Who is the best running back in Cowboys history? Here are the top 12, ranked by their rating in 17-0 — the free game where you draft an all-time roster and simulate whether it can go a perfect 17-0 season. Emmitt Smith (1990s) tops the list at 95.
The ranking
Best Cowboys running backs ever · rating out of 100
- 1Emmitt Smith
Cowboys · 1990s95 - 2Tony Dorsett
Cowboys · 1970s88 - 3Ezekiel Elliott
Cowboys · 2010s84 - 4Herschel Walker
Cowboys · 1980s83 - 5DeMarco Murray
Cowboys · 2010s82 - 6Calvin Hill
Cowboys · 1970s80 - 7Marion Barber
Cowboys · 2000s78 - 8Duane Thomas
Cowboys · 1970s78 - 9Daryl Johnston
Cowboys · 1990s76 - 10Tony Pollard
Cowboys · 2020s76 - 11Walt Garrison
Cowboys · 1970s76 - 12Julius Jones
Cowboys · 2000s74
Draft your all-time team
Nine picks, offense to defense. Can your roster go a perfect 17-0?
🏈 Play 17-0 freeMore Cowboys all-time
Every position, plus the full Cowboys roster
Best Cowboys QuarterbacksBest Cowboys Wide ReceiversBest Cowboys Tight EndsBest Cowboys LinebackersBest Cowboys Defensive BacksCowboys All-Time Roster
Best running backs by team
The same ranking for other franchises
49ers Running BacksBears Running BacksBengals Running BacksBills Running BacksBroncos Running BacksBrowns Running BacksBuccaneers Running BacksCardinals Running BacksChargers Running BacksChiefs Running BacksColts Running BacksCommanders Running BacksDolphins Running BacksEagles Running BacksFalcons Running BacksGiants Running BacksJaguars Running BacksJets Running BacksLions Running BacksOilers Running BacksPackers Running BacksPanthers Running BacksPatriots Running BacksRaiders Running BacksRams Running BacksRavens Running BacksSaints Running BacksSeahawks Running BacksSteelers Running BacksTexans Running BacksTitans Running BacksVikings Running Backs
Best by position
League-wide all-time rankings