Throughout the history of the NFL, certain running back duos have stood out for their exceptional performance, teamwork, and ability to dominate games. These tandems have not only contributed to their teams’ success but have also left a lasting legacy in the league. Here are some of the best running back tandems in NFL history:
The Best Running Back Tandems in NFL History
1. Jim Brown and Bobby Mitchell – Cleveland Browns
Jim Brown is often considered the greatest running back in NFL history. Paired with Bobby Mitchell from 1958 to 1961, this duo was unstoppable. Brown’s power and speed complemented Mitchell’s versatility and receiving skills. Together, they led the Browns to multiple winning seasons and were a nightmare for defenses.
2. Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris – Miami Dolphins
In the early 1970s, the dominant Miami Dolphins boasted one of the most formidable backfields with Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris. This duo was instrumental in the Dolphins’ perfect season in 1972. Csonka’s bruising running style and Morris’s speed provided a balanced attack that was difficult to defend against. They both rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1972, making them the first duo to achieve this feat in a single season.
3. Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier – Pittsburgh Steelers
During the Steelers dynasty years in the 1970s, Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier formed a powerful backfield tandem. Harris, a Hall of Famer, was known for his ability to perform in clutch situations, while Bleier’s grit and determination made him a perfect complement. Together, they helped the Steelers win four Super Bowl titles, with both players rushing for over 1,000 yards in 1976. Yes, their defense was ridiculously strong and deserve all the glory they got, but the Harris-Bleier combination deserve some love, too.
4. Roger Craig and Tom Rathman – San Francisco 49ers
In the 1980s, the San Francisco 49ers’ offense was not only about Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. Roger Craig and Tom Rathman were a dynamic backfield duo that played a crucial role in the team’s success. Craig was the first player to record 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season (1985), while Rathman was a reliable fullback who excelled in blocking and short-yardage situations. They were certainly overshadowed by the other ‘Niners tandem.
5. Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson – Los Angeles Raiders
Although their time together was brief, Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson formed one of the most exciting running back duos in NFL history. Allen was a versatile back who could run, catch, and block, while Jackson’s rare combination of speed and power made him a highlight reel waiting to happen. From 1987 to 1990, they provided the Raiders with a potent rushing attack, though Bo Jackson’s career was cut short by injury. Jackson and Allen on the same team? Just, wow.
6. Thurman Thomas and Kenneth Davis – Buffalo Bills
During the Buffalo Bills’ dominant run in the early 1990s, Thurman Thomas and Kenneth Davis were key components of their high-powered offense. Thomas was a versatile back who could excel in both the running and passing games, while Davis provided a reliable change of pace. Their complementary skills helped the Bills reach four consecutive Super Bowls.
7. Emmitt Smith and Daryl Johnston – Dallas Cowboys
Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, was paired with fullback Daryl Johnston during the Cowboys’ dynasty in the 1990s. Johnston’s blocking and short-yardage prowess allowed Smith to thrive and become one of the most productive running backs in NFL history. Together, they helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowl titles.
8. Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott were a dynamic duo for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dunn’s speed and elusiveness paired perfectly with Alstott’s power and ability to bulldoze through defenders. This combination helped the Buccaneers establish a strong running game and achieve playoff success.
9. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers
DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were a formidable duo for the Carolina Panthers in the late 2000s and early 2010s, although we wouldn’t be surprised if some questioned this one. Regardless, in 2009, both backs rushed for over 1,100 yards, becoming the first pair of teammates to achieve this milestone in the same season. Their combined efforts provided the Panthers with a balanced and explosive rushing attack. They definitely don’t have the same star power as many on this list, but their success in the Panthers’ backfield was unquestionable.
10. Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram – New Orleans Saints
In recent years, Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram formed one of the most productive running back duos in the NFL. Kamara’s versatility and receiving skills, combined with Ingram’s power running, made them a perfect pairing. Together, they helped the Saints achieve multiple playoff appearances and set numerous team records.
These running back tandems have not only set records but have also provided memorable moments and contributed significantly to their teams’ successes. Their ability to work together and complement each other’s skills has made them some of the best duos in NFL history.
