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5 Best Running Backs in Chicago Bears History

Manny Rubio-USA TODAY NETWORK

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5 Best Running Backs in Chicago Bears History

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated Jun 25, 2026 2:57 PM ET

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The Chicago Bears have long missed consistency in their offenses over the years, and many of their all-time great teams were buoyed by elite defense and special teams (looking at you, Buddy Ryan and Devin Hester).

One position on the offensive side that's generally been a bright spot for the Bears franchise, though, is running back. Through the good and bad, the Bears have had a knack for drafting and developing solid backs.

Let's take a look at the top five running backs in Bears history, including two Pro Football Hall of Famers atop the list.

5. Neal Anderson (1986-1993)

It's quite a challenge to take the baton from Walter Payton -- quite arguably the greatest running back in NFL history -- but Anderson more than held his own. He rushed for 6,166 yards with just over four yards per carry, and held firm as a solid dual-threat option, catching 302 passes for 2,763 yards and 20 touchdowns.

A 1990 Second-Team All-Pro, Anderson posted three consecutive 1,000 rushing yard seasons from 1988 to 1990 and ranks third all-time in franchise rushing yards behind two household names.

While Red Grange could certainly make his way onto this list, Anderson thrived in a more competitive and advanced league, which puts him rightfully at No. 5.

4. Bronko Nagurski (1930-1937; 1943)

Nicknamed "The Monster of the Midway," Nagurski is one of the more iconic players during his era. Playing both fullback and defensive tackle, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Nagurski had a build more consistent with today's bruising running backs.

Nagurski became a force to be reckoned with under legendary coach George Halas, securing NFL titles in 1932 and 1933 while blocking for Beattie Feathers, who became the NFL's first 1,000-yard rusher in 1934.

His winding career seemingly ended in 1937, when the bruiser pursued a successful career as an NWA World Heavyweight Wrestling champion, but he returned in 1943 to alleviate the player shortage posed by World War II, miraculously leading the Bears to their fourth NFL championship in a season that also included a win over the rival Chicago Cardinals.

3. Matt Forte (2008-2015)

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte catches an 11-yard touchdown pass at Soldier Field.Dennis Wierzbicki-Imagn Images

Forte was a force for the Bears and one of the franchise's all-time workhorses. Over eight successful seasons in Chicago, he racked up an impressive statistical resumé, ranking second in a wide array of franchise categories -- rushing yards, receptions, yards from scrimmage, and 100-yard rushing games, while ranking third in total touchdowns.

Forte became the second-fastest player in NFL history to compile 8,000 rushing yards and 4,000 receiving yards, and in a historic 2014 season, the Tulane product became one of three NFL players to record at least 1,000 rushing yards and 100 receptions.

2. Gale Sayers (1965-1971)

Sayers' NFL career was ended prematurely due to a series of debilitating knee injuries, but he still managed to become the youngest player in NFL history to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In his rookie year, Sayers scored an incredible 22 touchdowns, and was a dual-position threat at halfback and kick returner.

Five First-Team All-Pros, four Pro Bowls, a scoring title, and two rushing titles later, the "Kansas Comet" remains one of the most gifted and graceful runners to step onto a football field.

1. Walter Payton (1975-1987)

Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.Manny Rubio/USA TODAY Sports

Many modern NFL fans are first exposed to the legacy of Walter Payton through his titular Man of the Year award, given to NFL players for their off-the-field contributions -- an appropriate award given he had a legacy for making anonymous donations to underprivileged children across Chicago and launched a foundation for supporting children's healthcare, education, and community veterans after his career.

Still, Payton's mammoth legacy positions him as not only the greatest running back in Bears history and the engine behind the 1985 team that was the greatest in franchise history, but one of the top three running backs in NFL history.

Besides Jim Brown and Barry Sanders, Payton has a very good argument as the greatest halfback to ever play the game (including ranking second in all-time rushing yards).

Payton's achievements are also special when factoring in the sort of teams that played around him. While Payton retired with the all-time NFL rushing record, Emmitt Smith passed him after his career ended, playing behind one of the best offensive lines in Cowboys history. In contrast, Payton often had to contend with patchwork lines and defenses stacked against him.

Point being, "Sweetness" is one of the most prolific and complete players in NFL history.