We are back in the NFC South for our all-time divisional rankings, and this time we’ll be ranking the division’s all-time leading rushers by yardage. While the NFC South was once known for its elite quarterback play and high-powered passing attacks, the division has also been home to some of the most underrated running backs in NFL history. Many of these players brought a tremendous amount of versatility out of the backfield, making an impact both as runners and receivers.
Interestingly enough, a current New Orleans Saints player sits just 68 rushing yards shy of claiming the No. 1 spot on this list and is the only active player within the division among the top ten rushers in NFC South history.
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A quarterback also finds his name among the division’s rushing leaders. Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic players to ever play the position, he changed the way the game viewed quarterback mobility and helped pave the way for the modern dual-threat stars we see today.
So many talented individuals dominated the ground game for years, etching their names into NFC South history. Whether it was through power, speed, vision, or versatility, each of these players left a lasting mark on their franchise and the division as a whole.
Here’s our ranking of the all-time leading rushers in NFC South history.
Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) with the ball as New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) and defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) and safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) defend in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs past New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley (90) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) on the field in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 15: Running back Deuce Mc Allister #26 of the New Orleans Saints is confronted by cornerback Corey Chavous #21 of the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL game at the Louisiana Superdome on December 15, 2002 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Vikings defeated the Saints 32-31. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Nov 29, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) carries against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 24: Mark Ingram #22 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
December 10, 2007; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle (71) Kendrick Clancy reaches to try to tackle Atlanta Falcons running back (28) Warrick Dunn in the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 34 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs for a touchdown as New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis (28) and strong safety Roman Harper (41) defend in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) carries the ball as Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) tries to make a tackle in the second quarter during an NFL Week 6 game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Cincinnati Bengals At New Orleans Saints Oct 16 030
Jan 7, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is tackled by New Orleans Saints free safety Vonn Bell (48) and free safety Marcus Williams (43) during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
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METAIRIE, LOUISIANA – JUNE 17: Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints takes part in drills during mandatory mini camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center on June 17, 2026 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
(Tyler Kaufman, Getty Images)
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Ranking the NFC South’s all-time leaders in rushing yards
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