With the increasing popularity of dynasty fantasy football leagues, player age has become an even more important variable. While some players can fend off father time for an impressive amount of time (we’re looking at you, Tom Brady), most players tend to have similar timelines. Age can help us make knowledgeable predictions as to when a player will improve or regress. Let’s explore the peak age for an NFL running back.
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
TL;DR:
- This article explores at which ages NFL running backs have their most productive seasons.
- For RB1 (top-12) production, a shockingly high 91% of peak seasons are from players between the ages of 21-28.
- For truly elite (250+ PPR points) production, 66% of elite seasons are from players between the ages of 23-26, and 95.7% take place before a player turns 29.
Defining A Peak Season
To start this study, we must define a peak season for an NFL running back. Generally, the 12th-highest-scoring running back each season averages about 230 PPR fantasy points. In 2023, Alvin Kamara was the 12th-highest-scoring running back and finished 227 PPR fantasy points.
To examine at what age top running backs produce, we’ll include all running backs who finished with at least 230 PPR fantasy points. The list of 258 includes all individual running back seasons to meet the requirements since 2000 and was generated by Pro-Football-Reference.com.
Player | Season | Age | Team | G | PPR | PPR/G |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LaDainian Tomlinson | 2006 | 27 | SDG | 16 | 481.1 | 30.07 |
Christian McCaffrey | 2019 | 23 | CAR | 16 | 471.2 | 29.45 |
Marshall Faulk | 2000 | 27 | STL | 14 | 459.9 | 32.85 |
Priest Holmes | 2003 | 30 | KAN | 16 | 445 | 27.81 |
LaDainian Tomlinson | 2003 | 24 | SDG | 16 | 443.8 | 27.74 |
Priest Holmes | 2002 | 29 | KAN | 14 | 440.7 | 31.48 |
Marshall Faulk | 2001 | 28 | STL | 14 | 419.7 | 29.98 |
Steven Jackson | 2006 | 23 | STL | 16 | 415.4 | 25.96 |
David Johnson | 2016 | 25 | ARI | 16 | 407.8 | 25.49 |
Edgerrin James | 2000 | 22 | IND | 16 | 395.3 | 24.71 |
Chris Johnson | 2009 | 24 | TEN | 16 | 392.9 | 24.56 |
Arian Foster | 2010 | 24 | HOU | 16 | 392 | 24.5 |
Christian McCaffrey | 2023 | 27 | SFO | 16 | 391.3 | 24.46 |
Saquon Barkley | 2018 | 21 | NYG | 16 | 385.8 | 24.11 |
Christian McCaffrey | 2018 | 22 | CAR | 16 | 385.5 | 24.09 |
Ahman Green | 2003 | 26 | GNB | 16 | 385 | 24.06 |
LaDainian Tomlinson | 2002 | 23 | SDG | 16 | 384.2 | 24.01 |
Todd Gurley | 2017 | 23 | LAR | 15 | 383.3 | 25.55 |
Jamaal Charles | 2013 | 27 | KAN | 15 | 378 | 25.2 |
Alvin Kamara | 2020 | 25 | NOR | 15 | 377.8 | 25.19 |
Shaun Alexander | 2005 | 28 | SEA | 16 | 376.8 | 23.55 |
Jonathan Taylor | 2021 | 22 | IND | 17 | 373.1 | 21.95 |
Ray Rice | 2011 | 24 | BAL | 16 | 372.8 | 23.3 |
Austin Ekeler | 2022 | 27 | LAC | 17 | 372.7 | 21.92 |
Todd Gurley | 2018 | 24 | LAR | 14 | 372.1 | 26.58 |
Larry Johnson | 2006 | 27 | KAN | 16 | 370.9 | 23.18 |
Le'Veon Bell | 2014 | 22 | PIT | 16 | 370.5 | 23.16 |
Brian Westbrook | 2007 | 28 | PHI | 15 | 368.4 | 24.56 |
LaDainian Tomlinson | 2007 | 28 | SDG | 16 | 367.6 | 22.98 |
LaDainian Tomlinson | 2005 | 26 | SDG | 16 | 366.1 | 22.88 |
