Best Running Backs in New England Patriots History

Sixteen players have more yards rushing in a Patriots uniform than Tatupu. But considering only two have more than 5,000 in their New England careers, we thought it worthwhile to give some credit to a fullback.

Tatupu played 13 seasons with the Patriots, mostly serving as a backup tailback with some spot duty as a blocking back. The first season he was listed exclusively as a fullback, incidentally, Tatupu made the Pro Bowl (1986). Not a bad career.

4. Kevin Faulk (1999-2011)

Much like Tatupu, Faulk spent most his of time in New England as a back-up, featuring as the team’s No. 1 running back just once in his 13 years, all with the Patriots.

Faulk was an excellent third-down option, though, catching 25 passes or more in all but three seasons. He also served for a stint as the team’s primary punt returner and primary kick returner in helping New England to three Super Bowl wins.

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3. Curtis Martin (1995-1997)

Martin’s best days came with the New York Jets after the Patriots let him walk after three seasons. The Jets signed Martin to a poison-pill deal that they ultimately wouldn’t come to regret, considering he posted seven straight 1,000-yard seasons and landed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Even though he played just three years in New England, they were awfully good. Martin made two Pro Bowls and won Rookie of the Year in 1995. He remains ranked fourth in team history for yards rushing.

2. Jim Nance (1965-1971)

Not Jim Nantz, mind you. Nance was a fullback in an era when they received a lion’s share of the carries in professional football. Nance played with New England during the American Football League days from 1965 to 1969 before the franchise jumped to the NFL.

He led the AFL in rushing in two of those seasons and was a first-team All-Pro in both when the team was still called Boston. Nance retired after the 1971 season, but ranks second in team history in yards rushing despite playing just seven years with the franchise. 

1. Sam Cunningham (1973-1982)

Sam Cunningham, the older brother of former NFL star quarterback Randall Cunningham, ranks first in franchise history in yards rushing and rushing touchdowns. He had just one 1,000-yard season and one Pro Bowl, but he was a staple in the backfield for the 1970s Patriots, leading the team in rushing in six of his first seven seasons.