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The 2,000-yard rushing milestone is one of the NFL’s most difficult and celebrated achievements. Only a select group of running backs have managed to breach this threshold, showcasing unparalleled skill, durability, and impact over the course of a season. The list of 2,000-yard rushers begins with O.J. Simpson, who accomplished the feat in 1973. Remarkably, he achieved this in just 14 games, setting a standard of excellence that few have matched since.

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What makes this achievement so rare is the combination of talent, workload, and health it demands. The Running Back position was once an in-demand job but lately, the position has been devalued. However, the 2024 NFL season has seen a renaissance, with Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley becoming the latest member of the 2000-Yard Rushers club. On Sunday, December 29th, Barkley surpassed the mark and has one more game left to try to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record of 2,105 yards.

Running backs endure punishing physical demands each week, making this level of consistency extraordinary. The names on the 2,000-yard list reflect not just incredible statistics, but the heart, toughness, and brilliance required to achieve true greatness in the NFL.