Greatest NFL Running Backs of All Time
Earl Campbell or Walter Payton

Pick Your Favorite

EARL CAMPBELL

VS

WALTER PAYTON
0%

Your GOAT List

Why This Battle Matters

What if NFL greatness was not a trophy but a battlefield? Here, the clash isn’t just between Walter Payton and Earl Campbell, but between style and brute force. Payton, with his fluid moves and resilient spirit, danced through defenses, while Campbell, the unstoppable force, bulldozed his way through adversaries with raw power. This matchup isn’t just about who’s better; it’s a cultural rumble over whose approach defines the essence of a running back. Which legacy woos your heart more—the elegance of the ‘Sweetness’ or the sheer willpower of the ‘Tyler Rose’?

🔥 Fan Takes

idk guys, Payton has the stats but Earl’s style was just brutal, really split on this
Earl Campbell had those runs where you’re like, 'what just happened???' - dude was a TANK.
bro how can u even compare, Walter Payton's like the Michael Jordan of running backs, hands down 🐐

How Fans Are Voting

In this battle:

Fans currently prefer Walter Payton over Earl Campbell when it comes to the greatest NFL Running Backs of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Walter Payton 55.6% of the time over Earl Campbell.

Across all battles:

Walter Payton win rate: 70.7%

Earl Campbell win rate: 43.8%

Fan FAQs

Why do fans have such a strong admiration for Earl Campbell?

Earl Campbell's bruising running style made him a legend. Fans respect the power and fearlessness he brought to the game, often bowling over defenders with ease. His impact on games was undeniable, and the emotional connection he built with fans through his heroic efforts on the field is a big reason he remains so popular in these polls.

What makes Walter Payton stand out amongst the greatest NFL running backs?

Fans love 'Sweetness' for his versatility on the field and his work ethic off it. Walter Payton wasn't just about rushing; he could catch, block, and even throw if needed. His record-setting career and the way he carried himself with grace and dignity resonate deeply with fans, keeping his legacy vibrant in debates like these.

Why is the matchup between Walter Payton and Earl Campbell so close on GoatWars?

It's a testament to how much fans adore both Payton and Campbell. Walter Payton, with his unbelievable resilience and style, and Earl Campbell, with his sheer power and toughness, each represent different philosophies of the game. This razor-thin margin just shows how fans are split based on what they value more in a running back's legacy.