As a Colts fan and season ticket holder from 1984 to 1988, I have watched a lot of Indianapolis Colts football and this is an article to pay tribute to some of the greatest ball carriers to wear a Colts uniform.
10. Anthony Johnson (1990-1993) In 1992, Johnson was the leading rusher on a 9-7 team that just missed the playoffs. Carolina Panthers fans might remember Johnson’s 1996 1,120 yard season which ended in the NFC Conference Championship. Johnson was the typical workhorse back that gained yards but never scored a lot of touchdowns.
9. Donald Brown (2009 to present) Donald has the honor of being the leading rusher for the Colts the last two seasons. A coaching change might allow Donald to be featured a little more. During his first three years, Brown has provided some exciting runs and while he might not be a household name, time will tell if this young player is truly worthy to be on this list.
8. Lamont Warren/Zack Crockett: Warren (1994-1998), Crockett (1995-1997) tied at eight. These two men combined to make the best of what should have been a bad situation. During the Colts playoff run in early 1996 it was Crockett who ran for 147 yards against the Chargers and Warren rushed for a respectable 76 yards against the Chiefs the following week that filled the void of an injured Marshall Faulk. If not for one dropped touchdown pass by Aaron Bailey, these two men would have played for a Lombardi trophy. Zack Crockett would later go on to be a sleeper pick for many smart fantasy football team owners. Crockett although he never rushed for a lot of yards he finished his career with 36 rushing touchdowns.
7. Albert Bentley (1985-1991) Bentley played a key role on the 1987 team that won the AFC East. A versatile back for the Colts, he led the Colts with 71 receptions in 1990. Albert was always a big play threat and thrilled many fans during his time with the Colts.
6. Randy McMillian (1984-1986) McMillian was the starting running back during the Colts first season in Indianapolis. He had a solid career as pro back, 1985 was his best season in Indy with 858 rushing yards with 7 TDs. Early season ticket holders should remember Randy.
5. Dominic Rhodes (2001-2006, 2008 & 2010) Rhodes had a few good seasons for the Colts. He receives a high rank for coming up big during the Colts Super Bowl victory over Bears in 2006. Dominic also had a great rookie season with 1104 yards rushing replacing an injured Edgerrin James. Rhodes would continue to be a great complimentary back to James through his years with the Colts.
4. Joseph Addai (2006-2011) Addai’s first two seasons amassed consecutive 1000 yards rushing seasons. He led the Colts in rushing his first four seasons with the Colts. Addai’s solid skills helped sell Manning’s play-action fakes. It was a said day for this Colts fan to see him sign with the Patriots.
3. Eric Dickerson (1987-1991) In 1987, the Colts traded for the future Hall of Famer and with him the Colts won the AFC East and provided Indianapolis with it’s first real pro football excitement. The 1988 team scored a memorable blow out victory over the Broncos on Monday Night Football. Unfortunately for the Colts 1987 and 1988 were the last healthy seasons for Dickerson and the excitement was a little short lived.
2. Edgerrin James (1999-2005) The Colts all-time leading rusher with 9226 yards, James arrival saw the Colts go from worst to first. James was a versatile back with great hands and powerful legs. Many people may forget that James was selected ahead of Ricky Williams in the 1999 draft. People might also forget that the Colts traded away Marshall Faulk and chose Edgerrin to be their main back for the ’99 season.
1. Marshall Faulk (1994-1998) This hall of famer might not be remembered for his years with the Colts but his contribution to the team can’t be overlooked. As a fan of college football, Faulk’s arrival in Indianapolis was preceded by some great seasons with San Diego State. Marshall was a tremendous player who unfortunately was injured during the ’96 team historic playoff run.
There you have it the top 10 Running Backs in Indianapolis Colts history. No offense to the legendary players of the Baltimore era but I did not start following the Colts until their arrival to Indy.
