What happened: In the 2009 season, Chris Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards and piled up 2,509 yards from scrimmage, a single-season NFL record, while reaching the end zone 16 times. Crossing 2,000 rushing yards earned him the lasting 'CJ2K' nickname.
Why it matters: Only a small group of backs have ever broken 2,000 rushing yards in a season, and Johnson's scrimmage total still tops the league's all-time list. The blend of breakaway speed and heavy volume set a benchmark that later workhorse backs are measured against.
By the numbers: 2,006 rushing yards; 2,509 yards from scrimmage (single-season NFL record); 16 total touchdowns in the 2009 season.
What to watch: No back has seriously challenged the scrimmage mark since, leaving it intact as a measuring stick for the league's top runners heading into the 2026 season.