By The Numbers – Part One
June 10, 2026
By Noonefromtampa
If the NFL has an offseason anymore, it’s the point at which a team holds its minicamp at the end of organized team activities and the start of training camp. This covers about six to seven weeks when there is not much news to report, except when players who are free to do their own thing end up getting arrested. Nobody likes that kind of sports news.
This year I’m going to take a look back at different statistical categories so fans can remember some of the players from the past. The column’s focus will be on running backs and related records. Just click on the twisty and test your team knowledge!
Most Rushing Yards in a Season by a Rookie
Alfred Morris in the magical 2012 season with 1,613 yards. Morris broke the record set by Reggie Brooks in 1993 with 1,063 yards. Morris ranks third overall behind Eric Dickerson (Rams, 1983) with 1,808 yards and George Rogers (Saints, 1981) with 1,674 yards for the all-time rookie record.
Most Rushing Yards in a Season
Alfred Morris holds this record, with 1613 in 2012, having broken Clinton Portis‘ record of 1,516 set in 2005.
Most Career Rushing Yards
John Riggins with 7,472 Yards over 9 seasons.
Most Rushing Touchdowns in a Season by a Rookie
Alfred Morris broke the record set by Skip Hicks in the 1993 season when Hicks scored 8 touchdowns. Morris scored 13 touchdowns in the 2012 season.
Most Rushing Touchdowns in a Season
John Riggins set the mark of 24 touchdowns in the 1983 season, in which the Redskins lost the Super Bowl to the Raiders.
Most Career Rushing Touchdowns
John Riggins with 79 touchdowns. Riggins spent his first five seasons with the New York Jets, famously sat out the 1980 season in a contract dispute but came back to play for Joe Gibbs.
Highest Rushing Average per Game Over a Season by a Rookie
Did anyone guess Alfred Morris with 100.8 yards per game in the 2012 season?
Highest Rushing Average per Game Over a Season
Larry Brown set the record in the 1972 Super Bowl season with 101.3 yards per game. Brown was drafted by HOF coach Vince Lombardi and found success with head coach George Allen.
Most Receptions in a Season by a Running Back
Larry Centers with 81 receptions in the 2000 season. Centers was one of many free agents signed when Dan Snyder decided to try to buy a Super Bowl team.
Most Career Receptions by a Running Back
Larry Brown, with 238 catches, besting Brian Mitchell by 6 receptions.
Most Receiving Yards in a Season by a Running Back
Charley Taylor, in his last full season at halfback in 1964, set the record with 814 yards. He broke the record set by Steve Bagarus of 617 yards set in 1945. Larry Centers is third with 600 yards from the 2000 season.
Most Career Receiving Yards by a Running Back
Larry Brown with 2,485 yards. Brian Mitchell is second with 2,087 yards.
Most Receiving Touchdowns in a Season by a Running Back
Larry Brown and Joe Washington are tied with 6 touchdowns.
Most Career Receiving Touchdowns by a Running Back
Larry Brown with 20 touchdowns, Kelvin Bryant is second with 14 touchdowns.
How well did you do? Leave a comment below.
Source: pro-football-reference.com