- Curtis Martin (1998-2005)
When you think of modern-day Jets running backs, one name stands above the rest: Curtis Martin. Acquired from the rival New England Patriots, Martin became the centerpiece of the Jets offense for nearly a decade. His consistency was legendary, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first ten seasons, a feat only accomplished by Barry Sanders.
Martin was a true workhorse, known for his vision, durability, and ability to grind out tough yards. He led the NFL in rushing in 2004 with 1,697 yards and finished his career with 14,101 rushing yards, which currently ranks sixth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Key Stats:
- 10,302 rushing yards with the Jets
- 58 rushing touchdowns with the Jets
- 5-time Pro Bowler
- NFL Rushing Leader (2004)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2012)
Curtis Martin, the greatest running back in Jets history, is shown here in his signature #28 jersey, showcasing the power and vision that made him a Hall of Famer.
- Freeman McNeil (1981-1992)
Before Curtis Martin, there was Freeman McNeil. A first-round pick in 1981, McNeil was the focal point of the Jets’ offense throughout the 1980s. He was a versatile back, equally adept at running between the tackles and catching passes out of the backfield.
McNeil was a key part of the “Sack Exchange” era Jets teams that made several playoff appearances. He led the NFL in rushing in the strike-shortened 1982 season and was a three-time Pro Bowler. His 8,074 rushing yards still rank second in franchise history, and he remains one of the most beloved players in Jets lore.
Key Stats:
- 8,074 rushing yards
- 38 rushing touchdowns
- 3-time Pro Bowler
- NFL Rushing Leader (1982)
Freeman McNeil, a dynamic force for the Jets in the 1980s, is captured here in a classic action shot from Giants Stadium, showing the determination that defined his career.
3. Breece Hall (2022-Present)
It’s time. After four seasons, Breece Hall has solidified his place among the greatest running backs in Jets history. Since returning from his ACL injury, Hall has not only regained his explosive form but has established himself as one of the most complete and dangerous backs in the entire NFL.
His combination of elite vision, breakaway speed, and soft hands as a receiver makes him the focal point of every game plan. Despite playing on offenses that often struggled, Hall has consistently produced, carrying the load and providing the “home run” threat that defines modern stardom. His performance over four years, especially factoring in his resilience, earns him this spot. He is no longer just the future; he is the present great.
Key Stats (Through 4 Seasons):
- 4,115 Rushing Yards
- 2,310 Receiving Yards
- 38 Total Touchdowns
- 2x Pro Bowler
- Averages 4.9 Yards per Carry
- Emerson Boozer (1966-1975)
If you’re looking for the heart and soul of the early Jets rushing attack, look no further than Emerson Boozer. A key member of the Super Bowl III championship team, Boozer was the perfect complement to Matt Snell (who just missed this list).
While Snell was the primary ball carrier in Super Bowl III, Boozer was the leading rusher for the Jets in the years leading up to the big game. He was a bruising fullback who excelled in short-yardage situations and was a reliable blocker for Joe Namath. Boozer finished his career with 5,135 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns, a testament to his toughness and longevity.
Key Stats:
- 5,135 rushing yards
- 52 rushing touchdowns
- Super Bowl III Champion
- 2-time AFL All-Star
Emerson Boozer, a true legend of the AFL era, is shown here in a vintage black and white photo, running with power at Shea Stadium.
- Thomas Jones (2007-2009)
Thomas Jones may have only spent three seasons with the Jets, but his impact was undeniable. Acquired in a trade from the Chicago Bears, Jones immediately became the bell-cow back for a Jets team that was building a identity around a strong running game and defense under head coach Rex Ryan.
Jones rushed for over 1,100 yards in each of his three seasons in New York, including a career-high 1,402 yards in 2009. He was a master at finding holes and picking up positive yardage, and his veteran leadership was invaluable to a young Jets team that made consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances.
Key Stats:
- 3,833 rushing yards with the Jets
- 28 rushing touchdowns with the Jets
- Pro Bowler (2008)
- Led Jets to AFC Championship Game (2009)
Thomas Jones, a key component of the Jets’ “Ground and Pound” offense, is seen here in a powerful action shot at MetLife Stadium, fighting for extra yards.
Absolutely! There have been so many talented running backs in Jets history that narrowing it down to a top five is tough. Here are five honorable mentions who also made significant contributions to the franchise:
### Honorable Mentions
* **Matt Snell (1964-1972):** While Emerson Boozer made our top five, you can’t talk about the Super Bowl III team without mentioning Matt Snell. He was the workhorse in that historic game, rushing for 121 yards and the Jets’ only touchdown on 30 carries. Snell was a tough, reliable runner throughout his nine seasons in New York and finished his career with 4,285 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. He was a three-time AFL All-Star and a key part of the team’s early success.
* ** John Riggins (1971-1975)** Before he became a Hall of Famer and a Super Bowl hero with the Washington Redskins, John Riggins began his career as a powerful fullback for the New York Jets. Drafted in the first round in 1971, Riggins quickly established himself as one of the toughest runners in the league.
Riggins spent five seasons in New York, rushing for 3,828 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was a classic “three yards and a cloud of dust” runner, but he also had surprising speed for his size. While his greatest success came later in his career, his time with the Jets showed glimpses of the legendary power that would eventually land him in Canton.
* **Adrian Murrell (1993-1997):** Before Curtis Martin arrived, Adrian Murrell was the main man in the Jets’ backfield. He was a versatile back who could run with power and catch passes out of the backfield. Murrell had three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons for the Jets (1995-1997) and finished his time in New York with 4,223 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. He was a bright spot on some struggling Jets teams in the mid-90s.
* **Bilal Powell (2011-2019):** A fan favorite for his hard-nosed running style and longevity, Bilal Powell was a reliable presence in the Jets’ backfield for nearly a decade. While he was often part of a running back committee, Powell always made the most of his opportunities. He finished his career with 3,675 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, along with 211 receptions for 1,600 yards and 5 touchdowns. His versatility and team-first attitude made him a valuable asset.
* **Leon Washington (2006-2009):** While perhaps best known for his electrifying kick return abilities, Leon Washington was also a dangerous weapon as a running back. He was a true “slash” player, capable of breaking off a long run or catching a pass for a big gain. Washington averaged 5.1 yards per carry during his time with the Jets and scored 14 rushing touchdowns. His explosive playmaking ability added a dynamic element to the Jets’ offense.
* **Shonn Greene (2009-2012):** Drafted to be the physical counterpart to Thomas Jones, Shonn Greene became the lead back for the Jets after Jones departed. He was a bruising runner who excelled in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Greene had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2011 and 2012 and finished his Jets career with 3,711 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. He was a key part of the “Ground and Pound” offense that helped the Jets reach consecutive AFC Championship games.