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NFL Running Backs Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
NFL Running Backs Quizzes, Trivia

NFL Running Backs Trivia

NFL Running Backs Trivia Quizzes

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Fun Trivia
14 quizzes and 145 trivia questions.
1.
  NFL Running Backs Test Your Knowledge   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
All multiple choice about some great running backs who ran like the wind, creating havoc with their opponents. I hope that you enjoy the quiz. :-)
Tough, 10 Qns, Nightmare, Jul 23 08
Tough
Nightmare gold member
3992 plays
2.
  NFL Rushing Greats   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
All multiple choice on some of the greats of the NFL. This should be fairly easy. I hope that you enjoy it. :-)
Average, 10 Qns, Nightmare, Nov 08 04
Average
Nightmare gold member
7507 plays
3.
  100 Years of NFL: The Running Backs   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
100 seasons of the NFL (1920-2019) - in that time there have been some amazing players. Of course, some are a matter of opinion, but, I've tried to find the crème de la crème. Here are ten of the best running backs.
Average, 10 Qns, LeoDaVinci, Apr 06 20
Average
LeoDaVinci editor
Apr 06 20
204 plays
4.
  Pick the Running Back   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
All multiple choice to see if you know which running back did what. I hope that you enjoy it! :-)
Tough, 10 Qns, Nightmare, Oct 28 09
Tough
Nightmare gold member
2302 plays
5.
  Run for Daylight!   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a quiz about some of the greatest running backs to ever play in the NFL. These men rewrote the record books.
Easier, 10 Qns, skevino, Dec 24 15
Easier
skevino gold member
376 plays
6.
  NFL Rushing Phenoms   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This quiz is about 15 of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Enjoy :)
Easier, 15 Qns, greg84, Mar 27 05
Easier
greg84
2912 plays
7.
  #20    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Barry Sanders and Billy Sims both wore #20 for the Detroit Lions. Can you tell these 10 facts about the two superstar running backs apart? Five facts about each man's life or career.
Easier, 10 Qns, Shadowmyst2004, Nov 16 16
Easier
Shadowmyst2004
461 plays
8.
  Running Backs: Start To Finish    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll tell you the professional football team(s) the running back has played for along with some accomplishments. You pick the running back.
Average, 10 Qns, dirtnastier, May 17 11
Average
dirtnastier
550 plays
9.
  Clouds of Dust: 1000 Yards    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
A quiz about NFL and AFL running backs who have surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in a season. I've gone in alphabetical order with the answers, leaving out the six letters that do not apply. Enjoy!
Difficult, 20 Qns, malcolmsex, Dec 03 09
Difficult
malcolmsex
2549 plays
10.
  NFL Running Backs Test    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a simple quiz on running backs in the NFL in 2003.
Average, 10 Qns, Sarah606, Jan 17 07
Average
Sarah606
5109 plays
trivia question Quick Question
Which of these players stood just 5 feet 9 inches tall, and was the first of the players listed to rush for 1,000+ yards for two different teams?

From Quiz "Clouds of Dust: 1000 Yards"




11.
  NFL Running Back Greats    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A quiz on NFL running backs.
Difficult, 10 Qns, BoKnows36, Nov 08 04
Difficult
BoKnows36
2733 plays
12.
  Running to Glory    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Facts, stats, and records of NFL running backs past and present.
Difficult, 10 Qns, malcolmsex, May 19 19
Difficult
malcolmsex
May 19 19
2004 plays
13.
  Greatest NFL Running Backs    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
This quiz is over the greatest running backs the NFL has ever seen. Enjoy!
Average, 5 Qns, fatcow, Jan 03 06
Average
fatcow
4155 plays
14.
  NFL Rushers    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
Try this quiz on for size!
Average, 5 Qns, fatcow, Nov 08 04
Average
fatcow
4052 plays

NFL Running Backs Trivia Questions
1. This great running back came from TCU to the Chargers in 2001, then the Jets. An amazing rusher, he might have been called the lieutenant. Who is this running back?

