#85: Marcus Allen | The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players (2010) |

[@mikebernstein4095]

This guy is the best all around football player I have ever seen. His ability to pick the right hole to run through for the most yardage was unparralled. His football IQ at gamespeed is some of the best I have ever seen,

[@frankaviza6362]

Yes. And Marcus always fell forward. Nobody ever put a good enough lick on him to knock him back on his ass.

[@xaviervega468]

You have to wonder what Marcus could have done had Al Davis not wasted 4 years of his prime.

[@TalkMyShiit]

Yeah, i am a die hard Raiders fans but Al Davis was wrong.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

It's a bit overdone. If he plays full time with the Raiders, he doesn't have the longevity he did in Kansas City. But Al Davis definitely screwed him over. And for what? As a Raiders fan, I don't know what the point was.

[@ricstormwolf]

The stats, numbers and games he would have had. With Marcus, we'd have had three more Super Bowls.

[@src4526]

he would have been a lot higher than 85 on this list, that's for damn sure. he should be rated a lot higher anyway. if i could build a team out of this top 100 i promise you Marcus would be somewhere on it.

[@naturalimmunity7007]

He would have been 50 spots higher on this list

[@80sFootballCards]

How was Marcus not higher than 85!? He won a Heismann, Rookie of the Year award, Super Bowl MVP award, NFL MVP award, Comeback Player of the Year award, retired with the most rushing TD's in NFL history, 2nd most yards from scrimmage in NFL history and the 6th most rushing yards in NFL history, plus a first ballot Hall of Famer!

[@OutSideTheBoxFormat]

#32 was the CLASSIEST running backs ever to play. when he made great runs or made TD's , he didn't act like it was his first time and had to dance or show his ass. he got up and ran back to the huddle. And always consistent. Needs to be higher on the list 85 is an insult.

[@thedangerwich5476]

i like when players celebrate. it's cool.

[@bballer191]

Barry Sanders was the same way. Never showboated. Just handed the ball to the ref and ran back to the sideline. Special.

[@joshdaboss2365]

@@thedangerwich5476 who asked?

[@davidpauga268]

#85 is truly an insult

[@NarkleBerry]

Christian mcaffrey is the classiest running back to ever play.

[@matthewmurdock9718]

If he started his whole career he would've been the Jerry rice of running backs

[@lrh-js6od]

Oh my god i know i hate al davis everyone should

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

It's a bit overdone. If he plays full time with the Raiders, he doesn't have the longevity he did in Kansas City. But Al Davis definitely screwed him over. And for what? As a Raiders fan, I don't know what the point was.

[@mizzyforeverg6452]

Im glad that he didnt

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

1982-1987 Marcus Allen in his peak with the Los Angeles Raiders was one of the best players at his position He was pretty well on his well to greatness until they brought in Bo Jackson in 1988 Real unfortunate for Allen Allen was a great player for the Chiefs in 1993 and their playoff run in 1993-1995

[@tracymorgansbelly3322]

No

[@altonwilliams7117]

His touchdown run in the Super Bowl was the greatest run all time in my book. 🏈

[@fortynights1513]

One of the best shots NFL Films ever shot.

[@Spaceaging]

​@@fortynights1513the music tho

[@drod826]

That 74 yr reverse run and dominating the Redskins to boot still makes me smile!

[@steveswangler6373]

Which one? Both were great runs

[@DouglasErnst]

I used to love the Raiders as a kid until Al Davis tried to ruin Marcus Allen's career. I'm glad Marcus was able to have some great games with the Chiefs and ultimately wound up in the Hall of Fame.

[@lchamp7946]

Yeah, I’m not so sure that Marcus makes it into the HOF without his time with the Chiefs. His body of accomplishments with the Raiders was very good, but maybe not enough for the Hall.

[@unseen6455]

I think Al had a cognitive decline from the late 80s till his death. He just wasn't what he used to be.

