By Charles Cleveland
December 10th, 2023
In the intense world of the NFL, running backs are hailed as the workhorses of the game. Their agility, speed, and ability to break tackles contribute significantly to a team’s success. Despite their crucial role, the compensation of these athletes remains a subject of controversy and debate.
Prominent running back advocate and former NFL player DeAngelo Williams stated during a recent press conference, “Running backs take an incredible amount of physical punishment on the field, yet their contracts often fall short of recognizing this reality. The workload is immense, the injury risk is high, but the compensation doesn’t match the contributions.”
The workload disparity between running backs and other positions has been a recurring theme in discussions surrounding their compensation. The NFL Players Association stated, “Running backs face a higher risk of injury due to the sheer volume of carries and receptions they handle, yet they are often undervalued compared to players in other positions.”
The claim of a higher risk of injury is supported by the Central Florida Bone and Joint Institute, who in their study of high school football players found that of the 24 positions on the football field, 16% of all injuries were sustained by running backs, primarily to the ankles and heads.
Statistical analysis further supports the argument for the undervaluation of running backs. According to a report released by sports analysts at a recent NFL symposium, running backs consistently rank among the league leaders in touches per game. Despite this, their salaries typically pale in comparison to players in other positions with similar workloads.
Former NFL running back, Arian Foster, articulated this concern, remarking, “Running backs have the shortest shelf life. It’s the nature of the position. So, you’re going to get underpaid. It’s just how it is.” in a recent press conference.
Even the NFL has stated publicly that running back’s careers often start a sharp decline around age 29. Because the average NFL draft age is 22, running backs are on average only getting 7 solid years in the NFL, and being paid less for them.
Ezekiel Elliott, a star running back for the New England Patriots, voiced his perspective on this matter, saying in a press conference “We have the most physically demanding position, but we’re not getting paid like it.” His sentiment resonates with numerous running backs who believe their contributions are undervalued in the league’s financial calculus.
The negotiation process for running backs often becomes a battleground for fair compensation. Le’Veon Bell, a former standout running back, faced a prolonged contract dispute with his team over compensation that reflected his on-field contributions. His absence from games due to the lack of a satisfactory contract sparked discussions regarding the value placed on running backs.
“I just wanted to be valued,” Bell expressed during a press conference following the resolution of his contract dispute. “Running backs are pivotal to a team’s success, yet when it comes to contract negotiations, the value placed on our contributions seems disproportionately low.”
Comparing running back contracts to those of players in other positions further underscores the disparity. “Running backs are a very important part of the game, but the way they are compensated is still not reflective of their value.” said NFLPA president DeMaurice Smith in a press release. Top-tier quarterbacks and elite wide receivers often command mammoth contracts, while running backs, even among the best, tend to lag behind in terms of annual salaries and guaranteed money.
A prime example of this disparity is the gap in contracts between running backs and quarterbacks. While quarterbacks are undoubtedly crucial, the staggering contrast in salaries doesn’t always align with their respective impacts on the field. The top-paid quarterbacks often earn exponentially more than the league’s premier running backs, despite both being integral to offensive success.
Of the top 28 largest NFL contracts in the 2023 season, 18 are held by quarterbacks, 4 are held by wide receivers, and the other 6 are held by defensive linemen.
The evolution of the NFL’s playing style has also affected the perception and compensation of running backs. With an increased emphasis on passing offenses, some argue that the importance of running backs has been diluted, impacting their perceived value in contract negotiations.
Former NFL player turned analyst, Maurice Jones-Drew, highlights this shift, stating, “Teams are throwing the ball more, and the game has changed. It’s not that running backs are less valuable; it’s that offenses have changed.”
In the realm of professional football, running backs endure a unique physical toll that often goes uncompensated. Many have highlighted the discrepancy between their responsibilities, contributions, and the compensation they receive. While negotiations and occasional contract disputes shed light on this issue, a reevaluation of the value placed on the vital role of running backs within the NFL remains imperative.
As discussions persist, it’s evident that a more equitable compensation structure is essential to recognizing the invaluable contributions of these workhorses of the gridiron.