Best of the Packers: Top 10 running backs since 1960
By Phil Watson
3. John Brockington (1971-77)
The Green Bay Packers selected Ohio State fullback John Brockington with the ninth overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft and he burst onto the scene like a fireball.
Brockington was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1971, earning All-Pro honors while rushing for 1,105 yards. He earned Pro Bowl bids in his first three seasons—becoming the first back in NFL history to top the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first three campaigns.
But after 755 bruising carries in those first three seasons, Brockington began to wear down, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry in 1974 and dropping off to an even 3.0 in 1975, when he was no longer the primary backfield threat.
Early in the 1977 season, the Packers waived Brockington, who was claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs.
In parts of seven years with Green Bay, Brockington had 1,293 carries for 5,024 yards and 29 touchdowns while catching 138 passes for 1,075 yards and three scores.
His 5,024 rushing yards are third in Packers history and he is tied for sixth with 29 touchdowns.
In August 1978, Brockington was traded to the Detroit Lions for running back Eddie Payton, but did not make the final roster and retired after being waived by Detroit late in the preseason.
He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1984.
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