[@rwmartinez1262]

@@lchamp7946 lmao.. Being a chump didn't propel his HOF status. As a Raider, Two regular-season MVPs and a Finals MVP. What did he accomplish in KC?

[@henrygucci360]

Marcus Allen was a Heisman Winner. A Super Bowl Champ. A Super Bowl MVP. How is he no ranked higher?

[@Paulyb384]

He was a California High School State champion as well. He won at every level of the sport

[@sebtheweb43]

Dont forget he is the true meaning of half back

[@austinluepkes5484]

mr 24kmlgman indeed, he was an offensive back who’s primary role was to carry the ball, when he wasn’t playing full back.

[@BarackObama-yc1ey]

College has jack squat to do with this

[@thepatriarchy819]

@@Paulyb384 same with Woodson two raider legends

[@Soundafek]

Marcus Allen is the reason i became a Raider fan. Shame Al Davis treated him the way he did...

[@CodeinCaptain]

Seriously, as great as Al was and I mean no disrespect but the man had a serious pride issue and was really childish at times. I'm a die hard Raider fan but i'm glad that Marcus got the opportunity to go to the Chiefs and showcase his talent on a team that appreciated him, it would've been a waste of a great career had he stayed on the Raiders as long as Al was in charge.

[@daidrionharris]

+CodeinCaptain me to bro

[@2006unsw]

exactly what i came in to say.i can see him with a top 3 yardage total if it weren't for Davis

[@CodeinCaptain]

***** As much of an ass as he might've been, the NFL would not be where it is without him. He paved the way for minorities in the NFL hiring the first minority head coach in Tom Flores who then went on to win 2 super bowls with The Raiders, hiring the first African American head coach in Art Shell and giving Amy Trask the opportunity to become the first female CEO in NFL history.. Many hated Al Davis for a lot of things, but he also did a lot of good for the NFL and for that he must be respected.

[@CodeinCaptain]

Would've happened sooner or later? Sure, but not in the 70's-80's. Davis was a pioneer for many in the NFL world. Whether you like him or not, he will remain a legend.

[@solomonkessington8136]

Marcus is top 20 RB of all time. That reverse Oaky in Super Bowl XVII is one of the best plays in Super Bowl history. So underrated.

[@solomonkessington8136]

+YOU BOO BOO sorry but no.

[@Jarlin_p]

+Solomon Kessington he was giving his opinion idiot

[@TangoSucka209]

+Solomon Kessington lol

[@mizofan]

Underrated but only top 20 running back?

[@mixumup1]

mizofan top 6 or 7 RB... barry, brown, payton, dickerson, campbell, peterson, allen

[@quincee3376]

I met his brother Damon. One the greatest QB's in CFL history and just like Marcus - pure class. Marcus was greatness on and off the field. Parents have alot to be proud of.

[@canadiancontent352]

Thanks for that another great football player. These guys just oozed football ability.

[@quincee3376]

@@canadiancontent352 yes sir.

[@ethanahoia8619]

Who cares who is the greatest. Just take in the greatness.

[@jeremythompson9122]

Marcus is definitely in the top 10 all time RB's in my opinion. Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, OJ Simpson, Walter Payton, Earl Campbell, Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Marshall Faulk are my top 10 but not necessarily in that order. There are some others like Bo Jackson and Terrell Davis who were well on their way but had their careers cut short by injury. And there are others who played back in the leather helmet days like Bronko Nagurski, Steve Van Buren, and Ollie Matson that I just haven't seen enough footage of to put them over the other guys

[@footysleeper4529]

Jeremy Thompson I understand what you’re saying 100% most of the abilities/styles of running most fan consider GREAT, Marcus Allen showed in his time with the raiders. Underrated when it comes to all time backs for sure.

[@TDH24Live]

One of the smoothest runners ever

[@dirtydan1697]

And shouldn't be 85 in my opinion... At least in the 60s

[@mr.billthrower7392]

I’d probably say Marcus Dupree was tbh

[@dwightlove3704]

Allen was Eric Dickerson minus the blazing speed.I'm shocked that he never ran track while in high school those questions about the subject of speed would have never been bought up.

