Are there any white starting running backs in FBS or NFL football?
March 9th, 2010 | by admin |My friend has this theory that white guys are too slow and/or fragile to play running back in upper-level college or nfl football. I agree, but we were wondering if there are any white starting running backs in the FBS or NFL at all. Also, if there are none, does anyone know who/when the last starting running back somewhere was white? This is NFL, not college.
Note: I’m not looking for fullbacks or other blocking backs, but for ball-carrying ‘backs.
Yes there are a few…
Sam McGuffie played for Michigan his freshman year, but he transfered to Rice & will have to sit out till 2010 to play. Once he gets back on the field, he will be a starter & he’s one of the most unbelievable RBs i’ve ever seen. Go to youtube & look up his high school highlights.
Toby Gerhart is the starting runningback for Stanford. He had over 1,000 yards rushing last year, and also set the school’s single season rushing record. He’s going into his senior season this year.
Peyton Hillis started a few games last season for the Denver Broncos, but he’s also a fullback too.
Brian Leonard is a RB/FB that plays for the Cinncinnati Bengals, and he carried the ball alot in college, but not that much in the NFL.
The last white RB to lead his team in rushing in the NFL was Nick Goings for the Carolina Panthers in 2004. He still plays for the Panthers, but he is mostly a backup now at both RB & FB.
11 Responses to “Are there any white starting running backs in FBS or NFL football?”
By razr on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
well there used to be justin fargas from the raiders, he did not have a lot of speed but his speed was pretty decent
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By Arlen on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
Justin Fargis. Running back for the Oakland raiders.
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By Dallas Cowboys Fan Forever on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
Too fragile? Former Cowboys fullback Daryl "Moose" Johnston was white and was a battering ram of a lead blocker for 11 seasons!
As for ball carriers; Peyton Hillis of the Broncos was their top rusher last year and he is white. However; he too was drafted as a fullback.
So for starting white running backs; right now there are none.
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By euchagebeast on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
sam mcguffie from michigan started as a freshman last year at michigan before getting hurt. he transfered to texas tech ar texas am.
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By Biggus on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
You, uh your friend, has simple answers for complex situations.
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By -m®.x- CFC .rip. .mcnair. on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
Peyton Hillis was the starting running back for denver in the NFL last year and he did quite well for the 6 or so games he was the starter
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peyton_Hillis
By Baltimorebomber on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
Peyton Hillis, Denver Broncos. He might lose his starting job this year though. Justin Fargas is mixed. His father was a blaxploitation actor.
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By StephenG on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
can you say RACIST?
lol there was Larry Czonka, he was italian or something.
And Justin Fargas is actually half black.his dad is a famous black actor.
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By T-Cov on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
John "Diesel" Riggins played for the Washington Redskins in the late 80s and is one of the best power runners of all time and is in the pro football hall of fame.
And also Brian Leonard the white running back out of rutgers that plays for the rams and took over when steven jackson was hurt
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By S-Wess on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
Justin Fargas is the most recent. Peyton Hillis is a full back not a half back he played half back 2 or 3 games last year for denver but only because of denver having 6 other running backs out for the year.
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By JL423 on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
Yes there are a few…
Sam McGuffie played for Michigan his freshman year, but he transfered to Rice & will have to sit out till 2010 to play. Once he gets back on the field, he will be a starter & he’s one of the most unbelievable RBs i’ve ever seen. Go to youtube & look up his high school highlights.
Toby Gerhart is the starting runningback for Stanford. He had over 1,000 yards rushing last year, and also set the school’s single season rushing record. He’s going into his senior season this year.
Peyton Hillis started a few games last season for the Denver Broncos, but he’s also a fullback too.
Brian Leonard is a RB/FB that plays for the Cinncinnati Bengals, and he carried the ball alot in college, but not that much in the NFL.
The last white RB to lead his team in rushing in the NFL was Nick Goings for the Carolina Panthers in 2004. He still plays for the Panthers, but he is mostly a backup now at both RB & FB.
References :