Top 15 Greatest White Running Backs of the Super Bowl Era

Running backs are the players who run with the football and try to score touchdowns.

They need to be fast, strong, and brave. Every play, they face huge defenders trying to tackle them!

Most NFL running backs today are African American. But did you know that there have been some amazing white running backs in NFL history?

White running backs are rare in modern football. But in the Super Bowl era (starting in 1966), several white players became legends at this position.

Best White Running Backs of the Super Bowl Era

In this story, we’ll talk about the 15 best white running backs who played since the Super Bowl began — players who ran hard, made history, and never gave up.

For more fascinating NFL player stories and stats, check out The Top Players.

Let’s meet these incredible athletes!

Top 15 Greatest White Running Backs of the Super Bowl Era

1. John Riggins – Washington Redskins Legend

Teams: New York Jets (1971–75), Washington Redskins (1976–85)

Career Stats:

• 11,352 rushing yards
• 116 total touchdowns
• Super Bowl XVII MVP

John Riggins was a POWERHOUSE runner. He started with the Jets but became a legend with the Redskins.

His most famous moment came in Super Bowl XVII when he ran for a 43-yard touchdown to help beat the Miami Dolphins. That run is still one of the most replayed moments in NFL history!

Riggins was tough, strong, and never stopped fighting. Fans loved him for his long hair, mustache, and fearless running style.

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2. Larry Csonka – Miami Dolphins Powerhouse

Teams: Miami Dolphins (1968–74, 1979), New York Giants (1976–78)

Career Stats:

• 8,081 rushing yards
• 68 total touchdowns
• Super Bowl VIII MVP

Larry Csonka was the star of the Miami Dolphins’ famous perfect season in 1972. The Dolphins won every single game that year!

Csonka won two Super Bowls and was MVP of Super Bowl VIII. He rushed for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns in that game.

Known for his hard hits and fearless running, Csonka made defenders scared to tackle him. He’s a Hall of Famer and one of the toughest players ever!

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3. Rocky Bleier – The War Hero Runner

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (1968, 1971–1980)

Career Stats:

• 3,865 rushing yards
• 25 total touchdowns
• 4 Super Bowl rings

Rocky Bleier’s story is incredible. He served in the Vietnam War where he was injured by a grenade. Doctors said he might never walk normally again.

But Rocky didn’t give up! He returned to the NFL and helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls in the 1970s.

He played alongside Franco Harris in one of football’s greatest backfields. His story of courage and determination inspired millions of fans around the world.

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4. Mark Van Eeghen – The Raider Machine

Teams: Oakland Raiders (1974–81), New England Patriots (1982–83)

Career Stats:

• 6,651 rushing yards
• 41 total touchdowns
• Super Bowl XV champion

Mark Van Eeghen was a consistent, dependable runner for the Raiders. He rushed for over 1,000 yards three straight seasons (1976–78).

In 1977, he led the entire AFC in rushing with 1,273 yards!

He helped the Raiders win Super Bowl XV and was the team’s leading rusher until Marcus Allen came along. Not bad for a guy who played college ball at Colgate!

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5. Merrill Hoge – The Tough Pittsburgh Steeler

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1987–93), Chicago Bears (1994)

Career Stats:

• 3,139 rushing yards
• 34 total touchdowns

Long before Merrill Hoge became a famous ESPN analyst, he was a hard-running fullback for the Steelers.

In 1988, he led Pittsburgh in rushing yards, attempts, and touchdowns. A year later, he had amazing playoff performances, including a 120-yard game against Denver.

Sadly, concussions ended his career early. But Hoge remains a beloved figure in Steelers history and now teaches fans about football on TV.

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6. Tom Rathman – The 49ers’ Secret Weapon

Teams: San Francisco 49ers (1986–93), Los Angeles Raiders (1994)

Career Stats:

• 2,020 rushing yards
• 38 total touchdowns
• 2 Super Bowl rings

Tom Rathman played on one of the greatest teams ever — the 1980s 49ers with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.

He won two Super Bowls and was more than just a runner. He was an amazing blocker and receiver, too!

In Super Bowl XXIV, Rathman scored 2 rushing touchdowns as the 49ers crushed Denver 55-10. He was a true team player who did whatever it took to win.

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7. Ed Podolak – The Chiefs’ Playoff Hero

Team: Kansas City Chiefs (1969–77)

Career Stats:

• 4,451 rushing yards
• 40 total touchdowns

Ed Podolak had one of the greatest individual playoff performances EVER!

On Christmas Day 1971, against the Miami Dolphins, Podolak had:

• 85 rushing yards
• 110 receiving yards
• 154 kickoff return yards
• 2 touchdowns
• 350 total yards!

Even though the Chiefs lost in double overtime, Podolak’s performance became legendary. He was a complete player who could run, catch, and return kicks.

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8. Mike Alstott – The Bulldozer

Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996–2006)

Career Stats:

• 5,088 rushing yards
• 60 total touchdowns
• 6 Pro Bowls

Mike “A-Train” Alstott was a BEAST! At 6’1″ and 250 pounds, he ran over defenders like a truck.

