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[sonycowboy]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sports Network) - Emmitt Smith (news) put an end to days-old speculation Thursday by officially announcing his retirement at an afternoon press conference.

Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a three-time Super Bowl champion with Dallas, made the announcement in the Super Bowl Media Center behind a Cowboys helmet.

After spending the past two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (news), the 15-year NFL veteran signed a ceremonial contract with the Cowboys so he could retire as a member of the team where he spent his first 13 seasons.

"I think it's only fitting for me to leave the game, to move on with my life and to retire as a Dallas Cowboy," Smith said, flanked by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Smith rushed for 937 yards and nine touchdowns with the Cardinals in 2004, a marked improvement over his first season with the team. Overall, he amassed 1,193 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns in Arizona.

Citing his strong 2004 season, Smith denied reports of his retirement when he told the Dallas Morning News on Tuesday: "Did you see my year last year? Do you think I'm ready to retire?"

But the 35-year-old would have become a free agent in March, and reports indicate lukewarm interest in his services from teams around the league.

Smith cried periodically during his press conference as he thanked an impressive list of people that included former teammates, trainers, companies, friends and family.

"I also want to thank the players I competed against," Smith said. "Without competition, I don't think I would have strived to become the person I became on the football field."

An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Smith set NFL records with 18,355 rushing yards and 164 rushing touchdowns in his career.

While in Dallas, he helped the Cowboys to Super Bowl victories in 1992, 1993 and 1995. In each of those seasons, he led the NFL in rushing yards.

Smith was named both the NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP in 1993, and in 1995 he set a career-high with 25 rushing touchdowns.

He broke Walter Payton's all-time rushing record in 2002, and also holds NFL records with 11 seasons of at least 1,000 yards rushing (1991-2001) and for attempts on the ground (4,409).

"It's been a tremendous ride," Smith said. "I've given everything I possibly can to the game."

Smith, a Florida product, was the 17th overall pick of the 1990 draft. He is the Cowboys' all-time leader in yards rushing (17,162) and rushing touchdowns (153).

 

[DarienA]

Now if old man Rice would retire....

 

[Incognito]

There should be an asterik next to his "NFL Career Leading Rusher" title. And thank god he finally retired.

 

[DonasaurusRex]

He was a great back, on a great team, def the most effective all purpose back i've ever seen, he could run, catch, block etc.

 

[Teddman]

As a Redskins fan, I used to hate this guy. But now part of me is sad to see 'im go! *sniff*

He was still putting up decent numbers.

 

[Dilbert]

There should be an asterik next to his "NFL Career Leading Rusher" title. And thank god he finally retired.

Why an asterisk?

 

[Teddman]

There should be an asterik next to his "NFL Career Leading Rusher" title. And thank god he finally retired.

No kidding. Barry Sanders the man.

 

[Dilbert]

If you don't think he's the greatest running back of all time, that's fine. If you don't think he's at least in the top half-dozen or so, I'd wonder about your judgment. But the record is indisputable -- he played a LONG time, was productive over that time, and earned the career rushing record. There's no asterisk involved.

 

[Teddman]

Well, of course. Technically, there's no asterisk. It's a reference to the likelihood that if Sanders hadn't retired and cut his career short, he'd have been the #1 rusher by far. He was on the verge of doing it at the time.

 

[SteveMeister]

Well, of course. Technically, there's no asterisk. It's a reference to the likelihood that if Sanders hadn't retired and cut his career short, he'd have been the #1 rusher by far. He was on the verge of doing it at the time.

Moot point. The record stands on what actually HAPPENED, not on what MIGHT have happened.

 

[Wellington]

Yeah there should be an asterisk. If Jamal Lewis played every game for the rest of his career like the one he played against the Browns last year (295 yards, 9.8 yards per carry), he'd shatter that record but good!

:megarolleyes

 

[pxleyes]

Greatest Rusher ever, and one of the greatest Gators to go pro ever.

Much love Emmit.

 

[DarienA]

I can't believe this thread... actually remembering where I am... I do... Emmitt didn't force Barry to retire.... hell even Barrys' team didn't force him to retire... he lost out on his chance... E Smith worked hard during his career.

Give the man the f'n respect he's earned.

