5 Best Running Backs in Miami Dolphins History

Kiick and All-Pro fullback Larry Csonka (more on him later) were so successful together that they earned the moniker of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”

A two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, Kiick — who was Butch Cassidy in the partnership — rushed for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Dolphins. 

But perhaps most importantly, Kiick added another six scores in the postseason, including one in the Super Bowl VII victory over Washington. Without his contributions that afternoon, Miami may not have completed its undefeated season.

4. Ronnie Brown (2005-2010)

Rarely is a Week 3, mid-September game considered one of the greatest regular-season upsets in NFL history.

Tell that to Ronnie Brown and the 2008 Dolphins, who unleashed the Wildcat offense against the New England Patriots. Even without Tom Brady, the Pats were considered -12.5 or 13-point favorites depending on the sportsbook, yet allowed 113 rushing yards and five total touchdowns (four rushing, one passing) in the 38-13 blowout.

Brown rushed for 4,815 yards and 36 touchdowns over his six seasons with Miami, and he earned Pro Bowl honors during that magical 2008 season. You could definitely argue for Kiick to be No. 4 here, but we’re sticking by this choice.

3. Ricky Williams (2002-03; 2005; 2007-10)

For the younger readers, we promise that there are no errors in that timeline. Williams arrived in Miami ahead of the 2002 season and immediately rushed for 1,853 yards and 16 touchdowns on a staggering 383 carries.

Unsurprisingly, he earned first-team All-Pro honors and finished fourth in Offensive Player of the Year voting. 

Williams’ yards per carry dropped from 4.8 to 3.5 during the 2003 season, and he had nine more carries. Following multiple positive drug tests, Williams retired in the summer of 2004 … only to return in 2005 and tally 743 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. Philip Rivers would be proud.

Then came another positive drug test and a year in the Canadian Football League. But when he rejoined the Dolphins in 2007, Williams revived his career, picking up 2,553 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground from 2008-10. He even rushed for 1,121 yards and 11 scores in 2009. 

2. Mercury Morris (1969-1975)

Williams has Morris beat in every major category outside of Pro Bowls, so how did the latter finish higher?

Winning two championships and being a key part of the undefeated 1972 team goes a long way, especially after he rushed for 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns that year.

Morris totaled 3,877 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry in his seven seasons with the Dolphins. Combine that with the Super Bowl rings, and you’ll understand his placement. 

1. Larry Csonka (1968-1974)

Officially, Csonka was a fullback, but you can’t leave off a team’s leading rusher. The 1968 No. 8 pick ran for 5,900 yards and 41 touchdowns in his first seven seasons.

A two-time first-team All-Pro selection, Csonka picked up another nine rushing touchdowns in the playoffs.

Csonka, Kiick, and receiver Paul Warfield left the Dolphins for the World Football League before it fell apart midway through its second season. After three seasons with the Giants, Csonka returned to the Dolphins, rushed for 837 yards and 12 touchdowns, and earned Comeback Player of the Year honors. 

Miami later retired his No. 39, a fitting gesture for one of the most impactful players in franchise history.

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