Best Running Backs in Seattle Seahawks History

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Best Running Backs in Seattle Seahawks History

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 9:41 AM ET

The Seattle Seahawks have been a breeding ground for elite running backs, with a productive ground game in nearly every decade dating back to their inaugural season in 1976.

Running back Kenneth Walker III won Super Bowl MVP after a huge performance in the 2026 title win over the Patriots, and Walker is just the tip of the iceberg in what has historically been a very strong position.

When the Seahawks draft or trade for a running back, chances are they'll be something to behold.

Here are the running backs that have shaken things up in Seattle (literally in Marshawn Lynch's case). Don't forget to vote on our list of five greatest Seahawks quarterbacks, too.

Honorable mention: John Williams (1986-1993), Kenneth Walker III (2022-2025)

5. Ricky Watters (1998-2001)

Watters packed a punch in a very short tenure in Seattle, racking up over 4,000 rushing yards in just four seasons in the Pacific Northwest.

This stretch included four consecutive 1,100-yard seasons and a whopping 75.6 yards per game for Watters, who joined the Seahawks at the tail end of his career after playing three seasons for the 49ers and three with the Eagles.

4. Chris Warren (1990-1997)

A fourth-round draft pick in the 1990 draft, Warren made a name for himself as one of the most consistent rushers in franchise history. He racked up three straight 1,300-yard seasons from 1992 to 1994 and totaled 6,706 rushing yards, the second-most in franchise history.

3. Curt Warner (1983-1989)

Warner has a place in the hearts of Seahawks faithful as the first elite feature back. The third overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, Warner followed future Hall of Famers John Elway and Eric Dickerson, but had a mighty career of his own.

Warner finished his career with 6,705 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns, all of which rank in the upper echelon of franchise history.

MORE: Best NFL Teams at Drafting Running Backs

2. Marshawn Lynch (2010-2015, 2019)

The centerpiece of the Seahawks offense during the "Legion of Boom" era, Lynch is arguably the first name many NFL fans associate with Seahawks running backs, generally in the sentence "why didn't Carroll run the ball?"

If the holder of Seahawks' fourth-most rushing yards all time had gotten the ball at the 1-yard line in the waning moments of Super Bowl XLIX, chances are the Seahawks would be three-time Super Bowl champions rather than just two-time winners.

In 2010, "Beast Mode" was traded to Seattle from Buffalo, the team that drafted him 12th overall in 2007. He made four straight Pro Bowls from 2011 to 2014 (including the Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning 2013 season) and was the NFL's leader in rushing touchdowns in 2013 and 2014.

1. Shaun Alexander (2000-2007)

Alexander is the most decorated Seahawks running back of all time. He is the franchise leader in rushing yards (9,429) and touchdowns (100), both of which are far ahead of the next-closest player (Warren with 6,706; Lynch with 58).

His monster 2005 season set the single-season record with 27 rushing touchdowns and earned him MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors. Alexander made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2003 to 2005 and remains the best running back ever to play for the Seahawks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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