{"id":889,"date":"2025-04-05T11:14:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-05T15:14:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=889"},"modified":"2026-02-17T14:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T18:23:37","slug":"new-orleans-saints-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/04\/new-orleans-saints-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"New Orleans Saints Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 17, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New Orleans Saints have been an NFL franchise since 1967, and in that time the number of players who appeared on the Saints 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 Saints’ 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 helped shape New Orleans’ football identity and cemented their place among the greatest running backs in team history. <\/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 that warrant consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Running Backs in New Orleans Saints History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The brand of football often deployed by the New Orleans Saints teams over the years has often been offensively rooted in the strength of the team’s running game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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\n\t\tDalton Hilliard<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Dalton Andrea Hilliard\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

5-8<\/span>, 204lb<\/span> (173cm, 92kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tJanuary 21<\/a>, 1964\n \n \n in Patterson, LA<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 60-364d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tLSU<\/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> 48 (1881st overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Draft<\/strong>: New Orleans Saints<\/a> in the 2nd round (31st overall) of the 1986 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