Syracuse Football: Top 5 Running Backs in School History

4. Larry Csonka

Larry Csonka did it all during his tenure with Syracuse. Capturing ECAC Player of the Year honors in 1967, and was an All-American recipient in 1966 and 1967, Csonka was an absolute stud in college. Although he ranks just fourth on the all-time rushing list in school history with 2,934, according to Sports-Reference.com. Csonka to date has the second most rushing yards on average per game in Syracuse’s deep history of rushers.

Csonka’s illustrious career, and the spectacular individual seasons within it were recognized through being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. Ten years later, Csonka was inducted into Syracuse’s All-Century team in 1999.

Larry Csonka’s college success translated nicely to the NFL. After being selected by the Miami Dolphins in 1968, the Syracuse product played an integral role in winning back-to-back championships with the ‘Fins, including their perfect 1972 campaign. It’s easy to see why Csonka is considered by many as one of the NFL’s best rushers of all-time.

The Syracuse product is the Dolphin’s all-time rushing leader (6,737 yards), and has the most rushing touchdowns in the team’s history (53), according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. Csonka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Csonka was recognized by the league for his awesome career when his his number, 39, was raised to the rafters in 2002 by the Dolphins.

It has been noted by many, that Csonka has starred in many fishing shows, and has even hosted some since his retirement, and to this day, lives happily in Alaska.