Factoid
No 30-year-old running backs reached 1,000 yards last season, but that’s hardly reason to avoid older running backs at your fantasy draft. Looking at the historical numbers, I’m seeing plenty of backs having big seasons late in their careers.
In each of the previous 12 seasons, in fact, at least one 30-something running back has gone for over 1,000 yards.
The way these guys train and take care of their bodies, I have no problem whatsoever drafting a 30-year-old running back. It’s up around 31-32, I think, where you’re far more likely to get stuck holding a player with declining skills.
30-YEAR-OLDS WHO RAN FOR 1,000 YARDS, 1998-2010
(ages indicates player’s age when season ended).
Yds Year Age
1491 1998 30 Barry Sanders, Det.
1397 1999 30 Emmitt Smith, Dall.
1210 1999 30 Ricky Watters, Sea.
1203 2000 31 Emmitt Smith, Dall.
1242 2000 31 Ricky Watters, Sea.
1139 2000 30 Lamar Smith, Mia.
1021 2001 32 Emmitt Smith, Dall.
1206 2001 30 Garrison Hearst, S.F.
1021 2002 30 James Stewart, Det.
1308 2003 30 Curtis Martin, NYJ
1420 2003 30 Priest Holmes, K.C.
1031 2003 30 Eddie George, Tenn.
1697 2004 31 Curtis Martin, NYJ
1635 2004 30 Corey Dillon, N.E.
1014 2005 32 Mike Anderson, Den.
1860 2005 30 Tiki Barber, NYG
1416 2005 30 Warrick Dunn, Atl.
1662 2006 31 Tiki Barber, NYG
1140 2006 31 Warrick Dunn, Atl.
1146 2006 30 Fred Taylor, Jac.
1202 2007 31 Fred Taylor, Jac.
1312 2008 30 Thomas Jones, NYJ
1121 2009 32 Ricky Williams, Mia.
1402 2009 31 Thomas Jones, NYJ
—Ian Allan
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Posted by L DALE GANDER | Aug. 28 at 02:06 AM
LOL. The funniest thing on that list is Tiki Barber - 31 in 2006! How's that comeback going for you?