[@dwightlove3704]

@@mr.billthrower7392 Duper was freak of nature I saw footage of him in high school and it was like watching a grown man play football with kids in first grade.

[@doublef3618]

Marcus definitely deserves to be in the top 25

[@R2B2YT]

more like top 10

[@80sFootballCards]

Absolutely!!! 85 is a crime.

[@davidsieradzki]

One of the best compliments you can give a player is you'd take a roster full of players with their kind of mindset and toughness of Marcus Allen. I'd take a full 53 man roster with Marcus Allen type of players.

[@pp3k3jamail]

marcus would've been the all-time leading rusher if it wasn't for al Davis.

[@jordyp9088]

Y'all got me messed up thinking Marcus is rated 85 on here

[@blakebrown84]

Marcus Allen is an all-around running back who is a Hall of Famer. They couldn’t catch him running, so he is a pure football player and very selfless at heart. He play the game with heart, and never gave up on his teammates. Al Davis screwed him over and they never got along. He was a Heisman Trophy winner, Super Bowl MVP, and played 16 seasons in the NFL before retiring. Salute to #32 Marcus Allen!!!

[@blakebrown84]

He doesn’t get enough credit for his contributions for his teams and how outstanding running back he was.

[@313thugboss]

He's the grid iron 🧇 king 👑

[@john1985278]

How did he manage to make that run against the Redskins in the SB. Amazing.

[@Danimal1577]

That run in the Super Bowl against the Washington Foreskins, WOW! 😮

[@sanjaymodi2344]

Dan Najera *Redskins

[@Etnad85]

Sanjay Modi no deadskins

[@greggillings9454]

Just Washington now lol.

[@greggillings9454]

@Green this was right before they decided on the name Commanders when I originally commented.

[@phatplates]

@Green The Washington Redskins

[@sanjaymodi2344]

2:05 R.I.P. Todd Christensen. You will be remembered in the #raidernation as the #raidersbesttightend

[@JAWrightonline]

@Harry Engel Christiansen had better numbers. Casper was a much better blocker. Both were great, clutch receivers with excellent hands.

[@michaelsloane9955]

My vote here is for Christensen. Casper was the better athlete and could better make adjustments to the ball when it was in the air, but Christensen was better at route running and getting open. Both had hands that could easily be trusted. Christensen's 1983 season is the hair splitter for me.

[@grantv.broussard8595]

Chistiansen should’ve been in HOF long ago

[@bobfeller604]

I used to go over to spring ball at SC when the public was allowed to watch, and seeing Marcus Allen and Charles White in the same backfield was quite a sight.

[@kinglando4891]

I honestly think if Marcus played in his prime as a running back and didn't have problems with his owner! He would be considered top 3 for best running backs of all time!!

[@SuperPrince1007]

In my opinion, Marcus Allen is one of the most underrated NFL Players of all time. He was exceptional.

[@Cavemanphilanthropist]

The craziest thing about Marcus Allen was he never took the worst part of the impact of a tackle. I don't remember him getting rocked by a hit ever, have seen him block and run hard but he never left himself overexposed and got nailed. He always seemed to dodge like he was seeing into the future, lol.

[@jamesreed3198]

I'm someone from the UK who watched this fella as a kid and was a massive Raiders fan because of him. I used to be in awe of him leaping over people to score he was poetry in motion.

[@alanpeel1981]

Really came to appreciate Marcus Allen in the final years of his career in KC. Great teammate and a true leader, not to mention the best nose for the end zone of any running back ever!

[@rwmartinez1262]

He did nothing with the Chumps.

[@betawolf9908]

Did you hear that theme song towards the end? That's the Raiders theme song! Raider Nation for life!

[@Sldumas1983]

All day baby I got goosebumps hearing this song

[@jonathanblaze1648]

Autumn Wind.

