As a continuation in our top 20 series, today we’ll be taking a peek at the New Orleans Saints franchise leading rushers. At the very top, we have one of the most dynamic rushing duos of this era, followed up by a longtime franchise icon. Three Saints quarterbacks have also found their way on the list, which include two of the top three passers in franchise history. Along the way, the list also reflects bold front office moves, including a historic draft-day gamble that shook the league and brought a national spotlight to the Saints’ backfield.
From elusive slashers to punishing bruisers, here are the top 20 franchise leading rushers in Saints history:
20. Hokie Gajan (1982-1985): 1,358 rushing yards
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 29: Running back Hokie Gajan #46 of the New Orleans Saints finds room to run against the San Francisco 49ers defense during a game at Candlestick Park on September 29, 1985 in San Francisco, California. The Saints won 20-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
19. Derek Brown (1993-1996): 1,383 rushing yards
Sep 25, 1994; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back Derek Brown (21) in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
18. Aaron Brooks (2000-2005): 1,410 rushing yards
Dec. 4, 2005: Baton Rouge, LA, USA New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) is tripped up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks during the first half at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports Copyright Matt Stamey
17. Craig Heyward (1988-1992): 1,813 rushing yards
Dec 16, 1992; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Craig Heyward (34) carries the ball against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
16. Mike Strachan (1975-1980): 1,902 rushing yards
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmet during warmups against the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
15. Archie Manning (1971-1982): 2,058 rushing yards
Oct 2, 1977; Chicago, IL; FILE PHOTO: New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning (8) in action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Saints beat the Bears 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
14. Reggie Bush (2006-2010): 2,090 rushing yards
NEW ORLEANS – OCTOBER 06: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints avoids a tackle by Ben Leber #51 of the Minnesota Vikings on October 6, 2008 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
13. Taysom Hill (2017-Present): 2,437 rushing yards
Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) runs for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
12. Wayne Wilson (1979-1986): 2,462 rushing yards
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 29: Running back Wayne Wilson #30 of the New Orleans Saints runs away from defensive back Carlton Williamson #27 of the San Francisco 49ers during a game at Candlestick Park on September 29, 1985 in San Francisco, California. The Saints won 20-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
11. Mario Bates (1994-1997): 2,554 rushing yards
28 Sep 1997: Running back Mario Bates #24 of the New Orleans Saints carries the football during the Saints 14-9 loss to the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport
10. Tony Galbreath (1976-1980): 2,865 rushing yards
Dec 5, 1982; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings running back Tony Galbreath (32) carries the ball against the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
9. Ricky Williams (1999-2001): 3,129 rushing yards
Aug 13, 1999; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back Ricky Williams running the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the 1999 pre-season at Dolphin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
8. Chuck Muncie (1976-1980): 3,393 rushing yards
Nov 5, 1978; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back Chuck Muncie (42) leaps past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Donnie Shell (31) at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
7. Rueben Mayes (1986-1990): 3,408 rushing yards
Oct 9, 1988; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back Rueben Mayes (36) in action against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
6. Pierre Thomas (2007-2014): 3,745 rushing yards
Feb 7, 2010; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
5. Dalton Hilliard (1986-1993): 4,164 rushing yards
Sep 11, 1988, Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back Dalton Hilliard (21) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
4. George Rogers (1981-1984): 4,267 rushing yards
Oct 18, 1981; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back George Rogers (38) in action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
3. Deuce McAllister (2001-2008): 6,096 rushing yards
Nov 24, 2008; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister (26) waits to be introduced before the game against the Green Bay Packers at the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints defeated the Packers 51-29. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
2. Mark Ingram II (2011-2018, 2021-2022): 6,500 rushing yards
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 18: Mark Ingram #22 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 18, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
1. Alvin Kamara (2017-Present): 6,779 rushing yards
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 10: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on December 10, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Top 20 rushing yards leaders in Saints franchise history