{"id":840,"date":"2025-02-27T11:22:43","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T15:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=840"},"modified":"2026-02-05T13:54:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:54:22","slug":"new-york-jets-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/02\/new-york-jets-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Jets Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 5, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New York Jets have been an NFL franchise since 1970, plus about a decade in the AFL, and in that time, the number of players who appeared on the Jets roster was substantial<\/a>. The corps of running backs lined up for the team has consisted of bruisers, bangers, and speed demons who have all wreaked havoc on opposing defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we embark on a journey through the careers of the best running back legends, we will explore the impact of the top five rushers in the NY Jets’ history. With their exceptional athleticism, these players have captivated audiences and left us in awe, becoming beloved figures among fans and inspiring respect and admiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post will delve into each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy, reminding us of the significant contributions that not only helped shape the Jets’ identity but also cemented their place among the greatest running backs in team history, a legacy all Jets’ fans can be proud of and feel connected to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will examine the following regular-season criteria to select the quintet of the franchise’s greatest running backs. This process involves a comprehensive review of rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards 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 New York Jets History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The brand of football often deployed by the New York Jets teams over the years has often been offensively rooted in the strength of the team’s running game. The talent that the organization has fielded throughout its history has been a top league runner one after the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following list of the franchise’s top five was determined through some tough choices, so fans and experts can use it as a great starting point for some great discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\n\t\tJohnny Hector<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Johnny Lyndell Hector\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

5-11<\/span>, 204lb<\/span> (180cm, 92kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tNovember 26<\/a>, 1960\n \n \n in Lafayette, LA<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 64-019d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tTexas A&M<\/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> 39 (2694th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Draft<\/strong>: New York Jets<\/a> in the 2nd round (51st overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\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\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

\n
\nSUMMARY<\/strong><\/span>\n\n

Career<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\n
\nG<\/strong><\/span>\n

126<\/p><\/div>\n\n

\nAV<\/strong><\/span>\n

46<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>

\n
\nRush<\/strong><\/span>\n

1051<\/p><\/div>\n\n

\nYds<\/strong><\/span>\n

4280<\/p><\/div>\n\n

\nY\/A<\/strong><\/span>\n

4.1<\/p><\/div>\n\n

\nTD<\/strong><\/span>\n

41<\/p><\/div>\n\n

\nFantPt<\/strong><\/span>\n

841.1<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Johnny Hector was a reliable and productive running back for the New York Jets throughout the 1980s. Drafted in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M<\/a>, he quickly became a key contributor to the team’s offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hector’s strength was consistently gaining yards, both between the tackles and on the outside. He was also a threat as a receiver, adding another dimension to the Jets’ offensive attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During his 10-year career with the Jets, Hector rushed for over 4,000 yards and had 41 running scores. He was a vital part of the team’s success during that era, and his contributions helped solidify his status as a fan favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\n\t\tFreeman McNeil<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Freeman McNeil\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

5-11<\/span>, 216lb<\/span> (180cm, 97kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tApril 22<\/a>, 1959\n \n \n in Jackson, MS<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 65-237d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tUCLA<\/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> 75 (536th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Draft<\/strong>: New York Jets<\/a> in the 1st round (3rd overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\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