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“(Smith) darted, slithered and followed his blockers, and squeezed yard after yard out of plays that didn’t have any yards in them. He didn’t look especially fast or powerful or blindingly deceptive, yet he couldn’t be stopped.” -Telander, Rick

Emmitt James Smith, III (born May 15, 1969) was a running back in the NFL for fifteen seasons during the 1990s and 2000s. Smith played college football for the University of Florida where he was an All-American; thereafter, he played professionally for the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals of the NFL.

During his long professional career, he became the NFL’s all-time rushing leader, breaking the record formerly held by his childhood hero, Walter Payton, and played for the three Super Bowl-winning Dallas Cowboys teams. Smith is the only running back to ever win a Super Bowl championship, the NFL Most Valuable Player award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award all in the same season (1993). He is also one of only four running backs to lead the NFL in rushing three or more consecutive seasons, joining Steve Van Buren, Jim Brown and Earl Campbell.

Smith is to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, and is the first player from the 1990 NFL Draft to be inducted. He also won the reality television show “Dancing With The Stars” in 2006.

Despite his collegiate success, some NFL teams still felt that Smith was too small and slow for the pro game. He fell to the 17th pick in the first round, when he was picked by the Dallas Cowboys, who had traded up to draft him.

Smith was the first player in NFL history to have five consecutive seasons with over 1,400 rushing yards. Smith, Jim Brown, and LaDainian Thomlinson are the only players with seven straight 10-touchdown seasons to start their careers. With 1,021 rushing yards in 2001, Smith became the first player in NFL history with 11 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons and the first to post 11 1,000-yard rushing seasons in a career. He is the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing attempts with 4,409.

As a runner, Smith was consistently effective, though not dazzling in style. “(Smith) darted, slithered and followed his blockers, and squeezed yard after yard out of plays that didn’t have any yards in them. He didn’t look especially fast or powerful or blindingly deceptive, yet he couldn’t be stopped.” Smith was noted for being a very durable back with excellent vision, tremendous leg strength, and great balance, and was known as one of the best second-effort runners ever. Smith was also a reliable receiver and an excellent blocker in pass protection.