Top 10 running backs in Dolphins history
Today we continue the ongoing series of the top Dolphins players by position by analyzing the running back position.
Many things go into the equation when determining the top 10 running backs in Dolphins history. While most fans would judge the position based solely on rushing stats, that only accounts for one facet of playing the position.
When putting together these rankings, I took into account a player’s ability as a runner, receiver and returner. Also considered was the player’s impact on the team’s success.
Players just missing the list: Mark Higgs and Delvin Williams
10. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
When beginning research on the top rushers in Dolphins history, Abdul-Jabbar’s name doesn’t immediately come to mind. However, in a little over 3 years as a Dolphin, he is 7th on the franchise rushing list (3063 yards), 4th in rushing touchdowns and 12th in career receptions by a running back (77).
Where his stock takes a hit is his career 3.4 yards per attempt which ties him for worst among the top 25 Dolphins rushers.
9. Don Nottingham
The “Human Bowling Ball” is often the forgotten man in the legendary Dolphins backfield of the 1970’s. Despite limited carries, Nottingham ranks 7th in rushing touchdowns and often paved the way for touchdowns by his more famous teammates.
With that said, his 1,524 rushing yards rank him 19th in franchise history, which limits how high he can rise on the list.
8. Reggie Bush
Although his Dolphins career only lasted two years, Bush had a major impact on the team during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. His 2072 rushing yards ranks him 14th on the franchise rushing list but his 4.7 yards per carry is 3rd all-time behind only Mercury Morris (5.1) and Tony Nathan (4.8) among backs with a minimum of 150 career carries. When you add in his 78 receptions, it’s impossible to leave Bush out of the top 10 runners in Dolphins history.
7. Lamar Miller
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Miller comes in at #7 on the list due to his 2,930 rushing yards (8th all time) and 19 rushing touchdowns (11th). When you add his 117 receptions and the fact that he started for four years in Miami, he slightly beats out Bush in the rankings.
6. Ronnie Brown
In six seasons, Brown’s 4,815 rushing yards (3rd in team history)
and 184 receptions (21st all time) made him a dual threat running back. The fact that he is ranked sixth shows just how deep the running back position is in Dolphins history.