{"id":789,"date":"2025-03-31T10:38:51","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T14:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=789"},"modified":"2026-02-15T15:05:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T19:05:48","slug":"buffalo-bills-top-5-running-back-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/03\/buffalo-bills-top-5-running-back-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Buffalo Bills Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 15, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Buffalo Bills have a rich history of talented running backs who have dazzled fans and contributed significantly to the team’s success<\/a>. These players have left an enduring legacy on the franchise, from bruising power runners to elusive speedsters. As we journey through time, let’s explore the top five running backs to don the Bills’ uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Criteria for Selection<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To determine this elite group, we’ll consider a variety of factors …<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Regular Season-Statistics: rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions, and awards earned with the Bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Postseason Performances: statistical contributions and impact in the playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Overall Impact: influence on the team’s success and fan base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By analyzing these criteria, we can objectively rank the greatest running backs in Bills’ history from the franchise’s history in both the AFL and NFL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

A Legacy of Running Back Greatness: The Buffalo Bills’ Top 5<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the history of the Buffalo Bills, the team has been home to some of the most electrifying and dynamic running backs ever to grace the NFL. From bruising power runners to elusive speedsters, these players have carried the load, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and its passionate fanbase. Their contributions, both on and off the field, have helped shape the team’s identity, delivering unforgettable moments and inspiring future generations. We had to make some tough choices. Now, we look back at five of the greatest running backs in Bills history, celebrating their achievements and lasting legacies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\tO.J. Simpson<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Orenthal James Simpson\n  (The Juice<\/span>)\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

6-2<\/span>, 212lb<\/span> (188cm, 96kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tJuly 9<\/a>, 1947\n \n \n in San Francisco, CA<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span\"><\/p>\n\n\n

Died:<\/strong>\n April 10<\/a>, 2024 (Aged 76-276d)<\/nobr><\/span>\n \n in Las Vegas, NV<\/a><\/span>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tCity College of San Francisco<\/a>, \n\t\n\t\tUSC<\/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> 98 (171st overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tGalileo<\/a> (CA<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Buffalo Bills<\/a> in the 1st round (1st overall) of the 1969 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Hall of Fame<\/strong>: Inducted as \n\t\tPlayer in 1985<\/a>\n(Full List<\/a>)<\/p>\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