All the focus for the Buffalo Bills right now is on the NFL Draft, and rightfully so. That said, there are a lot of pieces out there discussing what the Bills may do and how they can further themselves as contenders in the AFC.
So why not do something fun and take a look backwards? We know about beloved stars of the past like Thurman Thomas and some of the more controversial figures the franchise wishes we would forget about, but who are some of the unsung heroes of the backfield in Buffalo?
Buffalo Bills' 3 most underrated running backs in franchise history
Fred Jackson (2007-2014)
When thinking about great Bills running backs, Thomas, Simpson, and LeSean McCoy tend to get a lot of love. But for the peak drought years, there was no one more reliable on the Bills than Fred Jackson.
The undrafted free agent, who spent time in the Indoor Football League and NFL Europe before joining the Bills, quickly became a model of consistency. He was never a burner or a big playmaker and split carries with guys like C.J. Spiller and Willis McGahee, but always delivered when needed.
Jackson finished his Bills career with 5,746 yards (third in team history) and 30 touchdowns. Though others may have had bigger peaks, few had the level of consistency that Jackson brought to the table during his time in Buffalo.
Travis Henry (2001-2004)
A second-round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, it looked for a minute like the Bills had found their next great running back. The diminutive Henry had a solid rookie season in 2001 but really exploded in year two, earning a Pro Bowl bid with 1,438 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
After a big 2003, Henry took a major step back. He missed time due to injury and eventually lost the starting role to McGahee before demanding a trade. His 1,211-yard season with the Tennessee Titans in 2006 begs the question of what Henry could have done without a challenger to his spot in Buffalo.
Henry finished his four-year Bills career with an impressive 3,849 yards and 27 touchdowns, providing more than a few highlight reel plays. Though he is now better remembered for off-field issues, there was a time when Henry felt like the next big thing in the Buffalo backfield.
Joe Cribbs (1980-1985)
Cribbs, the 29th overall pick out of Auburn in 1980, seemed like he would follow Simpson as the next great Bills running back. In three of his first four seasons, Cribbs registered more than 1,000 yards rushing and made the Pro Bowl in those three seasons.
With a year remaining on his deal, Cribbs signed with his hometown Birmingham Stallions of the upstart USFL. The Bills challenged the contract, ultimately going to court over the matter. A judge ruled in favor of Cribbs and the Stallions, seeing him leave at the height of his NFL career.
The USFL would fold following the 1985 season, seeing Cribbs return to the Bills for one year before splitting time with the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, and Miami Dolphins to finish his career. With 4,445 career yards, Cribbs has recently been passed by Allen, moving him to fifth all-time on the franchise charts. Like Henry, he is a case of what could have been with a longer career in Buffalo.
The Key to Contention in 2025?
The Bills still have quarterback Josh Allen leading the charge, but NFL rushing champion James Cook is back and ready to make the rushing attack formidable once again. There are changes happening at receiver, and the defense is undergoing major reconstructive surgery, so being able to control the game on the ground could be critical for the Bills as they yet again eye a return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1993.