Ranking the top 5 running backs in Washington Commanders franchise history

5. Cliff Battles - Former Commanders RB

Considered one of the "founding fathers" of the Washington Commanders football franchise, Cliff Battles was an instant star in the pros coming out of West Virginia Wesleyan College for the then-Boston Braves in 1932.

Battles won the NFL rushing title as a rookie before pacing the league again in 1937, this time also tying for the league-high in touchdowns. The shifty speedster is credited as the first player in NFL history to run for over 200 yards in a game.

The backfield phenom combined with fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh to bring an NFL title to Washington in that magical 1937 season, the team's first year in D.C.

Unfortunately, a bitter dispute with owner George Preston Marshall over the terms of a new contract led to that first title being the last game Battles ever played in the NFL. The five-time all-league selection chose to retire after just six years and go into coaching.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968, Battles is well-deserving of a spot on this list and is widely considered one of the best players to ever occupy the running back position.