[@starguy2718]

John Facenda voiceover!

[@mr.billthrower7392]

Some people can’t understand that there’s a difference between being a great athlete, and being an actual great football player. Bo was a one of a kind athlete but Marcus Allen was a one of kind football player.

[@frankaviza6362]

He's my favorite player in football history. I was lucky enough to be a lifelong Raiders fan and when Marcus did the things he did I was ecstatic. Football royalty.

[@creepystares9853]

Al Davis prevented him from being top 20 all time. Sometimes, you just wanted to strangle Al.

[@erico6247]

So blessed to have seen and enjoyed being a Raider fan while Marcus Allen played!

[@njt002]

Marcus Allen in a Raiders uniform IS the NFL. He it is!

[@ricstormwolf]

John Facenda: on came Marcus Allen, running with the night. Still gives me chills.

[@starguy2718]

Facenda could read from the dictionary, and have you leaning forward, on the edge of your seat.

[@ricstormwolf]

​@@starguy2718 Well said 👍

[@stephendverner]

He was just consistent. Loved watching him play.

[@camerongarza3861]

I had no idea he played 16 seasons. That’s extremely impressive for a running back. Speaks to his durability and toughness

[@steveswangler6373]

Allen was incredibly tough in an era when defensive players were still allowed to hit

[@altowatts1325]

My Top 5 Rushers All-Time. 1. Jim Brown. 2. Barry Sanders. 3. Walter Payton. 4. Marcus Allen. 5. Gale Sayers.

[@timsmith1033]

Allen is one of the most underrated players in the history of game and is one of the most complete ever. in terms of complete runningbacks allen is probably only behind sweetness. allen was great at every aspect of football. he is without question a top 10 back of all time.

[@mxl_reps_951]

Foh aint no comparison to Marcus Allen especially as overall running back not even sweetness

[@538frostrd]

Al Davis really treated him crappy. His stats would of been off the charts.

[@ccrusegombio]

if bo never got injured he could've been in the top 10 of this list

[@stealthiscool]

Doubt it, he's a glorified Herschel Walker

[@Lu713n]

+stealthiscool bo was a beast

[@KarmelHumphrey]

IF ... COULD'VE...

[@DarkSideMaceWindu]

no, stop

[@JAWrightonline]

This is a Marcus Allen thread. Bo's finished and Marcus Allen is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame...AS IT SHOULD BE.

[@trikk9964]

... love or hate Al Davis (I personally loved his sensibilities), he pursued excellence in its purest-form: through the marriage of form and function. This type of excellence has a very distinct-signature... and it's pure electricity. Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson sharing the field at the same-time is the type of lightning-in-a-bottle... we will never see again. What an era of football; absolute magic.

[@satmedown]

Today I spoiled myself and bought a Marcus Allen Jersey. I’m so excited. Cheers to one of the greatest Raiders of all time.

[@krlm2280]

Would've been the all time leading rusher if he didn't get bench or play fb for 4 seasons

[@acesn8s]

Great football player. With heart, toughness and high IQ. Really lucky to have seen him play.

[@Cr0inuj27]

When that Oakland raiders theme music comes on, chills come down your spine

[@ashdude55]

Ok but can we talk about Jim Plunkett's block at 1:04

[@cameronmoquin1816]

ashdude55 straight cleared that man up 😂😂

[@calecorleyjr1]

Yo qb blasted him....

[@kev6141]

The days the NFL was awesome and football was still football

[@janineboitard6492]

His talents, work ethic, and humility speak for themselves... but he was the most graceful runner in NFL history and had the perfect RB body!

[@megalon73]

Marcus Allen should be in the Top 20 more. Plus If I had pick between him and, Eric Dickerson. No countess, Marcus is the a much, much better Running Back.

[@changhongyi2318]

1:03 jim plunketts block was pretty good, Marcus is the best rb I have ever seen, I remember seeing him block and catch and was very impressed.

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

Chess... He assessed all the pieces on the board in a blink and had the moves. Vision and resson.

