O.J. Simpson's 1973 season reshapes NFL rushing standards

O.J. Simpson rushed for 2,003 yards in 1973, becoming the first NFL player to surpass 2,000 yards in a season. This achievement came during a 14-game schedule, highlighting Simpson's dominance as a running back and shifting how future generations perceived the position. He earned MVP honors that year, pushing the Buffalo Bills to their first winning record in years. Simpson's record stood as a milestone until Eric Dickerson eclipsed it in 1984, but his 1973 season remains a benchmark for evaluating rushing greatness in league history. The ongoing impact of Simpson's performance resurfaces whenever a current player approaches the 2,000-yard mark.

• 2:15 PMYahoo Sports — Why one record-setting NFL season still matters more than 50 years later