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

hell even Barrys' team didn't force him to retire

A resident Lions fan has to talk. The Lions management did force Barry into retirement. Year after year of shit teams will do that to you. 8 in the box because the whole world knows your QB is a piece of shit (looking at you Scott Mitchell, Andre Ware, Rodney Peete) yet still averaging 100 a game, for his career. Do not make me put up Barry's numbers against Emmitt, please allow Mr Smith to retire with respect because it would be a massacre. I work for Ford, so this makes it even more ironic. There is a reason why Junior runs the car business and Senior is left to fuck off with the football team. William Clay Ford Sr is a dumbass when it comes to this team.

Who pays Scott Mitchell more than Barry because of a few games in backup of Marino in Miami? William Clay Ford Sr does

Who hires a General Manager and doesn't make him even live near team headquarters by allowing him to live in another time zone William Clay Ford Sr does

Who, after his team destroys the future dynasty of which is the Cowboys, 38-6 in the playoffs in 1992, lets damn near every major contributor go. Whom, might you ask? William Clay Ford Sr does

There is a reason why, it this fun filled league ravaged by parity that we call the NFL, the Lions have never had an up season. It's because management is a bunch of dumbasses

 

[WasabiKing]

now I'm gonna start some shit. Definitely not the greatest rusher of all time, that goes to Barry Sanders being #1, and Jim Brown being #1a. Why, cause both didn't have a stellar offensive line. That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

This doesn't mean he's horrible. I didn't say that at all, he's top 5 for sure.

 

[Incognito]

I can't believe this thread... actually remembering where I am... I do... Emmitt didn't force Barry to retire.... hell even Barrys' team didn't force him to retire... he lost out on his chance... E Smith worked hard during his career.

Give the man the f'n respect he's earned.

Fuck no. He's a goddamn member of the Dallas Cowboys.

 

[Eminem]

There should be an asterik next to his "NFL Career Leading Rusher" title. And thank god he finally retired.

Just shut the fuck up. Good Lord.

I HATE all this Barry Sanders talk. If you loved the guy, that's fine. He was undoubtedly a better pure runner than Smith. But not a better all around back, when you consider recieving and blocking.
And also with Barry, stop this "Well, he'd have the record if he didn't retire." Well, so fucking what. Fact is, he DID retire. He DIDN'T play for 15 years like Emmitt and get all those yards.
Not that I have anything against Barry. He is a top 5 RB ever, but I absolutely can't stand people using him to bring down Smith.
Anyone who says anything about an asterisk is just flat out dumb.

What I loved most about Emmitt was he was always nothing but a class act. Always, and in every aspect of the game.

IMO:

1) James Brown
2) Walter Payton
3) Emmitt Smith
4) Barry Sanders
5) Eh, logjam here. Simpson or Dorsett

 

[Incognito]

Eat me, fan of worthless teams. I don't like either player, but to say Emmit is better than Barry(Which you do given your rankings) when the stats CLEARLY state differently shows your rank prejudice against all things good; i.e, Sonics, Redskins, Tar Heels, Seminoles, Gary Payton, and Ray Allen.

 

[pxleyes]

Eat me, fan of worthless teams. I don't like either player, but to say Emmit is better than Barry(Which you do given your rankings) when the stats CLEARLY state differently shows your rank prejudice against all things good; i.e, Sonics, Redskins, Tar Heels, Seminoles, Gary Payton, and Ray Allen.

Who holds the record? Yea, thats what I thought.

NOW STFU and pay respect.

 

[Incognito]

Who holds the record? Yea, thats what I thought.

NOW STFU and pay respect.

Who are you? Don't address me again with something I already know. Did I say Emmitt didn't have the record?

No.

I said that Barry is the better running back, and that's a fact you'll have to come to terms with.

NOW STFU and pay respect.

 

[Eminem]

when the stats CLEARLY state differently

If you wanna go by stats, then fine:

Barry has over 3000 less yards, 65 less rushing TDs(And even if you take out the extra 6 seasons Emmitt had, after Barry's last season in 1998, Emmitt still had 26 more TDs), over 300 less yards recieving, and less recieving TDs.
The only thing Sanders has over Emmitt statwise is yards per carry, and that difference is .8 yards.

Again, the case can be made that Barry would have much better numbers if he kept playing...but he didn't.

