Sports The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time  

Ranker NFL
1.2k votes 408 voters 13k views 19 items

Big fan of Detroit football? Then check out this list of Detroit Lions running backs with photos and seasons as starters. It includes every starting running back from throughout Detroit Lions history, including current running backs and past ones. Featuring 2018-2019 Detroit Lions and some of the greatest NFL running backs of all time, the best Lions RBs include Barry Sanders, Billy Sims, Kevin Jones, and James Stewart. 

Who are the best running backs in Detroit Lions history? Here is every player who has ever held the position of Detroit Lions starting running back.

list ordered by

1
226 25
Barry Sanders is listed (or ranked) 1 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989

2
112 27
Billy Sims is listed (or ranked) 2 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980

3
55 21
Mel Farr is listed (or ranked) 3 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1973, 1972, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967

4
36 14
Dexter Bussey is listed (or ranked) 4 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1976, 1975, 1974

5
70 46
Reggie Bush is listed (or ranked) 5 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 2014, 2013

6
61 42
Theo Riddick is listed (or ranked) 6 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013

7
37 21
James Stewart is listed (or ranked) 7 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons:  2003, 2002, 2001, 2000

8
29 20
Kevin Jones is listed (or ranked) 8 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Kevin Jones

Seasons: 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

9
21 15
Steve Owens is listed (or ranked) 9 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1974, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1970

10
28 26
Jahvid Best is listed (or ranked) 10 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 2012, 2011, 2010

11
23 22
Kevin Smith is listed (or ranked) 11 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

12
14 12
Altie Taylor is listed (or ranked) 12 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1970, 1969

13
11 9
Rick Kane is listed (or ranked) 13 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977

14
15 14
Garry James is listed (or ranked) 14 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Garry James

Seasons: 1988, 1987, 1986

15
13 17
Shawn Bryson is listed (or ranked) 15 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Shawn Bryson

Seasons: 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003

16
33 42
Ranker Video

Seasons: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

17
20 29
Mikel Leshoure is listed (or ranked) 17 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 2013, 2012, 2011

18
6 13
Greg Hill is listed (or ranked) 18 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1999

19
6 13
Wilbert Montgomery is listed (or ranked) 19 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time

Seasons: 1985