The 7 Most Efficient Seasons By 30-Plus-Year-Old Running Backs Since the Turn of the Century

Priest Holmes, 2003

Season: 2003
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 30
Total NEP: 88.80
Production: 1,420 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. 74 receptions for 690 yards.

Priest Holmes and his age 30 season in 2003 stands atop our list with an incredible 88.80 Total Net Expected Points (read more about Net Expected Points, or NEP, in our glossary) that stands a full 15 points above the mark put up by second-place on our list.

Playing in Dick Vermeil's 'Air Coryell' system that he brought over with him from St. Louis Rams, Holmes would dominate as the Chiefs workhorse back amassing 2,110 yards from scrimmage and a then-record 27 touchdowns on the ground.

While Holmes was an adept playmaker and tackle-breaker -- especially earlier in his career -- much of the credit for his 2003 season can be given to Kansas City's dominant offensive line, manned by Hall of Famers Willie Roaf and Will Shields, and All-Pro Brian Waters.

But as the centerpiece of this offense, Holmes would help lead the Chiefs to an undefeated record at Arrowhead Stadium, an AFC West division title, and first-round bye before falling to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.