Greatest running back of all time

I noticed the first post on greatest QB was a hit, so let's try this with running backs.

Once again here is my top 5
1. Walter (Sweetness) Payton
2. Jim Brown
3. Barry Sanders
4. Emmitt Smith
5. Earl Campbell

Campbell was my favorite to watch. My dad has shown me many clips over the years of him taking on linebackers and just running them over. The greatest "power" back of all time.

[Tomkat]

Without question - Jim Brown. he played in an era with little passing. Defenses were geared to stop the run, especially against him. He was a fullback, he had no lead blocker. He only played 12 game seasons, only 9 seasons. That's 108 games, how long did it take others to break his records?

2 - Walter Payton/Barry Sanders
4 - Earl Campbell
5 - Eric Dickerson

Sorry, but I can't include Emmitt on this list, I could have a ton of yards behind that line with a team with a great passing game.

[FrustratedFinFan]

I can't rank Barry Sanders as less than #1. He did it so well....and when everyone knew he was getting the ball.....and with an O-line that wasn't dominant. He would have been awesome for virtually any team in the NFL...lightning in a bottle. Walter Payton is my #2....the quintessential professional...he had the speed, the moves....and the will.

[MplsTom]

1. Walter Payton...he could block, run, catch, and even throw. Was elite in all areas and played behind some horrendous lines.

2. Jim Brown...one tough dude

3. Campbell: Bulldozer

4. Sanders: Most exciting back. Too many negative yards...was held to something like 1 yard in a playoff game against the Pack. Most fun to watch though.

5. Faulk??: Extremely complete back...was an awesome receiver

Honorable: E Smith, LT, Dorsett

# 1 - Barry Sanders - Image his total yards without the negative. Can't blame him for not having a line. Playoff negative was a result of no offensive line or QB during his time.

# 2 Jim Brown - Flat out beast within a short period of time.

# 3 - Walter Payton - Nuff said.

#4 - Eric Dickerson

#5 - Tie Marshall Falk (best receiving back ever )& Emmitt Smith - record holder

[wolverine]

1. walter payton...was the best ive seen in my time
2.barry sanders...great back doomed to the lions
3.jim brown a superman in cleats
4.Earl campbell....the man was a tank
5.O J simpson.....i have to give him some play...court verdict and later lfe aside

the greatest running back of all time is probably some guy who played before the forward pass was allowed who played 3 or 4 seasons with his spleen and knees intact