Packers Running Back Ahman Green
A Profile of the Green Bay Packers New All-Time Rushing Leader
Nov 9, 2009
In the modern NFL era it is rare to see a running back to stay at his best for more than five years. Just ask LaDainian Tomlinson. For the past few years arguably the running back of the decade has been in decline. So with harder hits and running backs picking up more and more injuries, you would expect running back records to remain intact.
But on Sunday, Ahman Green created a small piece of history by breaking a Green Bay Packer franchise record that had stood for a mere 43 years.
The record Green broke was that of the legendary hall-of-fame Packer Jim Taylor. With a two yard carry in the fourth quarter, Green picked up the yardage necessary to pass Taylor's rushing franchise record of 8,207 yards.
How Did Green's Career Begin?
Green is now a twelve year veteran. He was drafted in 1998 by the Seattle Seahawks.
After two inauspicious years as a Seahawk, Green gained his big opportunity when he was traded to the Packers in 2000.
Up until his release in 2006 Green went on to prove that the talent he showed as a college star at Nebraska was not unfounded.
For four straight years (2001-2005) Green went to the Pro Bowl. He also broke several Green Bay franchise records. In 2003, Green set a franchise record by rushing for 1,883 yards in season. He also became only one of two players in NFL history (the other being Bo Jackson) to have two touchdown runs of 90 yards or more.
Not only this but Green also amassed the most yards from scrimmage (9,036) and rushing yards (6,848) by any player between 2000 and 2004.
What Happened After The Packers?
Like every running back, however, that plays the modern game Green was hit with numerous injuries.
Following his release from the Packers in 2006, Green signed with the Houston Texans. But in two years as a Texan Green only saw the field of play 14 times and was placed on injured reserve in both seasons.
With knee injuries becoming a persistent problem for Green many wondered whether the elite back of the early 2000's would ever grace the field again.
But after much persistent Green Bay finally gave Green another chance by signing him up to be the back-up running back to Ryan Grant in October 2009.
Where Does Green's Current Career Stand?
In terms of Packer history Ahman Green will undoubtedly go down as one of the greats. With so many franchise records under his belt it is highly likely that Green will end up in the Packer hall of fame.
As for the NFL hall of fame, in a decade of great running backs Green will certainly come into the discussion of being admitted. However whether he has done enough in his career to get into Canton remains to be seen.
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