Ricky Williams | 2002 | 25 | MIA | 16 | 362.6 | 22.66 |
Larry Johnson | 2005 | 26 | KAN | 16 | 360.3 | 22.52 |
Tiki Barber | 2005 | 30 | NYG | 16 | 359 | 22.44 |
Christian McCaffrey | 2022 | 26 | CAR,SFO | 17 | 356.4 | 20.96 |
Alvin Kamara | 2018 | 23 | NOR | 15 | 354.2 | 23.61 |
DeMarco Murray | 2014 | 26 | DAL | 16 | 351.1 | 21.94 |
Tiki Barber | 2004 | 29 | NYG | 16 | 347.6 | 21.73 |
Adrian Peterson | 2012 | 27 | MIN | 16 | 347.4 | 21.71 |
Charlie Garner | 2002 | 30 | OAK | 16 | 347.3 | 21.71 |
Matt Forte | 2014 | 29 | CHI | 16 | 346.6 | 21.66 |
Austin Ekeler | 2021 | 26 | LAC | 16 | 343.8 | 21.49 |
Le'Veon Bell | 2017 | 25 | PIT | 15 | 341.6 | 22.77 |
Dalvin Cook | 2020 | 25 | MIN | 14 | 337.8 | 24.13 |
Matt Forte | 2013 | 28 | CHI | 16 | 337.3 | 21.08 |
LaDainian Tomlinson | 2004 | 25 | SDG | 15 | 336.1 | 22.41 |
Eddie George | 2000 | 27 | TEN | 16 | 334.2 | 20.89 |
Derrick Henry | 2020 | 26 | TEN | 16 | 333.1 | 20.82 |
Priest Holmes | 2001 | 28 | KAN | 16 | 332.9 | 20.81 |
LeSean McCoy | 2013 | 25 | PHI | 16 | 330.6 | 20.66 |
Brian Westbrook | 2006 | 27 | PHI | 15 | 330.6 | 22.04 |
Ezekiel Elliott | 2018 | 23 | DAL | 15 | 329.1 | 21.94 |
Shaun Alexander | 2002 | 25 | SEA | 16 | 328.5 | 20.53 |
LeSean McCoy | 2011 | 23 | PHI | 15 | 328.4 | 21.89 |
Josh Jacobs | 2022 | 24 | LVR | 17 | 328.3 | 19.31 |
Deuce McAllister | 2003 | 25 | NOR | 16 | 326.7 | 20.42 |
Ray Rice | 2009 | 22 | BAL | 16 | 326.1 | 20.38 |
Ezekiel Elliott | 2016 | 21 | DAL | 15 | 325.4 | 21.69 |
Jamal Lewis | 2003 | 24 | BAL | 16 | 325.1 | 20.32 |
Shaun Alexander | 2004 | 27 | SEA | 16 | 323.6 | 20.23 |
Domanick Williams | 2004 | 24 | HOU | 15 | 323.6 | 21.57 |
Maurice Jones-Drew | 2009 | 24 | JAX | 16 | 323.5 | 20.22 |
Frank Gore | 2006 | 23 | SFO | 16 | 323 | 20.19 |
Tiki Barber | 2002 | 27 | NYG | 16 | 321.4 | 20.09 |
Adrian Peterson | 2009 | 24 | MIN | 16 | 320.9 | 20.06 |
Alvin Kamara | 2017 | 22 | NOR | 16 | 320.4 | 20.03 |
Curtis Martin | 2004 | 31 | NYJ | 16 | 319.2 | 19.95 |
Ahman Green | 2001 | 24 | GNB | 16 | 318.1 | 19.88 |
Le'Veon Bell | 2016 | 24 | PIT | 12 | 317.4 | 26.45 |
Devonta Freeman | 2015 | 23 | ATL | 15 | 316.4 | 21.09 |
Ahman Green | 2000 | 23 | GNB | 16 | 316.4 | 19.78 |
Clinton Portis | 2002 | 21 | DEN | 16 | 316.2 | 19.76 |
Aaron Jones | 2019 | 25 | GNB | 16 | 314.8 | 19.68 |
Clinton Portis | 2003 | 22 | DEN | 13 | 312.5 | 24.04 |
Ezekiel Elliott | 2019 | 24 | DAL | 16 | 311.7 | 19.48 |
Doug Martin | 2012 | 23 | TAM | 16 | 311.6 | 19.48 |
Deuce McAllister | 2002 | 24 | NOR | 15 | 311 | 20.73 |
Edgerrin James | 2005 | 27 | IND | 15 | 310.3 | 20.69 |
Austin Ekeler | 2019 | 24 | LAC | 16 | 309 | 19.31 |
Curtis Martin | 2000 | 27 | NYJ | 16 | 307.9 | 19.24 |
DeAngelo Williams | 2008 | 25 | CAR | 16 | 307.6 | 19.23 |
Edgerrin James | 2004 | 26 | IND | 16 | 306.1 | 19.13 |
Arian Foster | 2011 | 25 | HOU | 13 | 305.1 | 23.47 |
Shaun Alexander | 2003 | 26 | SEA | 16 | 305 | 19.06 |
Maurice Jones-Drew | 2011 | 26 | JAX | 16 | 305 | 19.06 |
Matt Forte | 2008 | 23 | CHI | 16 | 304.5 | 19.03 |
Derrick Henry | 2022 | 28 | TEN | 16 | 302.8 | 18.93 |
Marshawn Lynch | 2014 | 28 | SEA | 16 | 302.3 | 18.89 |
Arian Foster | 2012 | 26 | HOU | 16 | 302.1 | 18.88 |
Charlie Garner | 2000 | 28 | SFO | 16 | 300.9 | 18.81 |
