{"id":917,"date":"2025-04-04T10:46:37","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=917"},"modified":"2026-02-16T14:21:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:21:52","slug":"new-england-patriots-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/04\/new-england-patriots-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"New England Patriots Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 16, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New England Patriots’ history is storied, beginning in 1960 when they became a member of the American Football League<\/a>. Throughout their journey, the franchise has called several stadiums home, yet one thing has remained constant: a passionate fanbase and a dominant running game. Over the years, a lineup of powerful backs has terrorized opposing defenses, impacting the team’s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This exploration will delve into the accomplishments, influence, and legacies of the Patriots’ greatest running backs. These players have been instrumental in shaping the franchise’s identity, cementing their status among the franchise’s elite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This analysis will focus on the five greatest running backs in Patriots’ history, evaluating their regular-season achievements\u2014rushing yards, total touchdowns, receptions, and accolades. Additionally, we’ll consider playoff performances, career stats outside New England, and other noteworthy circumstances that contribute to their place in franchise history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Top Five Patriots Backs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The New England Patriots have had a rich history of standout players, and one of the most exciting positions to explore is the running back spot. Over the years, several dynamic ball carriers have left an indelible mark on the franchise, showcasing impressive talent, resilience, and contributions to the team’s success. From powerful runners to elusive playmakers, the Patriots’ running back position has seen its fair share of greatness. In this post, we’ll highlight the top five running backs in the franchise’s history, celebrating their achievements and lasting impact on the Patriots’ legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\tCorey Dillon<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Corey James Dillon\n  (Clock Killin’ Corey Dillon<\/span>)\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

6-1<\/span>, 225lb<\/span> (185cm, 102kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tOctober 24<\/a>, 1974\n \n \n in Seattle, WA<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 50-107d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tWashington<\/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> 74 (566th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tFranklin<\/a> (WA<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> in the 2nd round (43rd overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\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