Most Rushing Touchdowns in an NFL Season

Let’s dive into the football archives and look at the players with the most rushing touchdowns in an NFL season. Please note that our list contains regular-season records only, meaning postseason and Super Bowl numbers are not included.

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LaDainian Tomlinson – Chargers (2006) – 28

LaDainian Tomlinson holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in an NFL season, having registered 28 TDs in 2006. Thanks to his efforts that season, the former San Diego Chargers superstar also claimed the NFL MVP Award and the Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2006. Let’s not forget that Tomlinson also led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2004.

Priest Holmes – Chiefs (2003) – 27

Three years before Tomlinson’s record-breaking season, Priest Holmes chalked up 27 rushing touchdowns. Holmes made a name for himself with the Baltimore Ravens, but he enjoyed the best years of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. You may not be surprised to learn that Holmes features more than once on this list.

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Shaun Alexander – Seahawks (2005) – 27

2005 was Shaun Alexander’s year. Not only did he achieve 27 rushing touchdowns, but he also picked up the MVP Award and the Offensive Player of the Year Award for his troubles. Although Alexander’s Seattle Seahawks lost the Super Bowl to the Pittsburgh Steelers that season, the running back’s achievements will not be forgotten.

Emmitt Smith – Cowboys (1995) – 25

Only four players have recorded 25+ rushing touchdowns in an NFL season, and Emmitt Smith is one of them. In 1995, Smith racked up 25 TDs for the Dallas Cowboys. On top of that, the Florida native guided Dallas to Super Bowl glory, claiming a 27-17 victory over Pittsburgh to cap a memorable season on both a personal and team level.

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John Riggins – Redskins (1983) – 24

They don’t make ‘em like John Riggins anymore. In 1983, at the age of 34, Riggins rushed for an NFL single-season record 24 touchdowns, highlighting his unrivaled longevity. Unfortunately, “Diesel” was unable to prevent the Washington Redskins from suffering a 38-9 defeat to the Los Angeles Raiders in the Super Bowl that season, but his efforts will be remembered forever.

Priest Holmes – Chiefs (2002) – 21

Holmes makes his second appearance on the list of players with the most rushing touchdowns in an NFL season, having notched 21 TDs in 2002. The Kansas City Chiefs endured a season to forget, finishing rock bottom of the AFC West division. However, Holmes enjoyed another standout campaign on a personal level.

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Emmitt Smith – Cowboys (1994) – 21

Emmitt Smith recorded 18 rushing touchdowns in 1992, but the Dallas Cowboys legend upped his game in 1994, leading the league for the second time in three years with 21 TDs. It is worth noting that three other players – Joe Morris, Terry Allen and Terrell Davis – registered 21 rushing touchdowns in a single season, although they played more games than Holmes and Smith.