Arizona Cardinals: Top Five Running Backs in History

Jan 25, 2014; Honolulu, HI, USA; General view of a lantern with a NFL logo and palm trees at the 2014 Pro Bowl All-Star Block Party Waikiki on Kalakaua Ave. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Adrian Murrell

Murrell came over to the Arizona Cardinals in 1998 after spending his first five seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets.  He spent just two seasons in Arizona but they were productive, especially the 1998 season.  His production in part helped the Cardinals reach their first playoff berth in the desert.

When he arrived in Arizona he was coming off of two 1,000 yard plus rushing seasons with the Jets, so he was an attractive commodity.  He didn’t disappoint in 1998, carrying the ball 274 times for 1,042 yards and eight touchdowns.  He also had 18 receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns.  He accounted for 10 touchdowns on offense.

His production in running the ball dropped a bit in 1999, rushing for 553 yards but he became more of a receiving threat as he caught 49 passes for 335 yards.  I think the most startling statistic though was he didn’t score a single touchdown in 1999 after his 10 in 1998.

He played just two more seasons in the NFL after that.  He was with the Washington Redskins in 2000 and then played in three games in 2003 for the Dallas Cowboys.

Best Cardinals season: 1998: 1.042 yards rushing, 169 yards receiving, 10 touchdowns

Best Cardinals game: September 20, 1998 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 22 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown