<P> Seven players have been recognized as having held the career rushing yards record in the NFL . Since reliable yardage statistics were not recorded prior to 1932 , the first NFL player recognized as the career leader in rushing yards was Cliff Battles , who played from 1932 to 1937 for the Boston Braves / Boston Redskins / Washington Redskins . He led the NFL with 576 yards in 1932 and held on to the record throughout his career . Emmitt Smith has held the record since surpassing Walter Payton 's long - standing total in 2002 . </P>
<P> Seven players have been recognized as having held the career rushing yards record in the NFL . Since reliable yardage statistics were not recorded prior to 1932 , the first NFL player recognized as the career leader in rushing yards was Cliff Battles , who played from 1932 to 1937 for the Boston Braves / Boston Redskins / Washington Redskins . He led the NFL with 576 yards in 1932 and held on to the record throughout his career . Emmitt Smith has held the record since surpassing Walter Payton 's long - standing total in 2002 . </P>
who has the most rushing yards in football
who has the most rushing yards in football
Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith