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Top 5 New England Patriots running backs of all time

By Xaiver Aguiar

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Fans cheer after the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Fans cheer after the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 22: (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

#2 Jim Nance 1965-1971

Do not get confused with the amazing broadcaster Jim Nantz, this is the legendary fullback, Jim Nance.

Nance was one of the best players in the history of the then AFL. As a member of the Boston Patriots, Nance was taken in the nineteenth round of the 1965 Draft.

He was a huge fullback for the time, standing at 6’1″ and weighing over 250 pounds. It was clear early on that his physical stature would lead to great success.

In just his second season, Nance rushed for over 1400 yards and a whopping 19 touchdowns. That season Nance won the AFL MVP and became the first player in the history of the league to rush for over 1400 yards.

The next season Nance became the first player in AFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in back to back seasons.

All his accolades show that not only was he an amazing Patriot, but he was also one of the best players of the AFL era. After he was eventually traded to the Eagles, he retired with virtually all of the Patriots rushing records.

Even though it was before footballs modern era, Nance’s contribution to the Patriots and amazing play will forever loom large in the Pats franchise.

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