The Oldest Running Back to Post 1,000 Yards in a Season

Emerging from the golden age of running backs, Emmitt Smith holds the record as the oldest running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single NFL season. Although this record was set in 2004 during his time with the Arizona Cardinals, the journey to this mark is a testament to the durability and resilience of football legends.

John "The Diesel" Riggins: An Unyielding Halifax

John "The Diesel" Riggins, often credited as the embodiment of tenacity in the running game, also set a remarkable record. In the 1984 season, he achieved 1,239 rushing yards at the ripe old age of 35. This astonishing feat came on the heels of a 1983 season where he compiled 1,347 rushing yards and a league-leading 24 touchdowns. His performances not only marked a new peak in his career but also set a benchmark for future running backs striving to break records at later ages.

A Legion of Pioneers: Other Running Backs After 33

Since Riggins and Smith, only four other legendary players have managed to exceed the 1,000-yard mark after reaching 33 years of age. Here's a closer look at these pioneering athletes:

John Henry Johnson: In 1964, he compiled 1,069 rushing yards, demonstrating that longevity in the running game is not just a modern phenomenon. Franco Harris: Two decades later, in 1983, Franco Harris posted 1,265 rushing yards, adding another chapter to the history of enduring greatness in the NFL. Frank Gore: Leaping forward to 2016, Frank Gore managed 1,282 rushing yards at the age of 34, underlining that age is not a barrier to excellence. Adrian Peterson: The most recent example, Peterson reached 1,206 rushing yards in 2018, becoming the second-oldest player to break the 1,000-yard mark in NFL history.

A Legacy of Fortitude: John Riggins

John Riggins, often referred to as the "Diesel" due to his relentless play, is a name synonymous with perseverance and willpower. His record-breaking 1,239 rushing yards at 35 in 1984 came at a time when many would have retired or significantly scaled back their commitments to the sport. His performance at this age stands as a testament to the mindset required to defy the odds and prove that greatness knows no age.

Riggins' legacy extends beyond these numbers. His career is marked by countless instances of outstanding performance, each highlighting his determination to compete at the highest level regardless of age.

John Riggins NFL Football Statistics: View Here

John Henry Johnson NFL Football Statistics: View Here