<\/a>)\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Weighted Career AV (100-95-…)<\/a>:<\/strong> 80 (424th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tForest Hill<\/a> (FL<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: St. Louis Cardinals<\/a> in the 1st round (8th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n

Twitter:<\/strong>\n @OJAnderson24<\/a>\n \n\n<\/p>\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n