He made six Pro Bowls and helped the Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl in 2003. Alstott nearly rushed for 1,000 yards in 1999 and led Tampa Bay in rushing touchdowns multiple seasons.

Fans loved watching him break tackles and refuse to go down. He was one of the most exciting fullbacks in NFL history!

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9. Peyton Hillis – The Madden Cover Star

Teams: Denver Broncos (2008–09), Cleveland Browns (2010–12)

Career Stats:

• 1,302 rushing yards (through 2010)
• 20 total touchdowns

Peyton Hillis became a surprise star in 2010 with the Cleveland Browns. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

His powerful running style and incredible one-handed touchdown catch against Atlanta made him famous nationwide.

Fans voted him onto the Madden NFL 12 video game cover — a huge honor! Unfortunately, injuries slowed his career, but his 2010 season was unforgettable.

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10. Tom Matte – The Colt Leader

Team: Baltimore Colts (1961–72)

Career Stats:

• 4,646 rushing yards
• 57 total touchdowns
• 2 Pro Bowls

Tom Matte took over for the great Alan Ameche and became a star himself. He made the Pro Bowl in 1968 and 1969.

In 1969, Matte led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and total yards from scrimmage. He was a complete player who could run and catch.

In Super Bowl III, even though the Colts lost to the Jets, Matte was the game’s leading rusher with 116 yards.

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11. Matt Suhey – Walter Payton’s Teammate

Team: Chicago Bears (1980–89)

Career Stats:

• 2,946 rushing yards
• 25 total touchdowns
• Super Bowl XX champion

Matt Suhey had the honor of blocking for the great Walter Payton for eight seasons. But he was more than just a blocker!

In the Bears’ Super Bowl XX victory, Suhey actually gained more yards (76) than Payton (61) and scored the first Bears touchdown on an 11-yard run.

Suhey once joked that “the best ground-gaining combination is Walter Payton and any other running back.” But his humility aside, Suhey was a great player in his own right!

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12. Craig James – The SMU Star

Team: New England Patriots (1984–88)

Career Stats:

• 2,469 rushing yards
• 13 total touchdowns

Craig James was part of the famous “Pony Express” backfield at SMU with Eric Dickerson. After two years in the USFL, he joined the NFL in 1984.

In 1986, James rushed for 1,227 yards and helped the Patriots reach their first Super Bowl. He had back-to-back 100-yard playoff games as New England won three road playoff games.

He retired at just 28 years old, but his impact was significant. Today, fans know him as a football broadcaster!

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13. John Cappelletti – The Heisman Winner

Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1974–78), San Diego Chargers (1980–83)

Career Stats:

• 2,951 rushing yards
• 28 total touchdowns
• 1973 Heisman Trophy winner

John Cappelletti is the only Penn State player ever to win the Heisman Trophy! He won it in 1973 as a dominant college fullback.

The Rams drafted him in the first round in 1974. While he didn’t become a superstar in the NFL, he was a valuable blocker and runner.

When Lawrence McCutcheon was injured in 1978, Cappelletti stepped up and did a great job filling in. He was a dependable team player.

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14. Daryl “Moose” Johnston – The Team Player

Team: Dallas Cowboys (1989–99)

Career Stats:

• 753 rushing yards
• 22 total touchdowns
• 3 Super Bowl rings

Daryl “Moose” Johnston won three Super Bowls and helped Emmitt Smith become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.

Johnston was more famous for blocking than running, but he was also a great receiver. He caught 294 passes for 2,227 yards and made the Pro Bowl twice (1993, 1994).

“Moose” was the ultimate teammate — always putting the team first. Cowboys fans will never forget him!

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15. Paul Hornung & Jim Taylor – The Classic Duo

Team: Green Bay Packers (1957–67)

Career Stats:

• Hornung: 3,711 rushing yards, 62 total TDs
• Taylor: 8,597 rushing yards, 93 total TDs

We can’t talk about great white running backs without mentioning this legendary Packers duo!

Both are Hall of Famers who helped Green Bay win four NFL championships in the 1960s under coach Vince Lombardi.

Jim Taylor was a powerful runner who punished defenders. Paul Hornung was versatile — he could run, catch, and kick field goals!

They barely played in the Super Bowl era (they retired in 1966-67), but their legacy lives forever.

Conclusion:

These 15 white running backs may have been rare, but they showed the world that heart, strength, and passion can make anyone great!

From John Riggins’ legendary Super Bowl run to Rocky Bleier’s inspiring comeback story, these players proved that football is about courage and determination.

Larry Csonka powered the Dolphins to perfection. Mike Alstott bulldozed through defenses. Peyton Hillis became a surprising star.

They ran through challenges, broke records, and made football history.

Their names will always be remembered in the NFL. They remind us that no matter your background, if you work hard and never give up, you can achieve greatness!

So the next time someone says there are no great white running backs, just tell them about these 15 legends who changed the game forever! 🏈