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Ranking the Top 10 running backs in NY Giants history

By Desmond Novack

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants warms up before the game against the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium on January 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants warms up before the game against the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium on January 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Jan 07, 2007; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants running back (21) Tiki Barber carries the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The Eagles defeated the Giants 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2007 Howard Smith
Jan 07, 2007; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants running back (21) Tiki Barber carries the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The Eagles defeated the Giants 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2007 Howard Smith /

1. Tiki Barber

Accolades: Three-Time Pro Bowler, First Team All Pro, two-time league leader in yards from scrimmage, NY Giants all-time leader in rushing yards

Career stats: 154 games played, 2,217 attempts, 10,449 yards, 55 TDs

While Tiki Barber may have left a sour taste in the mouths of NY Giants fans due to his post retirement antics, there are no doubts that he is the greatest running back in team history. Gifford may have had a better career, but he was not a pure running back like Barber.

After being selected in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft, Barber would have a slow start to his career, only rushing for 500+ yards once in three seasons. However, Barber would burst onto the scene in 2000, rushing for 1,006 yards and 8 TDs. He Helped the NY Giants make the Super Bowl, where they would eventually be defeated by the Baltimore Ravens.

Barber would keep this level of success up throughout the remainder of his career, rushing for 1,200+ yards in five out of his final six seasons. He made three Pro Bowls, earned a First Team All- Pro selection and came in fourth of the MVP voting in 2005.

However, Barber would suddenly retire following the 2006 season, blaming head coach Tom Coughlin, alongside his physical health for his early retirement. Stating the following on the Scoop B Radio Podcast:

"“I mean, [former Giants head coach Tom Coughlin] was such a small part of it. He was so hard on everybody and you felt unappreciated at times, but it was so much more than that. Maybe he was the last little straw that made me walk away from the game, but physically I was getting beat up, man.”"

This decision would bite Barber in the behind, as in the following season the NY Giants would go on to win the Super Bowl without him. Following his retirement, Barber would pursue a career in broadcasting which still goes on to this day. While during his earlier years of his new career he would spend a lot of time trashing the Giants, Barber has since had a change of heart, repairing a lot of the wounds he left NY Giants fans.

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As a pure running back, there is no doubt the Barber is the best in Giants history. He is the only running back to rush for over 10,000 yards and 50+ TDs for the team. It is very unfortunate that Barber decided to retire early, as a Super Bowl victory may have been enough to put him in the Hall of Fame. He was a star for the Giants.

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