When most people think of the New England Patriots, especially their two decades of dominance, they don’t really think about running backs. They think about the receivers, the tight ends, the defensive stars, and, of course, the quarterback and the head coach.
However, the Patriots have rostered some great running backs throughout their history.
But who are the best Patriots running backs of all time? We ranked the top five, along with five honorable mentions.
5 Best Patriots Running Backs of All Time
Honorable mentions: Corey Dillon, LeGarrette Blount, Tony Collins, Rhamondre Stevenson, Larry Garron
5) Curtis Martin
Rushing yards: 3,799
Receiving yards: 890
Total TDs: 37
Curtis Martin is the best running back in New York Jets history. But his first three seasons were in New England, and he still is considered one of the best Patriots running backs of all time.
Martin ranks fourth on the franchise’s all-time rushing list and is tied for third with 32 rushing touchdowns. Oh, what could’ve been if he’d spent his entire career with the Patriots.
4) Jim Nance
Rushing yards: 5,323
Receiving yards: 844
Total TDs: 46
Martin’s lack of longevity forced him to the bottom of our list. Similarly, Jim Nance’s lack of winning prevented him from ranking in the top three.
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Nevertheless, Nance has an argument for being the best running back in Patriots history. He ranks second on the franchise’s all-time rushing list and first in rushing TDs (45). Nance played for the Patriots from 1965 through 1971, earning two Pro Bowl nods and two first-team All-Pro selections.
3) Sam Cunningham
Rushing yards: 5,453
Receiving yards: 1,905
Total TDs: 49
Sam “Bam” Cunningham is the Patriots’ all-time rushing leader and ranks first in total TDs. And his numbers would have been even better had he not sat out the 1980 season due to a contract dispute.
However, there are some warts on Cunningham’s résumé. His 40 fumbles are the most among Patriots running backs, and he averaged just 3.9 yards per carry.
2) James White
Rushing yards: 1, 278
Receiving yards: 3,278
Total TDs: 36
You could make a case for James White ranking first on this list, but No. 2 feels right for the three-time champion.
More of a receiving back than a prolific rusher, White had five seasons with 49 or more catches, including one with 87 catches and one with 72. He was one of Tom Brady’s most trusted security blankets and one of the more consistent offensive players during the Patriots dynasty.
Of course, White is best remembered for his game-winning run that capped the Patriots’ comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
James White is the author of the only walk off touchdown in Super Bowl history. An overtime winner.
He played for eight seasons and NEVER lost a fumble.
The definition of reliability. pic.twitter.com/PFWufdhIUU
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 11, 2022
1) Kevin Faulk
Rushing yards: 3,607
Receiving yards: 3,701
Total TDs: 31
Kevin Faulk doesn’t top many lists for the best Patriots running backs of all time, but he should.
He played in New England from 1999 through 2011 and won three Super Bowls. He ranks fifth on the Patriots’ all-time rushing list and first in receiving yards for running backs.
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Elite hird-down running backs were a staple of the Patriots dynasty, and Faulk started the trend.
If you asked Bill Belichick to pick one Patriots running back for a big game, he’d probably go with Faulk. And so would we.