2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'A f***ing power runner': Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman crown Derrick Henry as modern power running icon in NFL Mount Rushmore debate
In a recent episode of their podcast, Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules, NFL stars Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman took fans on a nostalgic trip through football's most bruising backfields.
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The duo discussed who would belong on the 'Mount Rushmore of power runners' and their list spanned legends old and new.
From Mike Alstott to Derrick Henry , the podcast duo builds their Mount Rushmore of the NFL's toughest runners
For NFL enthusiasts, this wasn't just casual banter. It was a tribute to the game's most physical, relentless runners the ones who didn't just gain yards, but steamrolled through defenders.
Gronk's first pick was Mike Alstott, the former Buccaneers fullback known for his punishing runs and sheer strength.
With 5,000+ rushing yards and 58 touchdowns, Alstott was one of the most feared short-yardage backs of his time.
Edelman countered with John Riggins, the Washington icon who racked up 13,435 total yards and 116 touchdowns. Riggins' powerful running style and Super Bowl XVII MVP performance earned him a rightful place in NFL history.
Next came Gronkowski's nod to Larry Csonka, the Miami Dolphins great from the 1970s.
Csonka amassed over 8,000 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns during a career that included two Super Bowl titles and a stint with the New York Giants.
Edelman followed up with Brandon Jacobs, the two-time Super Bowl champion with the Giants who was known for his size, strength, and ability to bulldoze through defenders. He also gave a shoutout to Peyton Hillis, recalling the running back's breakout 2010 season that led to his appearance on the Madden cover.
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The conversation turned reverent as they mentioned
, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history. 'I mean, Jim Brown was a f***ing power runner. If you watch him, like, he was the biggest, fastest man on the goddamn field. I remember him punishing people,' Edelman said, pointing to Brown's 12,312 rushing yards, 126 touchdowns, and lasting legacy as a player and civil rights activist.
Rounding out the list was current Ravens star Derrick Henry, whom Gronkowski and Edelman hailed as the modern power running icon. After posting 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in the 2024 season and securing the largest-ever contract for a running back over 30, Henry's inclusion was both timely and well-earned.
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For fans, the list wasn't just a collection of stats it was a celebration of football's raw, physical essence.
