Minnesota Vikings: Top 10 backup running backs of all time

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31 Oct 1999: Leroy Hoard #44 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the game against the Denver Broncos at the Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Vikings defeated the Broncos 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Rodolfo Ganzales /Allsport /

8. Rick Fenney (1987–1991)

5 seasons
13 touchdowns
1,508 yards
4.2 yards/att

Over five seasons with the Vikings, Rick Fenney started only 16 of 63 games he played. An 8th-Round draft pick from Washington in 1987, Fenney shared the backfield his rookie season with Darrin Nelson, Alfred Anderson, Allen Rice, and D.J. Dozier. His career ended backing up Herschel Walker in 1990 and 1991. Fenney’s best season came in 1991 when he finished second to Walker with 588 yards and started in eight games.

7. Leroy Hoard (1997–1999)

3 seasons
27 touchdowns
1,689 yards
3.9 yards/att

Leroy Hoard was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 1990 draft. Moving with the team to Baltimore in 1996, Hoard was released after the first two weeks. The Carolina Panthers signed him as a backup and he played in Week 6 against the Vikings. Released for the second time in the season, he would join the Vikings in Week 11.

A touchdown specialist, Hoard led the Vikings in rushing touchdowns with nine in 1998 and 10 in 1999 as a backup to Robert Smith. In just a little over two seasons, Hoard scored an incredible 27 touchdowns and finished his career with the Vikings 20th on the franchise all-time career rushing list.

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