Najee Harris | 2021 | 23 | PIT | 17 | 300.7 | 17.69 |
Tiki Barber | 2006 | 31 | NYG | 16 | 298.7 | 18.67 |
Ricky Watters | 2000 | 31 | SEA | 16 | 298.5 | 18.66 |
LeSean McCoy | 2016 | 28 | BUF | 15 | 298.3 | 19.89 |
Shaun Alexander | 2001 | 24 | SEA | 16 | 298.1 | 18.63 |
LeSean McCoy | 2010 | 22 | PHI | 15 | 297.2 | 19.81 |
Curtis Martin | 2001 | 28 | NYJ | 16 | 297 | 18.56 |
Knowshon Moreno | 2013 | 26 | DEN | 16 | 296.6 | 18.54 |
Kareem Hunt | 2017 | 22 | KAN | 16 | 295.2 | 18.45 |
Peyton Hillis | 2010 | 24 | CLE | 16 | 294.9 | 18.43 |
LaMont Jordan | 2005 | 27 | OAK | 14 | 294.8 | 21.06 |
Derrick Henry | 2019 | 25 | TEN | 15 | 294.6 | 19.64 |
DeMarco Murray | 2016 | 28 | TEN | 16 | 293.8 | 18.36 |
Dalvin Cook | 2019 | 24 | MIN | 14 | 292.4 | 20.89 |
Tiki Barber | 2000 | 25 | NYG | 16 | 290.5 | 18.16 |
Breece Hall | 2023 | 22 | NYJ | 17 | 290.5 | 17.09 |
Willie Parker | 2006 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 288.6 | 18.04 |
Melvin Gordon | 2017 | 24 | LAC | 16 | 288.1 | 18.01 |
Joe Mixon | 2021 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 287.9 | 17.99 |
Devonta Freeman | 2016 | 24 | ATL | 16 | 284.1 | 17.76 |
Saquon Barkley | 2022 | 25 | NYG | 16 | 284 | 17.75 |
Travis Henry | 2002 | 24 | BUF | 16 | 283.7 | 17.73 |
Ray Rice | 2012 | 25 | BAL | 16 | 283.1 | 17.69 |
Marshall Faulk | 2002 | 29 | STL | 14 | 283 | 20.21 |
Jamaal Charles | 2010 | 24 | KAN | 16 | 282.5 | 17.66 |
Travis Etienne | 2023 | 24 | JAX | 17 | 282.4 | 16.61 |
Nick Chubb | 2022 | 27 | CLE | 17 | 281.4 | 16.55 |
Maurice Jones-Drew | 2008 | 23 | JAX | 16 | 280.9 | 17.56 |
Robert Smith | 2000 | 28 | MIN | 16 | 280.9 | 17.56 |
James Conner | 2018 | 23 | PIT | 13 | 280 | 21.54 |
Fred Taylor | 2000 | 24 | JAX | 13 | 279.9 | 21.53 |
Frank Gore | 2009 | 26 | SFO | 14 | 278.6 | 19.9 |
Mark Ingram | 2017 | 28 | NOR | 16 | 278 | 17.38 |
Michael Turner | 2008 | 26 | ATL | 16 | 278 | 17.38 |
Maurice Jones-Drew | 2006 | 21 | JAX | 16 | 277.7 | 17.36 |
LaDainian Tomlinson | 2008 | 29 | SDG | 16 | 277.6 | 17.35 |
Darren Sproles | 2011 | 28 | NOR | 16 | 277.3 | 17.33 |
Joseph Addai | 2007 | 24 | IND | 15 | 276.6 | 18.44 |
Ray Rice | 2010 | 23 | BAL | 16 | 276.6 | 17.29 |
James White | 2018 | 26 | NWE | 16 | 276.6 | 17.29 |
Brian Westbrook | 2004 | 25 | PHI | 13 | 276.5 | 21.27 |
Fred Taylor | 2003 | 27 | JAX | 16 | 276.2 | 17.26 |
Thomas Jones | 2008 | 30 | NYJ | 16 | 275.9 | 17.24 |
Adrian Peterson | 2010 | 25 | MIN | 15 | 275.9 | 18.39 |
Melvin Gordon | 2018 | 25 | LAC | 12 | 275.5 | 22.96 |
Marshawn Lynch | 2013 | 27 | SEA | 16 | 275.3 | 17.21 |
Arian Foster | 2014 | 28 | HOU | 13 | 273.5 | 21.04 |
Chris Johnson | 2010 | 25 | TEN | 16 | 272.9 | 17.06 |
Clinton Portis | 2007 | 26 | WAS | 16 | 272.7 | 17.04 |
Mike Anderson | 2000 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 272.6 | 17.04 |
Eddie Lacy | 2014 | 24 | GNB | 16 | 272.6 | 17.04 |
Ricky Williams | 2003 | 26 | MIA | 16 | 272.3 | 17.02 |
Clinton Portis | 2005 | 24 | WAS | 16 | 271.9 | 16.99 |
Steve Slaton | 2008 | 22 | HOU | 16 | 271.9 | 16.99 |
Brian Westbrook | 2008 | 29 | PHI | 14 | 269.8 | 19.27 |
Marshawn Lynch | 2012 | 26 | SEA | 16 | 269.6 | 16.85 |
LaDainian Tomlinson | 2001 | 22 | SDG | 16 | 269.3 | 16.83 |
