James Wilder ranks in the all-time elite tier for running backs — a career that places Wilder in the top 10% of all players at the position. The Knox value model assigns Wilder a career score of 75, reflecting sustained impact that most players at the position never approach.
James Wilder
Height6'3"
Weight225 lb
BornMay 12, 1958
Age68
Rookie yr1981
Draft
All-Time Rank & Honors
career ranks, postseason ranks, awards, title contextRegular-season all-time ranks
1x
Pro Bowls
A high-end running back defined as much by excellent availability over their career as by their on-field impact (top 10% all-time). Coaches and teammates could count on them being available.
Career Value · VORP
VORP 180 · #460 · EliteWorth 180 points of value above a freely-available replacement running back — top 11% of all 4,649 ranked at the position. 10 of 10 seasons cleared the replacement bar, by on average.
Career Value · VORP
180 career value over replacement — #460 all-time of 4,649. 18/season above a replacement-level RB.
Draft OutcomeSteal ↑
Pick #34 (Rd 2) · TAM · 1981 · +20.2 vs expected KV-H
75actual
54.8 expected · Δ+20.2
Fan Rating
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