[@DeepH2Ov1]

I'mma a old head(Been a Raider fan since I was 5, 1966), Marcus is easily one the most complete Football players I've ever seen. Folks should remember, Was a High School star at Starting QB & Safety. Get's recruited to USC to play DB in the secondary with Joey Browner(started at safety for the Vikings for like 10 years), Dennis Smith(Started at strong safety for the Bronco's, played between 10 and 13 years), and Ronnie Lott(Hall of Famer). That was gonna be USC's secondary. Then he get's moved to Fullback to block for Charles White(Heisman Trophy Winner) and blocked for him for 2 years. Then get's his shot a running back..............The rest is history...............A complete Football Player!!!!!!!!! And keep in mind, when Marcus played there was no *free agency* what they call the "franchise tag* today was called "Plan B" when he played. And you could only Plan B 2 players I think. Marcus got Plan B'd for 6 years. He got paid market value of the top 5 at his position, but and this is key, he can only be traded if Al picks up the phone and we see how that went. And to Marcus's true professionalism, never complained when they brought in Bo for 4 years, then Roger Craig after that, then Eric Dickerson after that. He just kept pushing. Much respect, that's a true Athlete. True to tha game!!!!!

[@jgamez5023]

That run he made against the Redskins in the Super Bowl will NEVER be forgotten. Greatest Super Bowl run for a TD in history !

[@tmrevenge]

On came Marcus Allen... running with the night. Nothing but respect for the Raiders from a die hard Eagles fan

[@michaeldunson2531]

I will always remember that run in the Super Bowl, I was a private in the Army deployed to Honduras.

[@previnlubom8094]

Marcus Allen should've been higher on the list

[@scottmitchell1974]

Always, always falling forward. Somehow, at the very end, he unfolds his long frame and flops forward for an extra yard or two. My all-time favorite football player!

[@quitmon]

Marcus should be top 30. He could do it all

[@johnhodge7016]

THE BEST NFL RUNNING BACK EVER

[@jmgmarcus808]

He was a great player, Al Davis just played games with him. I was bummed when he went to the Chiefs but, he still had gas in the tank there too. Would have been cool to see them go to the big game him and Montana that is.

[@N.a.j.i.]

I love when they slow-motion that super bowl run. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@billysheppard6091]

I came here to watch Marcus,,,,my football idol... semper fi...

[@lightningbrigade257]

Great running back. Much respect from a Bronco fan.

[@Number1Dougster]

Very few backs could reverse their field like Allen could. Just a great, all around running back.

[@Byzantine41]

Top 5 all time running back in my book.

[@fyafeelings7673]

My top 5 Campbell, Simpson, Dickerson, Payton, Sanders Honorable metions Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith, Landaian Tomlinson and a couple others, I missed as well. It was hard not putting Allen in my five and felt like him and OJ Simpson could be swapped out, a lot off people forget how good the OJ was at RB. I didn't get to see Jim Brown play, only reason for not being in the top 5. And from what i heard the league was a different at that time. He was like a Goliath. Not taking anything away from Mr. Brown. IMO

[@texasrockshillcountry6574]

He wore #32, but was probably better liked than jack tatum.

[@PhatLvis]

Millen must have gotten tongue-tied: Marcus indeed had "phenomenal moves," which enabled him to dominate even with sub-par speed. His closest analogs would be Gayle Sayers & O.J. (although they did have wheels). Millen is correct in that Allen's moves were mostly smooth and gliding - not so sharp like, say, Barry Sanders and most modern RBs - which made the running look sort of refined, like artwork.

[@linkueiwarriorkamaal9876]

This guy has 17,654 yards for his career and also 145 touchdowns for his career very impressive

[@TheSuperKozak]

The best player ever.

[@davers78]

It was a waste to use Marcus Allen at fullback. Should have used a RB by committee: Bo and Marcus each with 20 carries per game. That would have been brutal on defenses!