From Quiz 100 Years of NFL: The Running Backs

Answer: LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tomlinson, usually referred to by his initials - LT - was an 11-year veteran of the NFL for the San Diego Chargers and the New York Jets. He was drafted in 2001 in a move where the Chargers gave up their #1 overall pick for the #5 overall pick and a bunch of other picks. The first pick of the draft that day was Michael Vick, some some people say that LT had been traded for Vick. LT was an efficient rusher, receiver, and, believe it or not, passer. He passed for seven touchdowns in his career. He also caught 17 touchdowns and ran for 145 more. In 2006, LT set the record for touchdowns in a season with a whopping 28. That same year he was chosen as the league MVP. He was also named to Pro Bowl five times in his career, but he never did get to win a Super Bowl. When talking about great running backs, LT is certainly one of them. (Lt. is also short for lieutenant)

2. This Hall of Fame running back from USC became the very first running back to rush for over 2000 yards in a single season. He later became very well known for something other than his NFL career. Can you name this running back?

From Quiz Run for Daylight!

Answer: O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson was simply known as "The Juice" by many. After a stellar career at USC where he won the Heisman Trophy, Simpson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1969 where he floundered for three straight years. However, after Lou Saban became his head coach, things changed and "The Juice" would go on to have a Hall of Fame career (he spent his final two season at the 49ers in 1978 and 1979). He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1985.

3. Who was the first running back in history to score 30 touchdowns in a season, whether from the air or ground?

From Quiz NFL Running Backs

Answer: LaDainian Tomlinson

Tomlinson set his record in 2006 with the Chargers when he crossed the goal line 31 times. He rushed for 28 touchdowns and caught three from the air. Hornung of the Packers scored his high of 15 in 1960. Tony Dorsett scored his high of 13 as a rookie Cowboy in 1977. Little also scored 13 in 1973 with the Broncos.

4. Which team drafted Ahman Green in 1998?

From Quiz NFL Running Back Greats

Answer: Seattle Seahawks

In 1998, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Ahman Green in the third round. In two seasons with Seattle, he only had a total of 329 yards rushing.

5. There were two running backs named Ricky Williams in the NFL in 2003. Which teams did they play for?

From Quiz NFL Running Backs

Answer: Miami & Indianapolis

The University of Texas and the more famous of the Ricky's, played for the Miami Dolphins in 2003. The Ricky Williams that attended Texas Tech, played for Tony Dungy's Indianapolis Colts.

6. Who was the only player in the 20th century to lead the NFL in rushing yardage five consecutive seasons?

From Quiz Running to Glory

Answer: Jim Brown

Brown led the league an incredible eight out of nine years (1957-1961, 1963-1965).

7. Playing in the NFL for only 7 years, what Chicago Bears running back led the league with 2,272 all purpose yards his rookie year, which also included 22 touchdowns?

From Quiz Greatest NFL Running Backs

Answer: Gale Sayers

Sayers was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame at the age of 34, the youngest ever selected at the time.

8. Who is the NFL's all-time leading rusher (as of August 2001)?

From Quiz NFL Rushers

Answer: Walter Payton & Payton

He has 16,726 career yards rushing!

9. Emmitt Smith played for fifteen seasons in the NFL, the last two with the Arizona Cardinals. Which team did he play for during the first thirteen season, as a part of "The Triplets"?

From Quiz 100 Years of NFL: The Running Backs

Answer: Dallas Cowboys

Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, and Michael Irvin were known as "The Triplets" - a very potent offence for the Dallas Cowboys. Together, the three of them won three Super Bowls in the 1990s (XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX). Emmitt Smith's running game played a large part of their efficiency. Emmitt Smith was considered small and slow, so he was not selected very high in the draft. However, Dallas snagged him in 1990 as the 17th overall pick and this paid off for them greatly. Smith turned out to be a very elusive runner and also a threat as a receiver. In 1993, Emmitt Smith was chosen as the NFL league MVP. His best year statistically was 1995 which was the last of the Cowboys' Super Bowl wins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, which truly shows how great he was as a running back.

10. Who was the first running back to rush for a career 10,000 yards?

From Quiz NFL Running Backs

Answer: Jim Brown

Brown was on top of the heap when he retired in 1965 after only nine seasons, all with the Cleveland Browns. He rushed for a career 12,312 yards and left the game with 126 total touchdowns.

