Atlanta Falcons: Five greatest running backs of all-time

Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons fans celebrate the game tying kick in their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 37-34 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

3. William Andrews

Coming out of Auburn University, William Andrews was anything but just another running back. In fact, he quickly became what most would say today as a “steal” in the third round of the 1979 NFL Draft.

Used mainly as a blocking back in college, Andrews set it out to prove otherwise in his professional career, and boy did he. In his time with the Falcons, he put 5,986 rushing yards, good for third best in franchise history. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry.

Andrews led the Falcons to a first place finish in 1980, back when Atlanta was in the NFC West in 1980, and kept being a reliable source in a bone-bruising, helmet-smashing rushing attack. In fact, Ronnie Lott stated that Andrews delivered the hardest hit of Lott’s career when the Falcons faced off with the 49ers in 1983. That coming from a legend like Lott brings to light the brilliance of brute force that Andrews embodied.

Andrews is one of the top-5 that may easily be forgotten due to being buried in the piling years of history, but his production during his time in Atlanta must never be forgotten. He has deservedly entrenched himself amidst some very lofty company.

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