Alright, let’s dive into the Dallas Cowboys’ rich history at the running back position. This franchise has seen some absolute legends tote the rock, and the top five list we’re breaking down today is a testament to the talent that’s graced the backfield in Big D. These guys didn’t just rack up yards—they defined eras, carried the team on their shoulders, and gave fans plenty to cheer about. So, let’s get into it: the top five running backs in Cowboys history, no fluff, just the goods.
First up, Emmitt Smith. The man’s a no-brainer at number one, and honestly, it’s not even close. Smith was the engine of those dominant ‘90s Cowboys teams, a workhorse who could grind out tough yards and still break away for the big ones. He’s the NFL’s all-time leading rusher for a reason—22,162 yards don’t lie. Pair that with 164 touchdowns, three Super Bowl rings, and an MVP award, and you’ve got a guy who didn’t just play the game, he owned it. Watching Smith churn through defenses was like seeing a master craftsman at work—every step deliberate, every cut a thing of beauty.
Then there’s Tony Dorsett, sliding in at number two. If Smith was the sledgehammer, Dorsett was the lightning bolt. This dude had speed that left defenders grasping at air and a knack for turning a simple handoff into a highlight-reel sprint. His 12,739 rushing yards rank him second in franchise history, but it’s that iconic 99-yard touchdown run against the Vikings in ‘83 that still gets fans buzzing. Dorsett brought flair to the Cowboys’ ground game, and his Super Bowl XII performance—where he racked up 66 yards and a score—sealed his legacy as one of the greats.
Coming in at three, Ezekiel Elliott. Yeah, “Zeke” is still writing his story, but he’s already etched his name deep in Cowboys lore. From the moment he stepped on the field in 2016, you could see he was built different—power, vision, and a mean stiff-arm that made linebackers think twice. His 8,904 yards through his first stint with Dallas put him third on the team’s all-time list, and those two rushing titles (2016 and 2018) show he’s been a force. Zeke’s the kind of back who wears down defenses, and that signature “feed me” gesture? Pure Cowboys swagger.
Number four’s DeMarco Murray, and man, did he have a year for the ages in 2014. Murray was a one-man wrecking crew that season, piling up 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns while carrying the offense on his back. His bruising style and ability to break tackles made him a nightmare to bring down, and that Offensive Player of the Year nod was well-earned. Murray’s 4,718 yards with Dallas might not match the longevity of some others on this list, but when he was on, he was as good as anybody wearing the star.
Rounding out the top five is Calvin Hill. Before the flashier names came along, Hill was holding it down in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. He was the Cowboys’ first 1,000-yard rusher back in 1972, a big deal for a franchise still finding its footing. With 5,009 yards and 39 touchdowns in his Dallas tenure, Hill brought a mix of power and finesse that set the stage for the backs who followed. He might not get the hype of the modern stars, but talk to any old-school fan—they’ll tell you Hill was the real deal.
So, there you have it—Smith, Dorsett, Elliott, Murray, and Hill. Five backs who’ve each put their stamp on Cowboys history in their own way. From Smith’s relentless consistency to Dorsett’s electric bursts, Zeke’s modern-day dominance, Murray’s unforgettable peak, and Hill’s trailblazing start, this list is a rundown of what makes the Cowboys’ ground game special. These guys didn’t just run the ball—they carried the spirit of America’s Team every time they touched it.
