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Tennessee football’s 10 RBs with greatest NFL careers

By Caleb Calhoun

BALTIMORE - DECEMBER 28: Running back Jamal Lewis #31 of the Baltimore Ravens on the sideline during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 28, 2003 at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 13-10 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE - DECEMBER 28: Running back Jamal Lewis #31 of the Baltimore Ravens on the sideline during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 28, 2003 at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 13-10 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images /

These Tennessee football Volunteers running backs had the best pro careers.

Note: This is part of a series of posts looking back on Tennessee football players who had the best NFL careers at each position.

Everybody knows of Tennessee football as Wide Receiver U. Meanwhile, their greatest NFL players were at quarterback, defensive line and tight end. However, when it comes to depth of quality production, running back is where they shine.

That’s a tradition that dates back to the days of Robert Neyland, when the single-wing produced All-Americans such as Gene McEver, George Cafego, Hank Lauricella and Johnny Majors. At the pro level, they have produced numerous stars who came out of so many different systems at UT.

Throughout its history, Tennessee football has produced six Pro Bowlers, two leading rushers and a 2,000-yard rusher at the position. The Vols have been one of the best NFL pit stops for running backs of any school. But who benefitted the most?

In this post, we’re going to break down those running backs who had the best pro careers from Rocky Top. Our list includes true running backs, but it also looks at fullbacks and all-purpose backs. All of these types of players have been stars at the next level.

If not for injuries, there could be more players on this list. Imagine if Chuck Webb, arguably the most talented running back in school history, didn’t suffer what was effectively a career-ending injury in 1990. He’d easily be on this list.

Some guys on here shocked the world by becoming successful in the pros, while others were predictable from the start. Very few running backs coming out of UT could ever be considered busts. In fact, only two were first-round NFL Draft picks, and both of them made it on this list for having long careers.

Who else was able to get onto here? Just how successful were they in the pros? Let’s go ahead and break that down. These are the 10 greatest NFL running backs of all time who played for Tennessee football in college.

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