{"id":763,"date":"2025-03-28T14:56:54","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T18:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=763"},"modified":"2026-02-09T15:50:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T19:50:00","slug":"dallas-cowboys-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/03\/dallas-cowboys-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Cowboys Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 9, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dallas Cowboys have a rich history dating back to the early 1960s and have seen countless talented players don their uniforms<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Top Five Cowboys Rushers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\tCalvin Hill<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Calvin G. Hill\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

6-4<\/span>, 227lb<\/span> (193cm, 102kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tJanuary 2<\/a>, 1947\n \n \n in Baltimore, MD<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 77-297d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tYale<\/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> 71 (638th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tRiverdale Country Day School<\/a> (NY<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Dallas Cowboys<\/a> in the 1st round (24th overall) of the 1969 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n

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