11. What rare liver disease claimed the life of Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton?

From Quiz NFL Running Back Greats

Answer: Sclerosing Cholangitis

In 1999, Payton was diagnosed with sclerosing cholangitis, a rare liver disease. His only hope for survival was a transplant which he never received.

12. Emmitt Smith was the starting running back for which team in 2003?

From Quiz NFL Running Backs

Answer: Arizona Cardinals & Cardinals & Arizona

Emmitt Smith played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 - 2002. When Bill Parcells took over the head coaching job in Dallas, Emmitt took the job in Arizona.

13. Leading the Cowboys to a Super Bowl XII win, which running back gained 1,007 yards and won rookie of the year honors?

From Quiz Greatest NFL Running Backs

Answer: Tony Dorsett & Dorsett

Dorsett ended his career with 12,739 yards rushing.

14. Who led the NFL in rushing four times between 1991 and 1995?

From Quiz NFL Rushers

Answer: Emmitt Smith & Smith

Smith had 1,773 yards rushing in 1995.

15. Barry Sanders played all ten of his NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions. In how many of those seasons was Sanders named to the Pro Bowl?

From Quiz 100 Years of NFL: The Running Backs

Answer: All 10

Known for his speed and agility, Barry Sanders was known for being an amazing running back from the moment he set foot on the football field. Even in his rookie season, Sanders exploded with offence. He was named to the Pro Bowl in all ten of his NFL seasons and was the 1997 league MVP. He helped the Lions make the playoffs five times. As a ball-carrier, Barry Sanders was very difficult to catch. He would change direction quickly, had amazing field vision, turn on a dime, and accelerate very fast. However, when it came to the playoffs, Sanders was not as successful. His Lions only won one playoff game with him, and his worst game in football happened in the 1994 playoffs against the Green Bay Packers. Sanders was held to -1 yards on 13 rushes. Nevertheless, when it comes to marquee rushers, Barry Sanders' name is usually near the top of the list.

16. Which running back had more rushing yards after their first four full seasons in the NFL?

From Quiz NFL Running Back Greats

Answer: Eric Dickerson

Here's the stats after four full seasons: Campbell (Oilers)6,457, Sanders (Lions) 5,674, Davis (Broncos)6,413, and Dickerson (Rams)6,968.

17. This 'sweet' running back ran for 13 seasons. He set a record for most career yardage, and had the record until Emmitt Smith broke it. He scored an amazing 110 rushing touchdowns in his career. In 1977, he rushed for 1852 yards. Who is he?

From Quiz NFL Rushing Greats

Answer: Walter Payton

'Sweetness' as he was nicknamed, averaged 4.4 yards in his career, all with the Chicago Bears. In addition to his 110 rushing touchdowns, he also had 15 receiving TDs. His final season was 1987.

18. The starting running back for the Seattle Seahawks in 2003 was Shaun Alexander. Where did Alexander go to college?

From Quiz NFL Running Backs

Answer: Alabama

Shaun Alexander was drafted by Seattle as the 19th overall pick in the 2000 draft. He was the fifth running back selected in the first round that year.

19. Who set a NFL record for most rushing attempts in a season in 1998, but finished second in the league for the year in rushing yardage?

From Quiz Running to Glory

Answer: Jamal Anderson

Anderson carried 410 times that year for the Atlanta Falcons, but his 1,846 yards were second to Davis' 2,008.

20. During his 13 year career, what running back racked up 12,120 yards on the ground, but is remembered mostly for his "Immaculate Reception"?

From Quiz Greatest NFL Running Backs

Answer: Franco Harris & Harris

Harris had eight 1,000 yard seasons.

21. What running back scored 6 touchdowns in a game in the 1960s?

From Quiz NFL Rushers

Answer: Gale Sayers

Gale only played 7 years in the NFL and in 1977, he became the youngest player ever enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame.

22. Hugh McElhenny played running back for the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions. As a member of the Niners, what nickname did they give his section of the team?

From Quiz 100 Years of NFL: The Running Backs

Answer: Million Dollar Backfield

Also known as "The King" and "Hurryin' Hugh", Hugh McElhenny was a college start who immediately rose to fame in the NFL in his rookie season. Aside from being a good receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner, McElhenny was one of the best running backs of all time. He was praised for his field vision, knowing to turn and jinx when defenders weren't even in his field of view. As a member of the 1953 49ers, McElhenny joined forces with quarterback YA Tittle, fullback Joe Perry, and halfback John Henry as the "Million Dollar Backfield". As the most talented backfield in football, these four are the only entire backfield elected to be in the Football Hall of Fame. As an individual, McElhenny was only the third player to gain more than 11,000 all-around yards. Inducted into the Hall of Fame, McElhenny also was a six-time Pro Bowler and had his number retired by the 49ers.

23. This running back spent all 13 years of his NFL career with the same team. He retired in 1987 as the league's all time leader in rushing yards. Sadly, he passed away in 1999. Can you name this running back?

From Quiz Run for Daylight!

Answer: Walter Payton

As a member of the Chicago Bears (1975-1987), Payton was known by many as "Sweetness". His brilliant career earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. He played his college football at Jackson State.

24. Who was the first running back to carry the ball over 400 times in a season?

From Quiz NFL Running Backs

Answer: James Wilder

The others never ran the ball 400 times in a season. Wilder spent nine of his ten seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He reached the 400-mark in 1984, carrying the ball 407 times for 1544 yards and 13 touchdowns. Even with all his carries, his longest gain in the season was only 37 yards. James averaged 3.8 yards per carry. He also caught 85 passes for 685 yards in the season. Eric Dickerson was the second running back to accomplish this, carrying the ball 404 times two seasons later for the Rams.

25. Eric Dickerson set an NFL record by rushing for 2,105 yards in 1984. Can you name the only other player in the 20th century whose last name starts with "D" to rush for over 2,000 yards?

From Quiz Clouds of Dust: 1000 Yards

Answer: Terrell Davis

Davis rushed for 2,008 yards in 1998 for the Denver Broncos. He, Dickerson, Barry Sanders and O.J. Simpson were the only 4 backs to rush for over 2,000 yards in one season, during the 20th century.

26. Who was the only New York Jet to lead the NFL in rushing during the 20th century?

From Quiz Running to Glory

Answer: Freeman McNeil

McNeil led the NFL in the nine game strike season of 1982 with 786 yards rushing.

27. What Buffalo Bills star helped his team to four straight Super Bowl appearances during the early 90s.

From Quiz Greatest NFL Running Backs

Answer: Thurman Thomas

Despite making four straight Super Bowl appearances, the Bills lost all of them, to the Giants, Redskins, and Dallas Cowboys.

28. Who shockingly made an announcement of his retirement from the Lions prior to the 1999 season?

From Quiz NFL Rushers

Answer: Barry Sanders

Barry left the game of football with 10 Pro Bowl selections in his pocket.

29. Marshall Faulk was the second overall pick for the Indianapolis Colts. Though he played five good years there, he opted to be traded near the end of his original contract. Where did he play out the rest of his career?

From Quiz 100 Years of NFL: The Running Backs

Answer: St. Louis Rams

Marshall Faulk played for the Indianapolis Colts for five seasons. In that time he almost made it to the Super Bowl but the Colts lost in the AFC Championship game in a game that Faulk missed due to injury. He was there for Peyton Manning's rookie season and the two connected on passes many times. However, he felt that he was not a good fit for the team and opted for a trade. He went to St. Louis. On the Rams, his impact was immediate. In his first year, Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner led the Rams to their first Super Bowl win though Faulk's impact int he game was as a receiver - he was held to only 17 yards rushing. In 2000, the Rams went to the playoffs again with Faulk as the league MVP. The following year saw Faulk lead the team to the Super Bowl again, though the team lost a close one to the Patriots (the first for Brady, Belichek and co.) Faulk was a great rusher and receiver and held many NFL records when he retired. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, and is truly one of football's greatest rushers.

30. After playing his college football at LSU, this man was drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers in 1958. He would actually end his Hall of Fame career back in Louisiana playing for the New Orleans Saints. Who is he?

From Quiz Run for Daylight!

Answer: Jim Taylor

Taylor was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976. After butting heads with head coach Vince Lombardi for a number of years, Taylor was finally traded following the 1966 season. He scored the very first rushing touchdown in the Super Bowl when the Packers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I.

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