Sports The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time  

Ranker NFL
1k votes 324 voters 9.6k 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.

1
169 17
Barry Sanders is listed (or ranked) 1 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Barry Sanders Seasons: 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989

2
94 19
Billy Sims is listed (or ranked) 2 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Billy Sims Seasons: 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980

3
44 18
Mel Farr is listed (or ranked) 3 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Mel Farr Seasons: 1973, 1972, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967

4
29 11
Dexter Bussey is listed (or ranked) 4 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Dexter Bussey Seasons: 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1976, 1975, 1974

5
58 39
Reggie Bush is listed (or ranked) 5 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Reggie Bush Seasons: 2014, 2013

6
30 16
James Stewart is listed (or ranked) 6 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
James Stewart Seasons:  2003, 2002, 2001, 2000

7
50 35
Theo Riddick is listed (or ranked) 7 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Theo Riddick Seasons: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013

8
27 15
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
17 14
Steve Owens is listed (or ranked) 9 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Steve Owens Seasons: 1974, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1970

10
14 13
Garry James is listed (or ranked) 10 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Garry James Seasons: 1988, 1987, 1986

11
12 11
Altie Taylor is listed (or ranked) 11 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Altie Taylor Seasons: 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1970, 1969

12
31 34
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Ameer Abdullah Seasons: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

13
19 20
Kevin Smith is listed (or ranked) 13 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Kevin Smith Seasons: 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

14
8 9
Rick Kane is listed (or ranked) 14 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Rick Kane Seasons: 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977

15
12 14
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
20 24
Jahvid Best is listed (or ranked) 16 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Jahvid Best Seasons: 2012, 2011, 2010

17
6 10
Greg Hill is listed (or ranked) 17 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Greg Hill Seasons: 1999

18
5 10
Wilbert Montgomery is listed (or ranked) 18 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Wilbert Montgomery Seasons: 1985

19
17 26
Mikel Leshoure is listed (or ranked) 19 on the list The Best Detroit Lions Running Backs of All Time
Mikel Leshoure Seasons: 2013, 2012, 2011