For the first time in 49 years, a Buffalo Bills running back has captured the NFL’s rushing title. James Cook finished the 2025 regular season with 1,621 rushing yards, edging out Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, who ended the year with 1,597 yards, and Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, who totaled 1,585.
Henry had a chance in Week 18 to overtake Cook, needing 152 yards in the Ravens’ finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite a strong start, he fell short, leaving Cook atop the league leaderboard. This marks the first time a Bills running back has led the NFL in rushing since O.J. Simpson accomplished the feat in 1976.
Cook reached this milestone in his first season following a contract extension, demonstrating his value and consistency as a top-tier running back. His performance has been a key factor in Buffalo’s offensive success throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the Bills enter the playoffs as the No. 6 seed and will face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who earned the No. 3 seed, in the wild-card round. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. in Jacksonville.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].