Today's NFL is all about the passing game. Quarterbacks are the most highly-paid players in the league and teams that don't feature an above-average passer are seldom considered to be contenders. It hasn't always been that way. Back in the 1970s, running backs were the stars of the game. And teams that didn't have star workhorse backs had a tough time winning late in the season. Below are first-year issues for some of the best running backs of the 1970s.

Walter Payton 1976 Topps 

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There were several star running backs during the 1970s, but Walter Payton was the king of them all. Drafted 4th Overall out of Jackson State in 1975, 'Sweetness' quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league. Payton would have his best season in 1977 when he was named the Offensive Player of the Year and the League MVP.

At the time of his retirement, the Chicago Bear held the all-time record for career rushing yards and touchdowns. He tragically passed in 1999 after a battle with cancer. Payton's rookie card comes in the 1976 Topps set and sells for $1200 in a PSA 8.

John Riggins 1972 Topps 

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After a star-studded career at the University of Kansas, the Jets drafted John Riggins 6th overall in the 1971 Draft. While he began his career by splitting carries with Emerson Boozer, he soon became a star in New York. He only spent a few years with Gang Green, though, before moving on to the Washington Redskins.

It was with Washington that Riggins really got his career on track. While he was certainly considered to be a volatile personality, Riggo led the league in rushing in 1983 and 1984 and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992. His rookie card sells for around $500 in PSA 9 condition.

Larry Csonka 1969 Topps

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Most of the other running backs on this list brought grace and beauty to the position. Larry Csonka was something different. Drafted in 1968 by the Miami Dolphins, the Syracuse product was all about grit and toughness. And he would be a key figure in the dynastic Dolphins teams.

Csonka would make 5 Pro Bowls during the 1970s. He would also win two Super Bowl titles with Miami. The bruising running back was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. His 1969 Topps rookie card goes for $350 in PSA 8 condition.

Franco Harris 1973 Topps 

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After his career with the Penn State Nittany Lions, Harris was selected by the Steelers in 1972. And he immediately began playing in big games for a loaded Pittsburgh Steelers team. The running back's most memorable play, of course, was the immaculate reception, a play Harris made during the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game.

Over the course of his playing days, Harris would win 4 Super Bowl titles and make the Pro Bowl 9 times. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Harris' 1973 Topps rookie sells for around $400 in a PSA 8.

Earl Campbell 1979 Topps 

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Earl Campbell only played two seasons in the 1970s, but they were about as good of seasons as any running back ever had. In 1978, the Houston Oiler won both the Rookie of the Year Award as well as the Offensive Player of the Year Award. The next season he was even better, winning the league MVP.

The Texas Rose's continued injuries cut his career short. But his incredible play in a limited time led to Campbell being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991. A PSA 9 copy of his rookie cards sells for $850 or so.

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