Ahman Green | 2002 | 25 | GNB | 14 | 268.3 | 19.16 |
Rachaad White | 2023 | 24 | TAM | 17 | 267.9 | 15.76 |
Raheem Mostert | 2023 | 31 | MIA | 15 | 267.7 | 17.85 |
Darren McFadden | 2010 | 23 | OAK | 13 | 267.4 | 20.57 |
Fred Taylor | 2002 | 26 | JAX | 16 | 267.2 | 16.7 |
Joe Mixon | 2023 | 27 | CIN | 17 | 267 | 15.71 |
Reggie Bush | 2006 | 21 | NOR | 16 | 266.7 | 16.67 |
Edgerrin James | 2003 | 25 | IND | 13 | 266.1 | 20.47 |
Ricky Williams | 2001 | 24 | NOR | 16 | 265.6 | 16.6 |
David Montgomery | 2020 | 23 | CHI | 15 | 264.8 | 17.65 |
Matt Forte | 2010 | 25 | CHI | 16 | 264.6 | 16.54 |
LeSean McCoy | 2017 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 263.6 | 16.48 |
Adrian Peterson | 2008 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 261.5 | 16.34 |
Corey Dillon | 2004 | 30 | NWE | 15 | 260.8 | 17.39 |
Adrian Peterson | 2015 | 30 | MIN | 16 | 260.7 | 16.29 |
Eddie George | 2002 | 29 | TEN | 16 | 260 | 16.25 |
Leonard Fournette | 2019 | 24 | JAX | 15 | 259.4 | 17.29 |
Aaron Jones | 2020 | 26 | GNB | 14 | 258.9 | 18.49 |
Corey Dillon | 2001 | 27 | CIN | 16 | 258.3 | 16.14 |
DeMarco Murray | 2013 | 25 | DAL | 14 | 258.1 | 18.44 |
Duce Staley | 2002 | 27 | PHI | 16 | 258 | 16.13 |
James Conner | 2021 | 26 | ARI | 15 | 257.7 | 17.18 |
Leonard Fournette | 2021 | 26 | TAM | 14 | 255.6 | 18.26 |
C.J. Spiller | 2012 | 25 | BUF | 16 | 255.3 | 15.96 |
Nick Chubb | 2019 | 24 | CLE | 16 | 255.2 | 15.95 |
Lamar Smith | 2000 | 30 | MIA | 15 | 255 | 17 |
Kyren Williams | 2023 | 23 | LAR | 12 | 255 | 21.25 |
Trent Richardson | 2012 | 22 | CLE | 15 | 254.7 | 16.98 |
Stephen Davis | 2000 | 26 | WAS | 15 | 254.1 | 16.94 |
Jonathan Taylor | 2020 | 21 | IND | 15 | 252.8 | 16.85 |
Ezekiel Elliott | 2021 | 26 | DAL | 17 | 252.1 | 14.83 |
Alfred Morris | 2012 | 24 | WAS | 16 | 252 | 15.75 |
Jamal Lewis | 2002 | 23 | BAL | 16 | 251.9 | 15.74 |
Adrian Peterson | 2007 | 22 | MIN | 14 | 251.9 | 17.99 |
Warrick Dunn | 2000 | 25 | TAM | 16 | 251.5 | 15.72 |
Melvin Gordon | 2016 | 23 | SDG | 13 | 250.6 | 19.28 |
Jamaal Charles | 2014 | 28 | KAN | 15 | 250.4 | 16.69 |
James Robinson | 2020 | 22 | JAX | 14 | 250.4 | 17.89 |
Moe Williams | 2003 | 29 | MIN | 16 | 249.9 | 15.62 |
Chris Johnson | 2008 | 23 | TEN | 15 | 249.8 | 16.65 |
Rudi Johnson | 2005 | 26 | CIN | 16 | 249.8 | 15.61 |
Rhamondre Stevenson | 2022 | 24 | NWE | 17 | 249.1 | 14.65 |
Tony Pollard | 2022 | 25 | DAL | 16 | 248.8 | 15.55 |
Aaron Jones | 2022 | 28 | GNB | 17 | 248.6 | 14.62 |
Alvin Kamara | 2019 | 24 | NOR | 14 | 248.5 | 17.75 |
Joseph Addai | 2009 | 26 | IND | 15 | 248.3 | 16.55 |
Ricky Williams | 2009 | 32 | MIA | 16 | 247.5 | 15.47 |
Jamal Lewis | 2007 | 28 | CLE | 15 | 247.2 | 16.48 |
Justin Forsett | 2014 | 29 | BAL | 16 | 246.9 | 15.43 |
Derrick Henry | 2023 | 29 | TEN | 17 | 246.7 | 14.51 |
David Johnson | 2018 | 27 | ARI | 16 | 246.6 | 15.41 |
Clinton Portis | 2008 | 27 | WAS | 16 | 246.5 | 15.41 |
Bijan Robinson | 2023 | 21 | ATL | 17 | 246.3 | 14.49 |
James Stewart | 2000 | 29 | DET | 16 | 245.1 | 15.32 |
Steven Jackson | 2009 | 26 | STL | 15 | 244.8 | 16.32 |
Tiki Barber | 2003 | 28 | NYG | 16 | 244.7 | 15.29 |
Saquon Barkley | 2019 | 22 | NYG | 13 | 244.1 | 18.78 |
Marshawn Lynch | 2011 | 25 | SEA | 15 | 243.6 | 16.24 |
