The NFL’s top 100 runs are dominated by Alabama ball carriers.
If the NFL’s “Top 100 Runs of the 2023 Season” excluded former Alabama players, it would be renamed the “Top 80 Runs of the 2023 Season,” given that eight Crimson Tide alumni account for 20 of the selected runs featured in the league’s recently released list.
The third-highest rated run in the compilation belonged to former Alabama player Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia quarterback, who executed a 12-yard touchdown in overtime, securing a 37-34 victory against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 26.
Interestingly, another Alabama player making it into the top 10 wasn’t a running back; Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams secured the seventh spot with a 42-yard touchdown run that marked the opening score in the Lions’ 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 28.
Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans running back, showcased his skills on five occasions in the Top 100, including a 29-yard touchdown run, a 27-yard touchdown run, an 18-yard touchdown run, a 63-yard run, and a 2-yard touchdown run.
Jahmyr Gibbs, the Detroit Lions running back, made four appearances in the Top 100 with a 31-yard touchdown run, a 27-yard touchdown run, a 21-yard touchdown run, and a 14-yard touchdown run.
Najee Harris, the Pittsburgh running back, contributed three runs to the Top 100, all occurring in the same game – the Steelers’ 30-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 31.
Jerome Ford, the Cleveland Browns running back, secured two spots in the Top 100 with identical 69-yard touchdown runs, one opening the scoring in a 39-38 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and the other occurring in the third quarter of a 26-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Josh Jacobs, the Las Vegas Raiders running back, claimed the 11th spot with a 62-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of a 31-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Brian Robinson Jr., the Washington Commanders running back, rounded out the representation of former Alabama players at No. 83 with a 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of a 34-31 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 1.
