The top 10 Most All-Purpose Yards in NFL History

By Jason Bolton July 24, 2024 09:24

Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

All-purpose yards are an NFL category used to measure the total yardage produced by a player on offense, combined from both rushing and receiving statistics plus return yardages. It's an important metric as it encapsulates the player's all-around impact and versatility. Sometimes, the NFL's all-time leaders in yards are not just the top playmakers of our age but also one of them in particular through long years.

All-Time Top Ten All-Purpose Yard Leaders

1. Jerry Rice - 23,546 All-Purpose Yards

The all-time leader in total yards is Jerry Rice, who, beyond dispute, ranks as the best football handler ever. In 20 NFL seasons, Rice gained an amazing 23,546 all-purpose yards. Throughout his career, he tallied a record 1,549 passes for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. The one-of-a-kind blend of size, speed, and skill made him an indomitable force, with his all-purpose production helping fuel the 49ers' dynasty that spanned two decades in the '80s 90's.

2. Brian Mitchell - 23,330 All-Purpose Yards

Mitchell played in the NFL for fourteen years as a primary return specialist and trails only Jerry Rice in total all-purpose yards. For his career, Mitchell had 23,330 all-purpose yards, returning kickoffs 14,014 yards, and punts 4.999 yards. Mitchell was also a running back, amassing 5,585 yards rushing and catching 488 passes for an additional 4,735 yards. This significant roster flexibility and being a regular game-breaker led to his value in Washington, Philadelphia, and New York.

3. Walter Payton - 21,803 All-Purpose Yards

In a 13-season career with the Chicago Bears, Payton gained 21,803 combined net yards rushing, receiving, and passing receiving total minus yardage totals in some seasons, which currently ranks him fourth all-time. Although he is primarily considered a power runner who compiled 16,726 career rushing yards, Payton had reliable hands on the perimeter and hauled 492 receptions for 4,538 receiving yards.

4. Emmitt Smith - 21,564 All-Purpose Yards

Emmitt Smith is the NFL's career rushing leader, but his all-purpose production over 15 seasons was equally unmatched. He is fourth on the NFL's career all-purpose yardage list with 21,564 yards. Although his most impressive numbers, 18,355 yards, were gained on the ground and behind lead blockers, Smith showed he was also a reliable receiver out of the backfield with 515 catches for another 3,224.

5. Frank Gore - 19,992 Footage

Frank Gore's longevity and ability to consistently produce have made him one of the most successful all-purpose players in NFL history. In 16 seasons, Gore accumulated the fifth most all-purpose yards of any player in history with 19,992. While his 16,106 career rushing yards are what he's best known for, Gore made a substantial impact as a receiver with 484 catches for another 3,896 yards. His dual-threat skill made him incredibly valuable to the 49ers, Colts, and numerous other teams he played for in his terrific career.

6. Darren Sproles - 19,696 All-Purpose Yards

Darren Sproles recorded 19,696 all-purpose yards for his career - the sixth most ever in the league. A versatile weapon, he was a threat in the running game, receiving it out of the backfield while also being an effective return specialist. Sproles rushed for 3,552 yards and caught 725 passes for another 6,747 through the air while adding additional yardage in both kickoffs and punt returns. His versatility in making plays in so many ways made him an attractive weapon for the Chargers, Saints, and Eagles, as all-purpose production was a significant reason those teams won.

7. Tim Brown - 19,682 All-Purpose Yards

Tim Brown was a do-everything offensive star at both receiver and on returns over his 17-year career with the Raiders. His 19,682 all-purpose yards rank seventh on the NFL's career list. Brown experienced a 50/50 production split, with him catching for 14,934 yards compared to his return yardage 4,748 on kickoffs and punts. A nine-time Pro Bowler and member of the Hall of Fame, Brown was a major reason why the Raiders thrived in the 90s with his all-purpose skills.

8. Marshall Faulk - 19,190 All-Purpose Yards

Marshall Faulk is a living example of one such dynamic and versatile offensive threat, with his all-purpose production proving how transcendent he was. In his 13-year NFL career, Faulk accumulated over 19,190 all-purpose yards and scored 136 touchdowns. A bruising runner with 12,279 career rushing yards, Faulk also caught 767 passes for another 6.875 yards out of the backfield. His versatility made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and his all-around excellence was crucial to the Rams' high-flying "Greatest Show on Turf" offensive machine during the early 2000s.

9. Steve Smith Sr. - 19,180 All-Purpose Yards

Smith Sr.'s name won't jump out next to some of the other players on this list, but his all-purpose production was as good as it gets. In 16 seasons, he racked up an amazing 19,180 all-purpose yards, the ninth-highest in NFL history. An all-time great receiver with 1,031 catches for 14,731 yards and another team record 79 touchdowns, Smith also starred as a return specialist with 4,449 career kickoff punt return yards. His tough, speedy playmaking was an any-play-from-scrap dart threat, and his all-purpose acumen aided in the Panthers' contending during his time.

10. LaDainian Tomlinson - 18,456 All-Purpose Yards

LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. In 11 seasons, Tomlinson generated the tenth most all-purpose yards in NFL history with 18,456. The Hall of Famer rushed for 13,684 yards and 145 touchdowns while hauling in a whopping 624 catches that gained an additional 4,772. His versatility as a dual-threat wrecking ball would haunt opposing defenses, and his all-purpose discipline factored significantly in the Chargers winning ways of the 2000s.