Joe Mixon | 2018 | 22 | CIN | 14 | 243.4 | 17.39 |
Danny Woodhead | 2015 | 30 | SDG | 16 | 243.1 | 15.19 |
Mark Ingram | 2019 | 30 | BAL | 15 | 242.5 | 16.17 |
Eddie Lacy | 2013 | 23 | GNB | 15 | 242.5 | 16.17 |
Steven Jackson | 2010 | 27 | STL | 16 | 242.4 | 15.15 |
Mark Ingram | 2016 | 27 | NOR | 16 | 242.2 | 15.14 |
Jahmyr Gibbs | 2023 | 21 | DET | 15 | 242.1 | 16.14 |
Corey Dillon | 2002 | 28 | CIN | 16 | 241.9 | 15.12 |
Marion Barber III | 2007 | 24 | DAL | 16 | 241.7 | 15.11 |
Rashard Mendenhall | 2010 | 23 | PIT | 16 | 241 | 15.06 |
Chris Johnson | 2013 | 28 | TEN | 16 | 240.2 | 15.01 |
Thomas Jones | 2009 | 31 | NYJ | 16 | 240 | 15 |
Ahmad Bradshaw | 2010 | 24 | NYG | 16 | 239.9 | 14.99 |
Jamaal Charles | 2012 | 26 | KAN | 16 | 239.5 | 14.97 |
Joe Mixon | 2022 | 26 | CIN | 14 | 239.5 | 17.11 |
Reggie Bush | 2013 | 28 | DET | 14 | 239.2 | 17.09 |
Curtis Martin | 2002 | 29 | NYJ | 16 | 238.6 | 14.91 |
Tiki Barber | 2001 | 26 | NYG | 14 | 238.2 | 17.01 |
Dalvin Cook | 2022 | 27 | MIN | 17 | 237.8 | 13.99 |
Travis Henry | 2003 | 25 | BUF | 15 | 237.4 | 15.83 |
Ladell Betts | 2006 | 27 | WAS | 16 | 236.9 | 14.81 |
Frank Gore | 2007 | 24 | SFO | 15 | 236.8 | 15.79 |
Ryan Mathews | 2011 | 24 | SDG | 14 | 236.6 | 16.9 |
Clinton Portis | 2004 | 23 | WAS | 15 | 235.6 | 15.71 |
Fred Jackson | 2013 | 32 | BUF | 16 | 234.7 | 14.67 |
Alvin Kamara | 2021 | 26 | NOR | 13 | 234.7 | 18.05 |
Cordarrelle Patterson | 2021 | 30 | ATL | 16 | 234.6 | 14.66 |
Rudi Johnson | 2006 | 27 | CIN | 16 | 234.3 | 14.64 |
Ricky Williams | 2000 | 23 | NOR | 10 | 234.3 | 23.43 |
Maurice Jones-Drew | 2010 | 25 | JAX | 14 | 234.1 | 16.72 |
Ryan Grant | 2009 | 27 | GNB | 16 | 234 | 14.63 |
Tarik Cohen | 2018 | 23 | CHI | 16 | 233.9 | 14.62 |
Carlos Hyde | 2017 | 27 | SFO | 16 | 233.8 | 14.61 |
Steven Jackson | 2005 | 22 | STL | 15 | 233.6 | 15.57 |
Thomas Jones | 2004 | 26 | CHI | 14 | 233.5 | 16.68 |
Alvin Kamara | 2023 | 28 | NOR | 13 | 233 | 17.92 |
LeGarrette Blount | 2016 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 232.9 | 14.56 |
Rudi Johnson | 2004 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 232.8 | 14.55 |
Michael Pittman | 2000 | 25 | ARI | 16 | 232.8 | 14.55 |
James Cook | 2023 | 24 | BUF | 17 | 232.7 | 13.69 |
Adrian Peterson | 2013 | 28 | MIN | 14 | 232.7 | 16.62 |
Chris Carson | 2019 | 25 | SEA | 15 | 232.6 | 15.51 |
Marshawn Lynch | 2008 | 22 | BUF | 15 | 232.6 | 15.51 |
Doug Martin | 2015 | 26 | TAM | 16 | 232.3 | 14.52 |
Lamar Miller | 2015 | 24 | MIA | 16 | 231.9 | 14.49 |
Michael Bennett | 2002 | 24 | MIN | 16 | 231.7 | 14.48 |
Jamaal Charles | 2009 | 23 | KAN | 15 | 231.7 | 15.45 |
DeAngelo Williams | 2015 | 32 | PIT | 16 | 231.4 | 14.46 |
Josh Jacobs | 2020 | 22 | LVR | 15 | 231.3 | 15.42 |
Frank Gore | 2012 | 29 | SFO | 16 | 230.8 | 14.43 |
Marion Barber III | 2008 | 25 | DAL | 15 | 230.2 | 15.35 |
Leonard Fournette | 2017 | 22 | JAX | 13 | 230.2 | 17.71 |
Kareem Hunt | 2018 | 23 | KAN | 11 | 230.2 | 20.93 |
Jordan Howard | 2016 | 22 | CHI | 15 | 230.1 | 15.34 |
The average age of this cohort is 25.51. Below is a distribution graph of the ages of the peak seasons:
Running Back Peak Age
