Day 244, Sept. 1: Up the Middle

My All-Time Favorite

Running backs

1. Gayle Sayers, Bears: Sacreligous? Maybe, since I'm a Packers' fan, but this guy was incredible. The way he could weave in and out of defenses ... and besides, the Bears didn't beat GB much back then.

2. Paul Hornung, Packers: A character as well as a versatile athlete, the Golden Boy epitomized the Glory Days.

3. Bo Jackson, Raiders: Not only is he my third favorite RB, I also believe he is one of the Top 10 athletes in history.

4. Jim Taylor, Packers: In the same backfield with Hornung; no wonder they were so good.

5. Walter Payton, Bears: One of the classiest and coolest athletes I've ever had the privilege of being near as a sports writer in the day.

6. O.J. Simpson, Bills: Bad dude, but boy could he run.

7. Jimmy Brown, Browns: I'm too young to remember him play, but I believe he's probably the best NFL back ever.

8. Earl Campbell, Oilers: How could a guy so big be so fast and quick? I'll never forget his greatest Monday Night Football game in 1978 as a rookie - 199 yards and 4 TDs.

9. Donny Anderson, Packers: Filled the cleats of Taylor, but not quite as good. Still very solid.

10. Bronko Nagurski, Bears: Played a little bit before my time (1930s), he was huge for his day (6-2, 235). But he also could move, and I love the name.