[@mattrosenboom4810]

Pure class!

[@Sldumas1983]

One of the greatest to ever play the game a true sportsman

[@SuperSaiyanAl]

1:05 We just gonna overlook Jim Plunkett throwing his whole body into #51?

[@holdenmcgroin8699]

His story is legendary

[@dascientiss]

That Raiders music tho

[@anthonyvasquez1316]

Class act!

[@troyotter279]

best running back of all time.

[@termil6891]

Underrated running back....... shame on Al Davis..

[@cadirector]

Should be way higher on the list for all his accomplishments and the fact that he,was an all around class act.

[@daaa420]

The filming was so much better back than in a way

[@boblasher1]

He was a great running back and just an outstanding football player period!! Still looks like he could get you those four yards on third down if he needed to.

[@jag3063]

#85 is such a disrespect to Marcus. Hes a top 3 RB of all time. Smh.

[@catty5757]

What? LT,Jim Brown,Emmitt,Barry,Dickerson,Payton>>>>>>>Allen

[@jag3063]

Barry wasn't better than Allen and neither was LT. Emmett and Brown and sweetness are all up there but so is Allen. Dude was the leading rusher in all of history before Emmitt broke that record.

[@BodysWorldProduction]

+102111 Dude if you think Marcus Allen was better then Barry Sanders your crazy. He was good but definitely not a top 3 back! Jim Brown, Walter & Barry top 3 bro!

[@pvazquez4]

+Darren Body he wasted seasons as a backup, had he actually ran the ball in his prime....who knows

[@catty5757]

I will make it clear that this list expresses MY OPINION Top 10 RB of all time 1-Barry Sanders (G.O.A.T) 2-Jim Brown 3-Walter Payton 4-Emmitt Smith 5-Eric Dickerson (My favorite) 6-O.J Simpson 7-Gale Sayers 8-Marshall Faulk 9-LaDainian Tomlinson 10-Earl Campbell HM:Adrian Peterson (Future top 10),Bo Jackson (Unfortunately (or not), he had a short career) and John Riggins (Best white RB)

[@joegarofalo2466]

He doesn't play for a nutjob of an owner, he owns all of the rushing records.

[@goodheart4488]

A good player! Very Humble

[@Deviouscat1789]

He should of been the starter over Bo Jackson

[@thegoodnews8]

Come on brother bad take

[@TonyZ96]

Bo jackson is a Legend within the franchise but think if we would of kept Marcus Allen the Raiders probably would of have had a 4th Lombardi.

[@mailliw8647]

Haters wanna hate...lovers wanna love...marcus allen didnt need none of the above...he just scored touchdowns on you...

[@JohnSmith-it4sv]

If you have ever heard the term, "Nose for the end zone", it started with this dude.

[@Kennyclark-oj6kj]

MARCUS ALLEN IS MY HERO#32

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

One of the most versatile halfbacks in the history of the NFL.

[@monzon529]

He was awesome.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

2:02 Marcus Allen throws a touchdown pass to LA Raiders tight end Todd Christensen vs San Diego Chargers

[@brianshepherd9927]

My sisters and mother said, all they wanted for Christmas was Marcus Allen! Lol!!!!

[@carlwiley4756]

I hate the Raiders! But Marcus Allen's TD against the Redskins in the Superbowl was/is the best run in Super Bowl history.

[@Thine_Reaper]

Anybody catch Plunkett throw a block at 1:04

[@jeremythompson9122]

I think Marcus signed with the Chiefs literally just to spite Al Davis. And I can't say I blame him. I would've done the same thing if I was Marcus Allen. Al Davis literally tried to ruin his career by barely even playing him for like 5 years

[@davidm.6643]

And a fine individual, as well. 🇺🇸

[@CASPERSK8100]

El mejor corredor de los raiders !

[@davidholcomb9393]

Marcus was head and shoulders above so many others that #85 on the list literally silly.

[@TDH24Live]

Way too low for Marcus Allen