Much like the previous list, the names at the top remain largely unchanged, with the "big four" once again cementing themselves as some of the greatest running backs the game has ever seen. The new additions, however, are heavily represented by the NFC East, featuring a recentCowboyssuperstar, a legendaryRedskinsrunning back, and a few other backs who made their mark in the division as well.
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While piling up rushing yards is an astonishing accomplishment in its own right, it takes a different mentality to consistently find the end zone. The backs on this list weren't just great at moving the football, they made a direct impact on the scoreboard, establishing themselves as some of the most prolific touchdown scorers the NFC has ever seen.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 all-time rushing touchdown leaders in NFC history.
10. Gerald Riggs: 69 rushing touchdowns
Oct 19, 1986; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Falcons running back Gerald Riggs (42) carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 04: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes against the defense of the New York Giants during the game at MetLife Stadium on November 04, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Teams:Dallas Cowboys (2015 to 2024)
8. Tony Dorsett: 72 rushing touchdowns
Oct 4, 1981; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett (33) carries the ball under pressure from St. Louis Cardinals defensive players Tim Collier (44), Mike Dawson (73) and Calvin Favron (59) at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Teams:Dallas Cowboys (1977 to 1987)
7. John Riggins: 79 rushing touchdowns
Dec 9, 1984; Dallas , TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins running back John Riggins (44) on the bench against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
11 Nov 1990: Running back Ottis Anderson of the New York Giants run with the ball during the Giants 31-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn/ALLSPORT
Teams:St. Louis Cardinals (1979 to 1986) andNew York Giants(1986 to 1992)
5. Shaun Alexander: 84 rushing touchdowns
Oct 21, 2007; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) rushes against the St. Louis Rams in the second quarter at Qwest Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Teams:Seattle Seahawks(2000 to 2007) and Washington Redskins (2008)
NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Nov 21, 1999; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (22) carries the ball against Arizona Cardinals defensive backs J.J. McCleskey (44) and Corey Chavous (25) at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
Teams:Dallas Cowboys (1990 to 2002) andArizona Cardinals(2003 to 2004)
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Brad Pitt - New Orleans Saints. The actor/producer developed a close friendship with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and narrated the 2009 "America's Game" episode chronicling the Super Bowl XLIV-winning team.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
Kay Adams attends the 13th annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 03: Jimmy Buffett sings the national anthem before the start of the game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers December 3, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmy Buffett ORG XMIT: 71465444 GTY ID: 65444CG019_San_Francisco
(Getty Images)
1. Ellen DeGeneres (1958-) • Notable game shows: Ellen's Game of Games • Years on air as host: 2017-present • Wikipedia page views (2 yr.): 8,646,063 Comedian Ellen DeGeneres has become a fixture on television as a talk-show guest and host, game show host, and producer. DeGeneres has been the host of "Ellen's Game of Games" since 2017. Many of the games on the game show were played on her talk show. She's been the host of her own talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," since 2003. Known for her effusive, fun-loving personality, DeGeneres has also hosted the Academy Awards, the Grammys, and the Emmys. Her public image has taken a beating lately over accusations by former employees that her show has created a "toxic" work environment. ALSO READ: America’s Most Loved TV Personalities
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)
Comedian Theo Von watches the second quarter between Vanderbilt and Georgia State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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(MMA Junkie)
Superstar Britney Spears took her sons to Disneyland and posted a photo showing how much her two sons have grown.
(Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Master
P visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on January 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
(Theo Wargo, Getty Images)
Actor Zac Efron attends NEA's Read Across America Day kickoff with Zac Efron at the New York Public Library - Celeste Bartos Forum on March 2, 2012 in New York City.
(Jason Kempin/Getty Images for NEA)
Japan's Naomi Osaka celebrates beating Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles round of 16 tennis match on the seventh day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2026.
(KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV, AFP via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 25: Director Spike Lee is interviewed prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight's game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
US Actress Hillary Swank is pictured arriving to the Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills.
(Susan Goldman, AFP/Getty Images)
Aaron Neville performs at the American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times debut gala at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on May 2, 2017, in Washington, DC.
