Barry Sanders – Detroit Lions
Stats: 280 carries, 1,470 yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 14 rushing touchdowns
Known to this day as one of the most elusive running backs to ever play the game, Sanders shaked and baked his way to an overly impressive rookie campaign in 1989. Fun fact about his rookie season: With the Lions leading by three touchdowns in the final game of the season, he was pulled from the game 10 yards shy from winning the rushing title. He did go on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, though.