Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

In the series I have been doing, it refocused me on the fulklbacks of the 1980s to now, as opposed to the old-time fullbacks. I have been calling then guards in the backfield, but that's not totally fair because the often catch passes.

With one-backs coming into vogue in the 1980s, teams used H-backs or U-backs or whatever, but really they were lead blockers and outlets on short routes.

Otis Wonsley for Redskins, was one, John Kuhn is one now, there are lots of choices . . .

Anyway, who are the best running backs to run very little?

Tom Rathman, Moose Johnston and Lorenzo Neal and Howard Griffith are my 4.


And yes, I am quite aware of the consternation these things cause some, but to me, there are fun and promote discussion.

Larry Centers belongs in this discussion, am thinking. Also Tony Richardson and Sam Gash.

bachslunch wrote:Larry Centers belongs in this discussion, am thinking. Also Tony Richardson and Sam Gash.

Yes, all of them, Gash was my 5th---loved the name. Mack Strong, too.

Vonta Leach

Tim Lesters blocked for Jerome Bettis;s best seasons, 1993, 1996 and 1997

I second Tim Lester.

I just discovered this thread in reviewing some earlier posts.
Henry Hynoski of the Giants deserves mention.
In 46 games over 4 seasons he carried the ball just 12 times for 33 yards
but did catch 24 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.
He also played a key role in the Giants 2012 Super Bowl win.

Matt Suhey? Walter Payton seriously said once that Suhey belonged in the HOF ...

Matt Suhey was a good fullback, but I don't know if he belongs in this discussion. He had at least 400 rushing yards in every full season between 1981-1985, and averaged 8 carries per game in that time period.
I feel the same with Larry Centers. Tony Richardson gained almost 700 yards rushing one year, but the man played until he was 39, and rarely carried the ball in all but three seasons in his long career. He belongs on this list.

William Henderson?

He has 123 carries over 188 games in 12 seasons in Green Bay. Blocking back for 1,000-yard rushers Edgar Bennett ('95), Dorsey Levens ('97 and '99), Ahman Green ('00, '01, '02, '03, '04, '06). Caught 320 passes.