What Happened to Running backs in the NFL?

Since the year 2000, the position of Running backs in the NFL have slowly become less important, and in return, causes less pay. For many early years in the NFL, Running backs have been a prime position. As the game started evolving, the passing game started to become more prominent.

Many running backs are having an issue with the ‘change in the game’ becuause it is effecting their salary. According to the article “The 32 highest-paid running backs made an average of $5 million. But the average pay of a top-32 offensive lineman last year was $16.9 million.”

The main reason for this change is that teams want a stronger offensive line to protect the quarterback more so that he can get a good pass off. the article also mentioned that with a stronger offensive line, there’s not much of a difference between a starting and a backup running back in performance.

Even though the new generation of the NFL is more of a passing league, some aspects of the game haven’t changed quite too much. the article states, “In 2000, rushing attempts accounted for 46 percent of all offensive snaps and 35 percent of all yards. In 2022, rushing attempts accounted for 45 percent of offensive snaps and 35 percent of all yards.” This shows that percentage of yards by a running back and snaps are still standing fairly consistent, despite changes in salary and offensive playbooks.

I feel that this article was fairly spot on with the assumptions and arguments that they were making. Many running backs have already lashed out their anger or disappointment on social media accounts. They feel that they aren’t valued as much as other players anymore and feel that they deserve higher pays, as well as, understanding that their prime years as a player won’t likely continue through their late 20s.