The youngest players to accomplish a peak season were 21: Clinton Portis, Saquon Barkley, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ezekiel Elliott, Reggie Bush, and Jonathan Taylor. This season Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs joined the list. The oldest players to accomplish the feat were 32: Ricky Williams, Fred Jackson, and DeAngelo Williams. The peak is from ages 22 to 28, as an incredible 84.11 percent of the seasons fall within this range.
While 9.69 percent of the peak seasons have taken place at age 28, just 5.43 percent have taken place at age 29 – a noticeable drop-off. From there, just 4.26 percent of the seasons happen at age 30. Father time has a big impact, as no running back since 2000 has scored at least 230 PPR fantasy points at the age of 33 or older.
The age distribution of running backs confirms our previous studies that wide receivers have longer careers than running backs.
Redefining The Time-Period
Each year that I do this study, I wonder when to remove the oldest seasons. It appears that running backs are playing earlier than ever and having shorter careers than ever. Let’s analyze how running backs seasons from 2000-2009 compare with 2010-present. We’ll keep the threshold for scoring at a 230 PPR fantasy-point minimum.
2000-09 | 2010-Present | |
Qualifiers | 120 | 138 |
Average Qualifiers Per Season | 12.0 | 9.9 |
Average Age | 25.88 | 25.19 |
Players Age 21-28 | 83.33% | 90.58% |
Players Age 29 or Older | 16.67% | 9.42% |
First off, we see that running backs aren’t hitting the threshold as frequently. The average qualifiers per year has dropped from 12 in 2000-09 to 9.9 since. This is likely due to the usage rate of starting running backs dropping. Now NFL teams are more willing to rely on multiple running backs or specialists for the goal-line or passing downs.
The average age drops by 0.69, so running backs are certainly getting younger. In the past, running backs fell within the 21-28 range in 83.33 percent of seasons. Incredibly that number is now 90.58 percent – showing how hard it is to produce as a running back after turning 29. Starting in 2010, just 9.42 percent of the seasons take place at age 29 or older.
Filtering For The Elite
I suspect that the age discrepancy will grow if we filter for higher-end seasons. Let’s raise the floor of a peak season to 250 PPR fantasy points and compare the difference between before and after 2010.
2000-09 | 2010-Present | |
Qualifiers | 90 | 94 |
Average Qualifiers Per Season | 9.0 | 6.7 |
Average Age | 25.88 | 24.87 |
Players Age 21-28 | 83.33% | 95.74% |
Players Age 29 or Older | 16.67% | 4.26% |
Again, the difference in qualifiers is noticeable – 2.3 fewer running backs per season qualify. The average age drop increases by 1.01 years. While the 2000-2009 cohort remains the same in terms of the proportion of peak seasons, the 2010+ cohort increases to 95.74 percent of the peak seasons taking place before the age 29 season. That means, in 2000-2009 a running back age 29 or older was nearly four times more likely to account for a peak season! The league has gotten much younger.
The Elite Since 2010
Since it appears that the 2000’s data is irrelevant. Here are the 94 running back seasons since 2010 to score 250 or more PPR fantasy points.
