He played running back in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos.

Following his NFL retirement, he rejoined California's football team as a volunteer assistant in 2020 before accepting a head coaching position at Monte Vista High School in Danville in 2021.

[1] He rushed for nearly 4,000 yards during his high school career as he led his team to four consecutive playoff appearances, including a spot in the Sac-Joaquin Section title game as a junior in 2007, when he was named the Vallejo Times-Herald Athlete of the Year.

As a senior, he moved to running back after playing quarterback in an option offensive during his junior campaign and rushed for 1,623 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, while also contributing with 2 interceptions on defense.

[4] Anderson was selected to the first-team All-American, All-State, and All-NorCal Conference teams while at Laney College in Oakland, California.

[16] Anderson fought to make the roster with a running back unit that contained Knowshon Moreno, Montee Ball, and Ronnie Hillman.

[17] Anderson made his NFL debut on October 27, 2013, running for 22 yards on four carries against the Washington Redskins in the 45–21 victory.

[19] The Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII in Anderson's rookie season but lost 43–8 to the Seattle Seahawks.

[21] With the departure of Knowshon Moreno to the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, the Broncos backfield provided Anderson with a greater opportunity than the previous season.

[23] With his role expanding, on November 9, 2014, Anderson scored his first career touchdown, on a 51-yard screen pass from Peyton Manning in a 41–17 rout of the Oakland Raiders.

[35][36] Anderson was ultimately named to his first Pro Bowl at the end of the season in place of the injured Le'Veon Bell.

[45] On January 17, 2016, Anderson had 15 carries for 72 yards and the game-winning touchdown in the first playoff game, the Divisional Round against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On February 7, 2016, Anderson was a key contributor in the Broncos' 24–10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

[53][54] After the 2015 season, Anderson became a restricted free agent and signed a four-year, $18 million offer sheet with the Miami Dolphins on March 10, 2016.

On September 8, 2016, Anderson ran for 92 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns (1 rushing, 1 receiving) in the season opening Super Bowl 50 rematch against the Carolina Panthers.

[58] He reported soreness to the team doctors on Tuesday and underwent surgery to repair his meniscus that week.

[77] With Todd Gurley inactive, Anderson had a stellar game in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 167 yards and a touchdown as the Rams won 31–9.

[80] In the NFC Divisional Round, Anderson ran 23 times for 123 yards and scored two touchdowns to lead the Rams to a 30–22 victory against the Dallas Cowboys.

[81] In the NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints, Anderson led the team in rushing with 16 carries for 44 yards and caught a five-yard pass in a 26–23 overtime victory to advance to Super Bowl LIII.

[87] In 2021 he was hired as the head varsity football coach at Monte Vista High School in Danville, California.