Adrian Peterson leads with 69% of votes
Latest odds: Adrian Peterson - 53%, Jim Brown - 47%
Adrian Peterson = Modern era endurance runner
Jim Brown = Classic efficiency powerhouse
See full NFL Running Backs rankings →VS
Your GOAT List
While Adrian Peterson dazzled the modern NFL with his explosive runs and unmatched resilience, Jim Brown dominated an earlier era with sheer power and indomitable will, setting the gold standard for running backs. This battle pits the iconic longevity of Peterson against the concentrated brilliance of Brown, stirring passions across generations of football fans. It's a showdown of relentless pursuit versus raw, groundbreaking talent, where followers of every age argue passionately for their champion. Which style reigns supreme? Cast your vote and decide who truly owns the title of the greatest NFL running back!
| Criteria | Edge | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Yards per Carry | Jim Brown | Jim Brown's relentless efficiency with a legendary 5.2 yards per carry overshadows Peterson. |
| Total Rushing Yards | Adrian Peterson | Peterson, with his 14,918 rushing yards, outstrips Brown in career mileage. |
| Touchdowns Scored | Adrian Peterson | Peterson's end zone visits, tallying up to 120 touchdowns, eclipse Brown's. |
| Ball Security | Adrian Peterson | Peterson's improved handling in later seasons earns him less frequent fumbles compared to Brown. |
Latest battle odds:
Adrian Peterson: 53%
Jim Brown: 47%
Overall battle results:
Overall fans prefer Adrian Peterson over Jim Brown when it comes to the greatest NFL Running Backs of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Adrian Peterson 69.2% of the time over Jim Brown.
Across all battles:
Adrian Peterson win rate: 38.5%
Jim Brown win rate: 62.4%
The #1 contender in the Greatest NFL Running Backs of All Time league is Barry Sanders. You can check him out on the GOAT List.
Jim Brown's impact on the game was profound, during a time when the NFL was still defining itself. Fans love him not just for his on-field dominance but also his off-field leadership and character—qualities that have cemented his legacy in sports history.
Adrian Peterson's recent career achievements might be fresher in fans' memories, giving him a boost. The energy and relentless style he played with resonate well, especially among younger fans who watched him dominate the field live.