Player | Season | Age | Team | G | PPR | PPR/G |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Christian McCaffrey | 2019 | 23 | CAR | 16 | 471.2 | 29.45 |
David Johnson | 2016 | 25 | ARI | 16 | 407.8 | 25.49 |
Arian Foster | 2010 | 24 | HOU | 16 | 392 | 24.5 |
Christian McCaffrey | 2023 | 27 | SFO | 16 | 391.3 | 24.46 |
Saquon Barkley | 2018 | 21 | NYG | 16 | 385.8 | 24.11 |
Christian McCaffrey | 2018 | 22 | CAR | 16 | 385.5 | 24.09 |
Todd Gurley | 2017 | 23 | LAR | 15 | 383.3 | 25.55 |
Jamaal Charles | 2013 | 27 | KAN | 15 | 378 | 25.2 |
Alvin Kamara | 2020 | 25 | NOR | 15 | 377.8 | 25.19 |
Jonathan Taylor | 2021 | 22 | IND | 17 | 373.1 | 21.95 |
Ray Rice | 2011 | 24 | BAL | 16 | 372.8 | 23.3 |
Austin Ekeler | 2022 | 27 | LAC | 17 | 372.7 | 21.92 |
Todd Gurley | 2018 | 24 | LAR | 14 | 372.1 | 26.58 |
Le'Veon Bell | 2014 | 22 | PIT | 16 | 370.5 | 23.16 |
Christian McCaffrey | 2022 | 26 | CAR,SFO | 17 | 356.4 | 20.96 |
Alvin Kamara | 2018 | 23 | NOR | 15 | 354.2 | 23.61 |
DeMarco Murray | 2014 | 26 | DAL | 16 | 351.1 | 21.94 |
Adrian Peterson | 2012 | 27 | MIN | 16 | 347.4 | 21.71 |
Matt Forte | 2014 | 29 | CHI | 16 | 346.6 | 21.66 |
Austin Ekeler | 2021 | 26 | LAC | 16 | 343.8 | 21.49 |
Le'Veon Bell | 2017 | 25 | PIT | 15 | 341.6 | 22.77 |
Dalvin Cook | 2020 | 25 | MIN | 14 | 337.8 | 24.13 |
Matt Forte | 2013 | 28 | CHI | 16 | 337.3 | 21.08 |
Derrick Henry | 2020 | 26 | TEN | 16 | 333.1 | 20.82 |
LeSean McCoy | 2013 | 25 | PHI | 16 | 330.6 | 20.66 |
Ezekiel Elliott | 2018 | 23 | DAL | 15 | 329.1 | 21.94 |
LeSean McCoy | 2011 | 23 | PHI | 15 | 328.4 | 21.89 |
Josh Jacobs | 2022 | 24 | LVR | 17 | 328.3 | 19.31 |
Ezekiel Elliott | 2016 | 21 | DAL | 15 | 325.4 | 21.69 |
Alvin Kamara | 2017 | 22 | NOR | 16 | 320.4 | 20.03 |
Le'Veon Bell | 2016 | 24 | PIT | 12 | 317.4 | 26.45 |
Devonta Freeman | 2015 | 23 | ATL | 15 | 316.4 | 21.09 |
Aaron Jones | 2019 | 25 | GNB | 16 | 314.8 | 19.68 |
Ezekiel Elliott | 2019 | 24 | DAL | 16 | 311.7 | 19.48 |
Doug Martin | 2012 | 23 | TAM | 16 | 311.6 | 19.48 |
Austin Ekeler | 2019 | 24 | LAC | 16 | 309 | 19.31 |
Arian Foster | 2011 | 25 | HOU | 13 | 305.1 | 23.47 |
Maurice Jones-Drew | 2011 | 26 | JAX | 16 | 305 | 19.06 |
Derrick Henry | 2022 | 28 | TEN | 16 | 302.8 | 18.93 |
Marshawn Lynch | 2014 | 28 | SEA | 16 | 302.3 | 18.89 |
Arian Foster | 2012 | 26 | HOU | 16 | 302.1 | 18.88 |
Najee Harris | 2021 | 23 | PIT | 17 | 300.7 | 17.69 |
LeSean McCoy | 2016 | 28 | BUF | 15 | 298.3 | 19.89 |
LeSean McCoy | 2010 | 22 | PHI | 15 | 297.2 | 19.81 |
Knowshon Moreno | 2013 | 26 | DEN | 16 | 296.6 | 18.54 |
Kareem Hunt | 2017 | 22 | KAN | 16 | 295.2 | 18.45 |
Peyton Hillis | 2010 | 24 | CLE | 16 | 294.9 | 18.43 |
Derrick Henry | 2019 | 25 | TEN | 15 | 294.6 | 19.64 |
DeMarco Murray | 2016 | 28 | TEN | 16 | 293.8 | 18.36 |
Dalvin Cook | 2019 | 24 | MIN | 14 | 292.4 | 20.89 |
Breece Hall | 2023 | 22 | NYJ | 17 | 290.5 | 17.09 |
Melvin Gordon | 2017 | 24 | LAC | 16 | 288.1 | 18.01 |