Also, Barry's biggest fault was that he did have a lot of rushes that lost yardage. You could always count on Emmitt to at the very least get back to the line of scrimmage. Barry almost tried too hard to break one sometimes, costing his team yardage.

Oh, and while not totally on Barry, let's not forget Smith has 3 rings. Since QBs are judged by how much jewelry they have, it has to at least count for something with RBs as well.

 

[ScientificNinja]

Emmitt's been playing for 15 years?? It felt like only yesterday when he was drafted!

Jesus Christ I'm old....

Thanks for the memories, Emmitt

 

[Eminem]

oh, and I am kinda surprised Emmitt didn't try and get to 20,000
He is only 35, after all. I'm sure he could have got between 500-600 yards a year for 3 more years had he wanted to.

 

[mCACGj]

Emmitt Smith wasn't that good, and there should be an asterix next to his name for having teh best offensive line in the history of the NFL. Barry Sanders had no one, he had to make his own plays, Smith however followed blocks, and had huge holes(not to mention Irvin, Aikman, and a bunch of other outstanding offensive weapons the defense had to account for).
I'm not going to deny the fact that Emmitt Smith was a good player, an all around player that could do it all, I just think he gets too much credit. He's not the best rusher of all time.

 

[Ristamar]

oh, and I am kinda surprised Emmitt didn't try and get to 20,000
He is only 35, after all. I'm sure he could have got between 500-600 yards a year for 3 more years had he wanted to.

Even if Emmitt wanted to play (and I'm not saying he didn't), what team really wants to sign Emmitt as a starting running back, let alone for 3 years? He doesn't seem like the type to go into a back-up role with no guarantee of play time.

 

[Eminem]

Emmitt Smith wasn't that good, and there should be an asterix next to his name

JESUS FUCK. DO PEOPLE REALIZE WHAT ASTERISKS ARE FOR?

Even if Emmitt wanted to play (and I'm not saying he didn't), what team really wants to sign Emmitt as a starting running back, let alone for 3 years? He doesn't seem like the type to go into a back-up role with no guarantee of play time.

That is a good point. I think he coulda gone somewhere that would have a split backfield, but that usually ends up favoring one guy anywhere. You're right, it would have been tough to find a place for him.

 

[Dilbert]

IMO:

1) James Brown
2) Walter Payton
3) Emmitt Smith
4) Barry Sanders
5) Eh, logjam here. Simpson or Dorsett

Not a bad list, but Curtis Martin would destroy either of your #5 possibilities. The guy is a stealth Hall of Famer.

 

[soulja224466]

if you take into account rushing, receiving and blocking abilities; marshall faulk has to be up there too.

 

[Alex Anderson]

Barry Sanders averaged 5.0 yards per carry on that shitty team. 6.1 a carry during his 2053 yard season in 1997. I know that's only looking at one stat, but that's just freaky for a guy who played 10 full seasons in the current era.

He made the pro bowl every single year of his career, too. Not too shabby.

 

[Shinobi]

As a Redskins fan, I used to hate this guy. But now part of me is sad to see 'im go! *sniff*

He was still putting up decent numbers.

Heh, same here...Emmitt is a class act, and I'm glad he had one last half decent year before retiring.

It could be argued that Emmitt was helped by one of the best offensive lines in history, with an offense that had weapons to burn (as opposed to Barry Sanders, who was ripping up shit with like, nothing). But hell you still gotta produce, and produce he did, so I give him credit.

Let's not kid ourselves though...if Barry had played even three more years, he puts that rushing record so far out of sight you wouldn't even be able to find it the record books.Taking shine away from Sanders because he retired early is the equivalent of taking shine away from Jim Brown because he retired early. And you only do that if you're a fucking idiot.

I wouldn't put Emmitt in the top five ever. Sanders, Brown, Payton, OJ, Dorsett and possibly Dickerson all go ahead of him.

 

[Bat]

How can Emmitt not be in the top 5? He was the best player on a team that won three championships and he came up big in the big games. And for good teams, i'd always take the guy who can consistently get 4 or 5 yards on each down than the guy who will either get a 40 yards or lose a couple. That consistency, which Emmitt always had, allows so much more for a good offense.

Also, this isn't baseball where any old hag can get a roster spot until he's 45. In the NFL, your longevity is much more a measure of your excellence than an indication that you don't know when to leave the game.

