How long does a running back last in the NFL?
3 min read
Asked by: George Watkins
Running backs typically stick around for two years and five months, second only to wideouts. With the wear and tear that comes with the position, combined with more teams employing running backs by committee, rushers have become even more expendable in today’s NFL.
How long does a RB last in the NFL?
Average playing career length in the National Football League (in years)
| Characteristic | Average career length in years |
|---|---|
| League average | 3.3 |
| Cornerbacks | 2.94 |
| Wide receivers | 2.81 |
| Running backs | 2.57 |
Who has the longest career as a running back in the NFL?
Historical rushing yards leaders
| Reign | Player | Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1958–1962 (5 years) | Joe Perry^ | 8,378 |
| 1963–1983 (21 years) | Jim Brown^ | 12,312 |
| 1984–2001 (18 years) | Walter Payton^ | 16,726 |
| Since 2002 (20 years) | Emmitt Smith^ | 18,355 |
At what age do NFL running backs decline?
In general, running backs backs don’t “fall off a cliff” until their age-31 season — not their age-30 season. When discussing running backs who see a heavier workload (150 attempts per season), their fantasy production drops off during their age-29 season — not their age-30 season.
At what age do running backs peak?
For RB1 (top-12) production, a shockingly high 85% of peak seasons are from players between the ages of 22-28. For truly elite (250+ PPR points) production, 68% of elite seasons are from players between the ages of 23-26, and 87% take place prior to a player turning 29.
How many years are running backs good?
From a per-touch standpoint, running backs tend to decline beyond the age of 26, which is why we’ve started to see running backs have a hard time getting a big contract once their rookie deal is over.
Who is the oldest active NFL player?
He and Whitworth are the only two players 40 years or older that played in an NFL game this season.
Oldest active NFL players.
| Rank | 1 |
|---|---|
| Player | Tom Brady |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Team | Buccaneers |
| Age | 44 |
How old is the oldest running back in the NFL 2021?
Adrian Peterson was the oldest running back in 2021. He was 36 years old.
| NAME | SEASON | AGE |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian Peterson | 2021 | 36 |
| Taiwan Jones | 2021 | 33 |
| Kenjon Barner | 2021 | 32 |
| Nick Bellore | 2021 | 32 |
Who is the oldest running back?
John Henry Johnson played from 1953 through 1966, his age-37 season, with the 49ers, Steelers, Lions and Houston Oilers. Jim Thorpe played from 1920 to 1928 for six different teams. He played until 41 years old, making him the oldest running back in NFL history.
What age is prime in NFL?
For 225 PPR fantasy points per year (roughly top-24 production), the average age was 27 with 80% of peak seasons falling within the age range of 23-30. As the thresholds are raised, the average age becomes younger with peak WR seasons over the age of 30 becoming less and less frequent.
Which NFL position has the shortest career?
Shortest Careers
Running backs have the shortest average careers of just 2.57 years. Wide receivers have average careers of 2.81 years. The average career for cornerbacks is 2.94 years.
Who is the youngest NFL player?
2. The youngest NFL player recently. The youngest football player recently is Miami Dolphins full-back Noah Igbinoghene, just 21 years old. From , Igbinoghene played his college career for Auburn.
