{"id":760,"date":"2025-03-13T15:24:18","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T19:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=760"},"modified":"2026-02-06T14:14:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T18:14:38","slug":"chicago-bears-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/03\/chicago-bears-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Bears Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 6, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the gridiron greats of the past to the modern-day stars, the Chicago Bears have been home to some of the most iconic running backs in NFL history<\/a>. Let’s dive into the careers of the top five running backs who have left their mark on Windy City fans and the franchise’s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we trek on this captivating journey through time, we will delve into the careers of the top five running backs in the Chicago Bears’ 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post will delve into each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy. Their significant contributions helped shape the Bears’ identity and cemented their place among the greatest running backs in team history, a legacy that every Bears fan can be proud of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will examine the regular-season criteria 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. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that the rankings are well-informed and reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Top Five Running Backs in Chicago Bears History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is over a century of data and players to choose from in Bears lore for our list. From the early days as the Decatur Staleys to the modern Monsters of the Midway, the Bears backs have been some of the NFL’s elite. Here are five that we deem the “cream of the crop” in Chicago pro football history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Photo\n<\/div>
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\n\t\tMatt Forte<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Matthew Garrett Forte\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

6-1<\/span>, 221lb<\/span> (185cm, 100kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tDecember 10<\/a>, 1985\n \n \n in Lake Charles, LA<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 38-315d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tTulane<\/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> 84 (354th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tSlidell<\/a> (LA<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Chicago Bears<\/a> in the 2nd round (44th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n

Pronunciation<\/strong>: \\four-tay<\/a>\\<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n

Twitter:<\/strong>\n @MattForte22<\/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