I'd put him between 2 and 3 with Brown (clear #1) and Payton.

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

now I'm gonna start some shit. Definitely not the greatest rusher of all time, that goes to Barry Sanders being #1, and Jim Brown being #1a. Why, cause both didn't have a stellar offensive line. That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

This doesn't mean he's horrible. I didn't say that at all, he's top 5 for sure.

I'm not sure why people can't argue in grey areas. On this board, it's either an on or off switch. I think Barry Sanders is a better back since he played on shitty teams and I could watch an entire 2 hours of highlight clips and love it but Emmitt is top 5, undoubtedly and the record stands. Emmitt is a great back and nothing can change that...well, except for being a Dallas Cowboy. But that's another story.

 

[sonycowboy]

Barry was a truly special runner, but Emmit was a true back. Emmitt and Barry led the league in rushing from 1990-1997, with them each getting 4 rushing titles.

Emmitt Smith's NFL Records
Rushing yards: 18,355 yards
Carries: 4,409
Rushing touchdowns: 164
1,000-yard rushing seasons: 11
Consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons: 11
100-yard rushing games: 78
Postseason rushing yards: 1,586
Postseasons rushing TDs: 19
Consecutive postseason games with a rushing TD: 9
Postseason 100-yard rushing games: 7

Barry Sanders' NFL Records
Most 100-yard rushing games in a season: 14
Most consecutive 100-yard games:14

and in they're primes:

Emmitt: Four-Time NFL rushing leader (1991,92,93,95) NFL, Superbowl MVP 95
Barry: Four-time NFL rushing leader (1990,94,96,97)

 

[impirius]

Emmitt Smith wasn't that good, and there should be an asterix next to his name

Emmitt Smith

 

[levious]

I like Sanders, but he was not only limted in his receiving, blocking, and short yardage abilities, but he also was very one dimensional in the run plays he was successfull in. How many times did you see him run off tackle? Not much. Just shows how excellent he was in open field running.

Barry quit, he doesn't get bonus points for "supposedly" having another 3,000 plus yards in his tank.

And people always cite the "greatest offensive lin" in NFL history. Well, try to name all the other Dallas backs that had great games behind that line. If you said "none" you'd probably be pretty close to the truth.

Emmit's status as greatest back of all time is as solid as Montana's and Rice's (although he loses status for the dreadlocks and cornrows while in an advanced stage of baldness) at their respective positions. It's arguable I guess, but not by much.

if you take into account rushing, receiving and blocking abilities; marshall faulk has to be up there too.

This thread needed some subtle comedy.

 

[Eminem]

IF Faulk had played 7-8 years like he did in say, 1999, then he could be top 5. but as of now, probably rounding out the top 10 is gonna be as high as he goes

 

[Ristamar]

I used to dislike Emmitt, but he's grown on me. Definitely a top 5 back, but like many others, I prefer Barry or Jim Brown.

EDIT: And how could I forget Sweetness. Unfortunately, his post season numbers weren't very impressive.

 

[crumbs]

Emmitt Smith seems like a decent guy, but I can't see how he's a top five back. He was great back and very durable, but I have a hard time putting him above some of the other top guys (Brown, Sanders, Payton, etc).

 

[DJ Sl4m]

I give him his props to an extent because he's always been a own to earth guy with nice all around RB skills.

As a rusher he's nothing more than average back who ran behind a very very good line most of his career.
I was watching some of his highlights on ESPN at noon today and was certainly reminded of his average skills as a runner.

He has GREAT visio to hit the holes, no doubt about it, but when the holes are 10' wide, how many backs couldn't ?

Great reciever out of the backfield, really good blocker, awesome personality, average running ability with great field vision.

Barry Sanders could make more highlights in a month than Emmit did in his entire career.

 

[levious]

He has GREAT visio to hit the holes, no doubt about it, but when the holes are 10' wide, how many backs couldn't ?

Like I said before, none of the other Dallas backs ever could.

 

[DJ Sl4m]

Yea, fullbacks and rookies aren't much to brag about though.

Palmer ? haha, ok if you're satisfied with that.

