Since the 1980s, offensive football in the NFL has shifted from 21 personnel offenses featuring two-back pro sets to 11 and 10 personnel packages, which feature more wide receivers. There are numerous reasons for this evolution, but the primary reason for the change in offense in the NFL is a trickle-down effect from college football. The use of a pro-set I backfield in the current age of modern offense in the NFL is not widespread; however, several teams are returning to offensive schemes that utilize fullbacks and H-backs due to changes made in how NFL teams build their defenses. The defensive response to more pass-heavy offenses is for teams to move to smaller, faster defensive lineups in Nickel or Dime defenses. That change in personnel opens the door for teams that have fullbacks in their offense to return to a physical brand of football, especially against smaller defenders.
#8: Scott Matlock, Los Angeles Chargers
During the lead-up to the 2025 NFL draft, draft experts highlighted Travis Hunter’s potential to play both ways in the NFL. While the focus was on Hunter, there is an NFL player who already plays both ways. That player is Los Angeles Chargers fullback Scott Matlock. On offense, Matlock has played in 29 games for the Chargers, primarily serving as a lead blocker, and has also caught four passes for 28 yards. During Matlock’s rookie season, Matlock played 362 snaps on offense, 137 snaps on defense, and 231 special teams plays. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh prefers to run a traditional pro-style offense, so Matlock should be a key player for Harbaugh. Still, Matlock also contributes on defense and special teams, making him a valuable player for the Chargers.
#7: Hunter Luepke, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have a long tradition of successful fullbacks, not the least of which is Darryl “Moose” Johnston, who contributed to the Cowboy’s three Super Bowl wins in the early 90s. Currently, Hunter Luepke serves as the fullback for the Cowboys. Luepke has been with the Cowboys since 2022, and he has played in 33 games, running the ball 18 times for 57 yards and a rushing touchdown. In addition, Luepke has caught 15 passes for 129 yards. Along with playing fullback, Luepke has also contributed as a tight end and an H-back for the Dallas team. The ability to bring toughness, versatility, and a physical approach to the game allows Luepke to make positive contributions to the Cowboy’s culture on offense.
#6: Michael Burton, Denver Broncos
Due to a shortage of good fullbacks in the modern NFL, a player who can fulfill that role for an offense can have a long, successful career in the NFL. Michael Burton is an exemplary career fullback in the NFL. Burton has spent the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos, and he has been a reliable short-yardage back for the team. Previously, Burton played for the Detroit Lions (2015-2016), Chicago Bears (2017-2018), New Orleans Saints (2019), Washington Commanders (2019), and the Kansas City Chiefs (2021-2022). During his NFL career, Burton has played in 147 games, rushing the ball 42 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, Burton has caught 31 passes for 196 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
#5: Reggie Gilliam, Buffalo Bills
Some teams in the NFL have an identity directly related to an intense physical rushing attack. The Buffalo Bills are one of those teams, and for the last four years, the Bills have benefitted from having fullback Reggie Gilliam on their roster. During his time with the Bills, Gilliam has played in 77 games. He has only run the ball six times for 10 yards, but he has been an outstanding blocker at the point of attack. Gilliam has also caught 14 passes for 111 yards and two receiving touchdowns. In addition to being an excellent lead blocker out of the offensive backfield, Gilliam has also contributed as a tight end and on special teams for Buffalo.
#4: Alec Ingold, Miami Dolphins
Under the leadership of head coach Mike McDaniel, the Miami Dolphins have run a wide variety of plays and formations. One way that they can diversify their offensive attack is by utilizing the versatility and athleticism of fullback Alec Ingold. Ingold was a Pro Bowler for the Dolphins in 2024 due to his success at the fullback position. During his five-year NFL career, Ingold has been an outstanding point-of-attack blocker, having run the ball 33 times for 47 yards and scored 27 touchdowns. In addition to blocking and running the ball, Ingold has also caught 67 passes for 559 yards and four touchdowns in his career.
#3: CJ Ham, Minnesota Vikings
Another outstanding fullback in the modern NFL is Minnesota Vikings running back CJ Ham. Ham has played in 130 games for the Vikings from 2016 until 2024, and he has 39 rushing attempts for 114 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Where Ham excels is in the passing game, where he has caught 82 passes for 670 yards and two touchdowns. Ham has also built a reputation for being an outstanding blocker at the point of attack for the run game, and he excelled in pass protection for the Vikings offense.
#2: Patrick Ricard, Baltimore Ravens
It should not be a surprise that the Baltimore Ravens have one of the best fullbacks in the NFL. The Raven’s decision to sign running back Derrick Henry last off-season shows how vital a strong running game is for Baltimore. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson naturally brings a dual-threat element to his game, and having a strong running game makes his talents much more dangerous. Patrick Ricard is a perfect fit for this throwback, ground-and-pound style offense. During his eight seasons with the Ravens, Ricard was selected to the Pro Bowl five times. He is such a physical blocker that he has earned the nickname “Pancake Pat.” The Ravens also refer to Ricard as the “secret sauce” of their offense. While playing for the Ravens, Ricard has carried the ball 10 times for 19 yards and caught 48 passes for 315 yards, scoring seven receiving touchdowns.
#1: Kyle Juszcyzk, San Francisco 49ers
The top fullback in our rankings also has a connection to the Baltimore Ravens. Juszcyzk was the Ravens fullback before moving on to the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers recently extended Juszcyzk’s contract for two more seasons for $8 million. Juszcyzk had an opportunity this off-season to move on and join the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he chose to stay with the 49ers and make another Super Bowl run. During his NFL career, Juszcyzk has played in 189 games for the Baltimore Ravens (2013-2016) and the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2024). He has carried the ball 67 times for 237 yards and six touchdowns. Similar to the other fullbacks in these rankings, Juszcyzk’s actual value is as a powerful blocker in the running game and pass protection.
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