Now that the Vikings have released Dalvin Cook, it’s natural to wonder where he lands on the franchise’s all-time list of top running backs. Here’s a look at my top five Vikings running backs in franchise history based on their impact and achievements with the team:
1. Adrian Peterson: This is a no-brainer. Adrian Peterson, affectionately nicknamed “AD,” is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Spending the majority of his career with the Vikings, Peterson carved his name into the record books. Renowned for his incredible speed, power, and agility, he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2007 and the coveted NFL MVP award in 2012. Peterson owns virtually every career rushing record for the Vikings, boasting nearly 5,000 more rushing yards than the number two back in history – Robert Smith.
His incredible 861 yards rushing in December of 2012 (across just five games) stand as the most by any running back in a single month in NFL history.
2. Chuck Foreman: Chuck Foreman patrolled the Vikings’ backfield from 1973 to 1979, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1973 while being a key component of their success. He wasn’t just a ground-gainer; Foreman was a versatile weapon equally effective as a rusher and a receiver. This duality earned him five Pro Bowl selections and a crucial role in the Vikings’ Super Bowl appearances of the 1970s.
In 1975, his 73 receptions led the entire league, with an impressive 9 of those receptions resulting in touchdowns.
3. Dalvin Cook: Dalvin Cook’s impact during his six seasons with the Vikings has been undeniable. Drafted in the 2nd round (41st overall) of the 2017 draft, Cook showcased dynamic running ability and versatility, all while displaying a strong work ethic and a team-first mentality. He racked up four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and was a critical component of the Vikings’ offensive success, which ranked 4th, 12th, and 7th in yards over the past three seasons, respectively. Cook’s career rushing yards per game average of 82.1 sits second in Viking’s history, only behind the legendary Adrian Peterson’s 95.5.
Over the last three seasons, only the unstoppable Derrick Henry has rushed for more yards in the NFL.
4. Robert Smith: Robert Smith, a Vikings running back from 1993 to 2000, was known for his blazing speed and elusive running style. While injuries plagued the early part of his career, Smith was a force to be reckoned with when healthy. He ripped off four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and even held the franchise’s all-time rushing record before Adrian Peterson surpassed it.
Despite nearly 1600 career touches (both rushing and receiving attempts), Smith fumbled only nine times. This incredible ball security is further emphasized compared to teammate Chuck Foreman, who fumbled 52 times in 1,906 career touches.
5. Bill Brown: Bill Brown, nicknamed “Boom-Boom” for his aggressive and often punishing running style, patrolled the Vikings’ backfield from 1962 to 1974. Brown was a four-time Pro Bowler and had several productive seasons with the Vikings, ranking high on the franchise’s all-time rushing and touchdown lists. He became the Vikings’ all-time leading rusher at the time of his retirement, accumulating a then-franchise record of 5,757 rushing yards. Brown was also the first Viking to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, accomplishing the feat in 1971.
Brown’s athleticism wasn’t limited to football in college. He was the Big Ten shot put champion while setting a University of Illinois record in the event.
Who do you think are the top five Vikings running backs of all-time, and in what order?