 

[levious]

I'll never understand why fans of certain players feel slighted when another player is considered better by some. All of the backs mentioned in this thread, besides faulk, are some of the best of all time. Smith has stats and rings, yet some refuse to acknowledge that he was great. He had probably the best acceleration of any great back along with formidable power. Couple that with really good recieving and route running ability and a low fumble rate and you get one of the best of all time.

Saying he was nothing more than an average back makes you look stupid.

Montana?! He never threw the ball more than 3 yards downfield!

 

[Eminem]

Barry Sanders could make more highlights in a month than Emmit did in his entire career.

so fucking what? that makes him better?
Barry Sanders could also run more plays for losses in a 8 games than Emmitt did in his entire career.

How about this? Barry went 1-5 in the postseason, and one game against Green Bay he had 13 rushes for -1 yards.
But hey, I guess that's just because his team sucked, despite being the play-offs, and all of Smith's postseason success was because he was behind a great line. whatever.


i'll say it again....if you don't like emmitt, don't think he's that great, that's fine. but don't consistantly use Barry to rip him. that's just a ridiculous thing to do.

Saying he was nothing more than an average back makes you look stupid.

Montana?! He never threw the ball more than 3 yards downfield!

:lol :lol exactly
Montana was just a mediocre QB with great options around him. that's all.



i really dread the future. "Peyton Manning? he was just fucking lucky he had so many recievers around him and a great running back"
"Tom Brady? that suckass just was in the right place at the right time. it's all about the coach."

 

[levious]

wait, it makes sad that no one mentions Earl Campbell in this thread. You wanna cry about a guy that did it all on his own, that's your guy.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Weird he didnt thank Jimmy Johnson. DId they have problems?

 

[hgplayer1]

seriously you have to know next to nothing about a player like Emmitt Smith to have the nerve to call him an average NFL RB. do you understand the importance of reliability in the NFL? Emmitt was a rock for the Cowboys. did you ever see that game in the playoffs against the Giants where he dislocated his shoulder and stayed in the game and continued to be like 80% of the Cowboys offense for the remainder of the game? I swear I had a lump in my throat every time they handed the ball to him or threw it to him. did you ever see that play from a Raiders game where the Cowboys are like at the 3 yard line and they run a little dive and a LB or D lineman comes right up the middle and dives right into Emmitts shoulder stopping him cold only to shrug it off and continue into the end zone? dont tell me you never saw the man take on 2 or 3 tacklers at a time and come out of it and get in the end zone. Emmitt never had speed. he was never big enough. he just has a heart the size of that star in the middle of Texas Stadium. he also had a dream to become the all time leading rusher in the NFL. the fact that he broke Walter Peytons record to do it is special in so many ways its almost incomprehensible. the special relationship he gained with the Peyton family as a result of his chase for the record is something I dont think a lot of people understand. there was a great special that ESPN aired on Emmitt not too long ago and I hope they replay it again now that hes retired but omg his carreer has to be one of the best any player has ever had in the NFL.

Thank you Emmitt for being one of the classiest players Ive ever had the pleasure of cheering for. Youre the absolute best!

 

[DJ Sl4m]

Well I didn't say he was an average running back, I said he was average at running.

He was surrounded by talent where Barry wasn't, at least Troy had Michael to take some of the focus off Emmit.
Barry had who over his career ? Thought so!!

I gave him props so learn how to read.com

 

[ShadowRed]

wait, it makes sad that no one mentions Earl Campbell in this thread. You wanna cry about a guy that did it all on his own, that's your guy.

I love Earl Campbells hotlinks.

 

[levious]

Well I didn't say he was an average running back, I said he was average at running.

I gave him props so learn how to read.com

As a rusher he's nothing more than average back who ran behind a very very good line most of his career.

Please forgive my lack of reading comprehension, I was blinded by your stupidity. I guess using the word average three times in describing his career is your idea of giving him props?

hgplayer,

That game against the Giants was the final game of the regular season with the division and a first round bye on the line. Great nonetheless.

 

[Brofist]

Well I didn't say he was an average running back, I said he was average at running.

He was surrounded by talent where Barry wasn't, at least Troy had Michael to take some of the focus off Emmit.
Barry had who over his career ? Thought so!!

I gave him props so learn how to read.com

while you're at it maybe you should check out dictionary.com. They have some good definitions of what the word average means, cause you have no clue.