4 greatest running backs in Steelers history

[ASFN Admin]

The NFL has seen some incredible running backs come and go, and many of them have played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have long been synonymous with a fearsome rushing attack, and these four all-time great running backs were responsible for Pittsburgh's offensive identity.

Here's a look at the greatest running backs in Steelers history, kicking things off with a playmaker so fast it became his nickname.

4. Willie Parker​

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Stats: 1,253 rushing attempts, 5,378 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns (Note: Parker also recorded 697 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns)

"Fast" Willie Parker kicks off our Steelers Wire greatest running backs ranking. A two-time Pro Bowler with game-changing speed, evident by his Super Bowl-record 75-yard rushing touchdown, Parker is undoubtedly among the all-time great running backs in Steelers history.

3. Le'Veon Bell​

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Stats: 1,595 rushing attempts, 6,554 rushing yards, 42 rushing touchdowns (Note: A dual-threat running back, Bell also recorded 3,289 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns)

The one that got away, Bell may have left Pittsburgh on bad terms, but he ultimately changed the way NFL running backs perform thanks to his patient, almost hesitant-like rushing attack. A two-time First-Team All-Pro, one-time Second-Team All-Pro, and three-time Pro Bowler, Bell could've pushed the next two legends for their spots if he had stayed in Pittsburgh. But considering how everything panned out, the No. 3 spot is still an outstanding accomplishment.

2. Jerome Bettis​

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Stats: 3,479 rushing attempts, 13,662 rushing yards, 91 rushing touchdowns (Note: Bettis also recorded 1,449 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns)

With a nickname like "The Bus," Jerome Bettis struck fear in the hearts of opposing defenders. His massive, 5-foot-11, 250-plus-pound frame meshed well with his excellent contact balance and light feet to make tackling him a nightmare. Bettis was named the 1993 Offensive Rookie of the Year, earned six Pro Bowl honors, two First-Team All-Pro selections, one Second-Team All-Pro selection, and won a Super Bowl XL championship — more than deserving of the No. 2 spot on our list.

1. Franco Harris​

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Stats: 2,949 rushing attempts, 12,120 rushing yards, 91 rushing touchdowns (Note: Harris also recorded 2,287 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns)

The late, great Franco Harris takes the No. 1 spot, as he rightfully should. The Steelers' all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns, Harris was the staple of Pittsburgh's running game through the 1970s and early 1980s. Winning four Super Bowl championships and being recognized as the 1972 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Harris would also go on to earn nine Pro Bowl honors, two Second-Team All-Pro selections, and one First-Team All-Pro selection. Harris passed away on December 20, 2022, but his legacy will live on forever in the Steel City of Pittsburgh as the greatest running back to ever play for the Steelers.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis lead greatest RBs in team history

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