Lorenzo Neal on the Importance of Running the Ball in the NFL

In a recent conversation with Julian Edelman, former NFL fullback Lorenzo Neal opened up about one of the most enduring aspects of football: the importance of running the ball. Neal, known for his powerful style of play and leadership on the field, reflected on his time in the NFL during the 1990s and highlighted how the running game remains crucial to success in every era of football, no matter how much the game evolves.

For Neal, running the ball isn’t just about gaining yards—it’s about setting the tone, controlling the clock, and dictating the pace of the game. In his conversation with Edelman, Neal delved into why running backs, fullbacks, and offensive lines are still the backbone of any successful football team, despite the increasing focus on passing in today’s NFL.

The Foundation of a Strong Offense

Neal’s career as a fullback saw him block for some of the most talented running backs in NFL history, including LaDainian Tomlinson. Throughout his career, Neal became one of the game’s premier blocking fullbacks, known for his ability to open up lanes and create opportunities for his teammates. He believes that a strong running game is essential for creating a balanced offense, regardless of how much the game has changed over the years.

“Running the ball is the foundation of any successful offense,” Neal said. “You can’t just rely on the pass. It’s about keeping the defense on its toes, making them commit to stopping the run. That opens up everything else in the game.”

Neal emphasized that a solid running game does more than just gain yards—it also takes pressure off the quarterback, keeps the defense honest, and helps control the clock. In an age where passing plays dominate, Neal argued that teams who can effectively run the ball are still the ones who have the most success, especially when it matters most.

The Evolution of NFL Offenses

While the NFL has become more pass-heavy over the years, particularly with the rise of high-flying offenses led by quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Patrick Mahomes, Neal pointed out that running the ball is just as important today as it was in the 1990s. He acknowledged that the game has evolved, with offenses becoming more dynamic and unpredictable. However, he stressed that the basic principles of football haven’t changed: you need to win in the trenches and establish control on both sides of the ball.

“Yeah, the game has changed. But you can’t win games without a running game,” Neal remarked. “It’s the great equalizer. When everything else is going wrong, you can always rely on running the ball to gain some momentum.”

Neal pointed to successful teams that have found a way to blend the passing and running games. The best offenses in the NFL today, like those of the San Francisco 49ers or the Tennessee Titans, combine both elements to keep defenses guessing. Neal believes that when a team has the ability to control both the ground and air game, it’s nearly impossible to stop.

The Art of Blocking: A Fullback’s Role

Lorenzo Neal’s discussion with Edelman also touched on the critical role of the fullback in the running game. Fullbacks are often the unsung heroes of a team’s offense, sacrificing personal glory to pave the way for the running back. Neal’s own experience as one of the best fullbacks in the game has given him unique insight into how important the blocking game is in the run.

“People don’t realize how much of a fullback’s job is about the details,” Neal explained. “It’s about positioning, timing, and creating those small windows for the running back. You have to be a mauler, but also have the vision to see where the play is going and execute.”

Neal’s fullback mentality helped him create lanes for his running backs and ensure they had the opportunity to break through defenses. Whether it was leading the way for a power run or picking up a blitz, fullbacks like Neal made sure the offense could run smoothly and stay balanced.

The Physical Toll of Running the Ball

While the benefits of running the ball are clear, Neal didn’t shy away from acknowledging the physical toll it takes on players. Running backs and fullbacks endure some of the most brutal hits in football, constantly colliding with defensive players and absorbing damage every time they touch the ball. Neal spoke about the sacrifices made by these players, who put their bodies on the line for the sake of the team.

“It’s a violent game, and the running backs are the ones who take the brunt of it,” Neal said. “But that’s what makes running the ball so special. It’s about toughness, grit, and being able to push through the pain. When you’ve got a guy who can run the ball effectively, it means something.”

For Neal, the running game represents more than just a strategy—it’s a symbol of heart, determination, and the ability to do whatever it takes to move the ball down the field. While passing may dominate the modern game, Neal believes that a team’s heart and soul are still rooted in the running game.

The Key to Winning Championships

In Neal’s view, the teams that can run the ball consistently are the ones that ultimately win championships. While passing plays may get the headlines and the highlight reels, it’s the teams that control the clock and dictate the tempo with a powerful running game that have the best shot at postseason success.

“Look at the teams that have won Super Bowls in recent years,” Neal said. “The teams with a strong running game are the ones that control the game. Whether it’s running out the clock, making big plays in the red zone, or setting up play-action, the ability to run the ball is what separates the contenders from the pretenders.”

Neal’s insights were particularly evident in his analysis of the 1990s NFL, where teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers dominated through balanced offenses and strong running games. Even in today’s NFL, where passing rules the day, Neal remains steadfast in his belief that the running game is an essential part of any championship team.

A Philosophy That Transcends Eras

Lorenzo Neal’s conversation with Julian Edelman about running the ball highlights the timeless nature of the ground game in the NFL. Despite the changing landscape of the sport, running the ball continues to be the backbone of successful offenses. Whether in the 1990s or today, the principles remain the same: control the line of scrimmage, maintain balance, and never underestimate the power of a good run.

As the NFL continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the teams that can run the ball effectively will always have an edge, regardless of what era the game is played in.