(Paul Morigi, Getty Images for WS Productions)
Wendell Pierce attends the European premiere of Marvel Studios' ''Thunderbolts*" in London, Britain, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe
(Chris J Ratcliffe, REUTERS)
Joe Dumars
(Provided by Independent Sports & Entertainment)
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, left, talks with Reggie Wayne, wide receivers coach for the Colts before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)
American rapper Birdman looks on prior to a game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Pop-Country singer Kenny Chesney and his band perform for a large crowd at the Germain Amphitheater Thursday evening June 7, 2007.
(James D. DeCamp/Columbus Dispatch)
Jan 5, 2025; Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Anthony Mackie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY
(Dan MacMedan, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY)
Archie Manning takes time to talk to IndyStar's Dana Benbow during a promotional visit to St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospital in Noblesville, Ind., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. Manning was born in Drew, Miss., in 1949. His No.18 was the first of only four Ole Miss Jersey's ever retired and he was drafted second overall in the 1971 NFL draft. He played most of his 14 years in the NFL with the Saints and twice made the Pro Bowl. He's received many accolades and is well known for his philanthropic work. Manning was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
(Matt Kryger/IndyStar)
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These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
1/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
2/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Brad Pitt - New Orleans Saints. The actor/producer developed a close friendship with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and narrated the 2009 "America's Game" episode chronicling the Super Bowl XLIV-winning team.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Kay Adams attends the 13th annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
4/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 03: Jimmy Buffett sings the national anthem before the start of the game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers December 3, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmy Buffett ORG XMIT: 71465444 GTY ID: 65444CG019_San_Francisco
(Getty Images)
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These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
1. Ellen DeGeneres (1958-) • Notable game shows: Ellen's Game of Games • Years on air as host: 2017-present • Wikipedia page views (2 yr.): 8,646,063 Comedian Ellen DeGeneres has become a fixture on television as a talk-show guest and host, game show host, and producer. DeGeneres has been the host of "Ellen's Game of Games" since 2017. Many of the games on the game show were played on her talk show. She's been the host of her own talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," since 2003. Known for her effusive, fun-loving personality, DeGeneres has also hosted the Academy Awards, the Grammys, and the Emmys. Her public image has taken a beating lately over accusations by former employees that her show has created a "toxic" work environment. ALSO READ: America’s Most Loved TV Personalities
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)
6/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Comedian Theo Von watches the second quarter between Vanderbilt and Georgia State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
7/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
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(MMA Junkie)
8/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Superstar Britney Spears took her sons to Disneyland and posted a photo showing how much her two sons have grown.
(Getty Images)
9/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Master
P visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on January 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
(Theo Wargo, Getty Images)
10/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Actor Zac Efron attends NEA's Read Across America Day kickoff with Zac Efron at the New York Public Library - Celeste Bartos Forum on March 2, 2012 in New York City.
(Jason Kempin/Getty Images for NEA)
11/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Japan's Naomi Osaka celebrates beating Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles round of 16 tennis match on the seventh day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2026.
(KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV, AFP via Getty Images)
12/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 25: Director Spike Lee is interviewed prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight's game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
13/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
US Actress Hillary Swank is pictured arriving to the Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills.
(Susan Goldman, AFP/Getty Images)
14/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Aaron Neville performs at the American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times debut gala at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on May 2, 2017, in Washington, DC.
(Paul Morigi, Getty Images for WS Productions)
15/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Wendell Pierce attends the European premiere of Marvel Studios' ''Thunderbolts*" in London, Britain, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe
(Chris J Ratcliffe, REUTERS)
16/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Joe Dumars
(Provided by Independent Sports & Entertainment)
17/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, left, talks with Reggie Wayne, wide receivers coach for the Colts before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)
18/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
American rapper Birdman looks on prior to a game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
19/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Pop-Country singer Kenny Chesney and his band perform for a large crowd at the Germain Amphitheater Thursday evening June 7, 2007.
(James D. DeCamp/Columbus Dispatch)
20/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Jan 5, 2025; Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Anthony Mackie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY
(Dan MacMedan, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY)
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These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Archie Manning takes time to talk to IndyStar's Dana Benbow during a promotional visit to St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospital in Noblesville, Ind., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. Manning was born in Drew, Miss., in 1949. His No.18 was the first of only four Ole Miss Jersey's ever retired and he was drafted second overall in the 1971 NFL draft. He played most of his 14 years in the NFL with the Saints and twice made the Pro Bowl. He's received many accolades and is well known for his philanthropic work. Manning was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