Joe Mixon | 2021 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 287.9 | 17.99 |
Devonta Freeman | 2016 | 24 | ATL | 16 | 284.1 | 17.76 |
Saquon Barkley | 2022 | 25 | NYG | 16 | 284 | 17.75 |
Ray Rice | 2012 | 25 | BAL | 16 | 283.1 | 17.69 |
Jamaal Charles | 2010 | 24 | KAN | 16 | 282.5 | 17.66 |
Travis Etienne | 2023 | 24 | JAX | 17 | 282.4 | 16.61 |
Nick Chubb | 2022 | 27 | CLE | 17 | 281.4 | 16.55 |
James Conner | 2018 | 23 | PIT | 13 | 280 | 21.54 |
Mark Ingram | 2017 | 28 | NOR | 16 | 278 | 17.38 |
Darren Sproles | 2011 | 28 | NOR | 16 | 277.3 | 17.33 |
James White | 2018 | 26 | NWE | 16 | 276.6 | 17.29 |
Ray Rice | 2010 | 23 | BAL | 16 | 276.6 | 17.29 |
Adrian Peterson | 2010 | 25 | MIN | 15 | 275.9 | 18.39 |
Melvin Gordon | 2018 | 25 | LAC | 12 | 275.5 | 22.96 |
Marshawn Lynch | 2013 | 27 | SEA | 16 | 275.3 | 17.21 |
Arian Foster | 2014 | 28 | HOU | 13 | 273.5 | 21.04 |
Chris Johnson | 2010 | 25 | TEN | 16 | 272.9 | 17.06 |
Eddie Lacy | 2014 | 24 | GNB | 16 | 272.6 | 17.04 |
Marshawn Lynch | 2012 | 26 | SEA | 16 | 269.6 | 16.85 |
Rachaad White | 2023 | 24 | TAM | 17 | 267.9 | 15.76 |
Raheem Mostert | 2023 | 31 | MIA | 15 | 267.7 | 17.85 |
Darren McFadden | 2010 | 23 | OAK | 13 | 267.4 | 20.57 |
Joe Mixon | 2023 | 27 | CIN | 17 | 267 | 15.71 |
David Montgomery | 2020 | 23 | CHI | 15 | 264.8 | 17.65 |
Matt Forte | 2010 | 25 | CHI | 16 | 264.6 | 16.54 |
LeSean McCoy | 2017 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 263.6 | 16.48 |
Adrian Peterson | 2015 | 30 | MIN | 16 | 260.7 | 16.29 |
Leonard Fournette | 2019 | 24 | JAX | 15 | 259.4 | 17.29 |
Aaron Jones | 2020 | 26 | GNB | 14 | 258.9 | 18.49 |
DeMarco Murray | 2013 | 25 | DAL | 14 | 258.1 | 18.44 |
James Conner | 2021 | 26 | ARI | 15 | 257.7 | 17.18 |
Leonard Fournette | 2021 | 26 | TAM | 14 | 255.6 | 18.26 |
C.J. Spiller | 2012 | 25 | BUF | 16 | 255.3 | 15.96 |
Nick Chubb | 2019 | 24 | CLE | 16 | 255.2 | 15.95 |
Kyren Williams | 2023 | 23 | LAR | 12 | 255 | 21.25 |
Trent Richardson | 2012 | 22 | CLE | 15 | 254.7 | 16.98 |
Jonathan Taylor | 2020 | 21 | IND | 15 | 252.8 | 16.85 |
Ezekiel Elliott | 2021 | 26 | DAL | 17 | 252.1 | 14.83 |
Alfred Morris | 2012 | 24 | WAS | 16 | 252 | 15.75 |
Melvin Gordon | 2016 | 23 | SDG | 13 | 250.6 | 19.28 |
James Robinson | 2020 | 22 | JAX | 14 | 250.4 | 17.89 |
Jamaal Charles | 2014 | 28 | KAN | 15 | 250.4 | 16.69 |
The average age of this group is 24.87. Below is a distribution graph of the ages of the elite peak seasons:
Running Back Peak Age
The peak of 23 to 26 includes 65.96 percent of the individual seasons. As noted above, 95.74 percent of the seasons take place before a running back’s age 29 season. The two most common ages are 24 and 25 years old.
When searching for top-end production, a running back is more likely to produce in his prime (typically prior to turning 27). Owners should be looking to sell dynasty assets before they turn 26 years old to be ahead of the curve. This meshes with a previous conclusion that dynasty owners aren’t selling running backs early enough.