Emmitt Smith played in the NFL for 15 seasons. He was labeled as “too small” and “not fast enough” to play in the league. What he lacked in size, he more than made up for with heart and determination. The Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 17th pick in the first round. That means 16 teams passed on the future all-time leading rusher in league history. I can still remember his first press conference for Dallas after being drafted in 1990. He was wearing a hideous polka dot jumpsuit and didn’t look the least bit intimidating.
I was a huge fan of his throughout his career. His jersey was the first one I ever owned and I still have it today (and it fits). Watching him and the Cowboys in the ‘90s was a special time. I was there the day he broke the rushing record and doubt I will ever see another sporting event in person as cool as the one I did that day. I can’t tell you how many arguments I had back in the day on who was the better running back: Emmitt Smith or Barry Sanders.

The thing you don’t hear enough about in regards to Emmitt is how good of a person he is. He was just inducted into the Hall of Fame and his speech is already being called one of the best of all time. His 22 (ironic number that matched his jersey number) minute speech was full of emotion and showed his passion for the game. He didn’t use any notes. He just spoke from the heart. I have to admit parts of his speech got me a little choked up. It was really cool to see a guy who I followed for his whole career finally make it to where he belongs.

He spoke of how at the age of 20 he wrote down things he wanted to achieve. He wanted to graduate from college, play in a Super Bowl, win an MVP and to become the all-time rushing leader in the NFL. I guess that’s what you call setting your goals high. He is the last of the “Triplets” to become enshrined. The highlight of the night was when he asked Daryl Johnston to stand up. He could hardly get the words out as he broke out in tears as he expressed his gratitude for what “Moose” meant to his career.

He is a class act on and off the field. I doubt his rushing title will ever be broken. Almost every team has moved to using two running backs. The days of the workhorse back seem to be coming to an end. Thanks for the memories, Emmitt.