A Comprehensive Analysis: Top 10 CFL Running Backs of All Time

By Jason Bolton July 15, 2024 15:24

The running back spot has seen some all-time greats in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Today, we will delve into the top ten CFL running backs of all time and take a closer look at their accomplishments in order to judge how they fared on impact, and influence.

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1. Lovell Coleman

Career Highlights: Rushed for 6,234 yards and captured the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award in 1964. A three-time CFL Western Division All-Star and an All-Canadian All-Star. Holds the Stamps record for most rushing yards in one game.

Lovell Coleman's illustrious career with the Calgary Stampeders solidified his place in CFL history. His exceptional performance in the 1964 season, leading the league with 1629 yards, stands as a testament to his remarkable talent. His consistency and impact on the game make him a worthy contender for the top spot on this list.

2. Willie Burden

Career Highlights: Set a new CFL single-season rushing record, rushing 332 times for 1896 yards. Held the record for 'most rushing yards in the first 5 games of a season' until 2013. Retired with 6,234 rushing yards, fifth-best in Stampeders history.

Willie Burden's electrifying presence on the field during his eight seasons with the Calgary Stampeders left an indelible mark in CFL history. His record-breaking performances, including setting a new single-season rushing record, and his lasting impact on the Stampeders' legacy place him among the all-time greats.

3. Kelvin Anderson

Career Highlights: Eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Earned the nickname “Earthquake”. Ran for a career-high 1,383 yards in 2001. Caught 48 passes for 433 yards and nine touchdowns.

Kelvin Anderson's remarkable consistency and explosive playing style made him a force to be reckoned with during his time with the Calgary Stampeders. His impressive stats and ability to dominate the game for eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons firmly establish his legacy as one of the top running backs in CFL history.

4. Joffrey Reynolds

Career Highlights: Became the Calgary Stampeders' all-time rushing leader with 9,213 yards. Led the CFL in rushing with 1310 yards in 2008. Scored 10 rushing touchdowns during the 2008 season.

Joffrey Reynolds' outstanding contributions to the Calgary Stampeders, culminating in becoming the all-time rushing leader, showcase his impact and significance in CFL history. His remarkable achievements and leadership on the field solidify his position as one of the top running backs of all time.

5. Willie Fleming

Career Highlights: Retired as a CFL All-Star in 1963. Three-time CFL Western Division All-Star. Named the most popular BC Lions Player three times. Holds the record for the longest touchdown run of 109 yards.

Willie Fleming's exceptional abilities and popularity during his time with the BC Lions make him a standout figure in CFL history. His accolades and record-setting performances highlight his enduring legacy as a top-tier running back in the league.

6. Ron Stewart

Career Highlights: Rushed for 5,690 yards on 983 attempts and tallied 42 touchdowns. Set the CFL record for rushing yards in one game with 287 against the Montreal Alouettes. Voted the winner of the Lionel Conacher Award as Canada’s top male athlete of the year.

Ron Stewart's impressive career and significant accomplishments, including setting the CFL rushing record in a single game, firmly establish his place among the top running backs in CFL history. His impact on the game and remarkable achievements warrant his inclusion in this esteemed list.

7. Norman Kwong

Career Highlights: Rushed for 9,022 yards with an average of 5.2 yards per carry. Won the Grey Cup four times during his career. Named the Schenley Most Outstanding Canadian in 1955 and 1956.

Norman Kwong's exceptional career and numerous accolades, including multiple Grey Cup victories, highlight his enduring impact and significance in CFL history. His remarkable achievements and contributions to the game solidify his place as one of the top running backs of all time.

8. Earl Lunsford

Career Highlights: Rushed 1199 times for 6,994 yards with a 5.8-yard average. Holds the Stampeders' all-time rushing record with 55 touchdowns and 28 100-yard games.

Earl Lunsford's remarkable career and numerous records, including being the all-time rushing leader for the Stampeders, firmly establish his place among the top running backs in CFL history. His lasting impact on the game and exceptional achievements make him a standout figure in the league's history.

9. Charles Roberts

Career Highlights: Established himself as one of the premier running backs in the CFL. Led the league in rushing yards in 2006. Became the Winnipeg Blue Bombers all-time leading rusher.

Charles Roberts' exceptional playing style and impact on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers firmly establish his place among the top running backs in CFL history. His remarkable achievements and record-breaking performances make him a standout figure in the league's history.

10. Pinball Clemons

Career Highlights: Known as more of a return man and receiver. Received the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award in 1990. Set a single-season record for all-purpose yards with 3,300.

Pinball Clemons' exceptional versatility and remarkable achievements in the CFL, including setting a single-season record for all-purpose yards, highlight his enduring impact and significance in the league's history. His exceptional contributions to the game solidify his place as one of the top running backs of all time.

In the End

In conclusion, the CFL has been graced by an array of exceptional running backs whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the league's history. These top 10 running backs have not only achieved remarkable individual success but have also significantly impacted the game, leaving a lasting legacy that will be celebrated for generations to come.