Emmitt Smith

[Denverbillsfan]

I know that Emmitt Smith broke Sweetnesses record today and everyone is saying he is the best back ever... This is what I think - Barry Sanders would and should have beaten the rushing record a few years ago if he didn't get stupid and decide to sit out and not play anymore. He was only 1500 yards back from Paytons record and he hasn't played for at least 3 years now. Emmitt is lucky that Barry hasn't played or we wouldn't be hearing about him today.

[goobylal]

Emmitt is a great back, but he isn't the greatest. I'd rank Payton, Sanders, and Brown above him easily. All three of them also didn't hang around just to break a milestone and retired at or close to the top of their game.

[Denverbillsfan]

I agree with you except that I do believe that Emmitt did hang around this season to break Paytons record. I predict he will retire after this season as he has reached the record and the Cowboys have no chance of going anywhere this season or next year.

[Meridius]

I was surprised to hear he was still in the game this season - it had to be just for the record.

[jjm19672000]

Maybe the greatest statistical back ever, but not the best runner. No matter what, he deserves credit for taking the pounding that long.

[OnlyOneYeti]

That is true...he gets a lot of flak because of that dominant O-line, but he is a physical runner. As far as Barry Sanders, he's the best I ever personally saw but I can't blame him for getting mad at the Lions. They really treated him like garbage and of all players, Barry didn't deserve that. He was a consummate professional.

[Bledsoe11]

Barry was the most electrifying runner I ever watched.
Payton was the best all-around package of speed, power and hands
Emmitt is one I would choose if I had to have 5 yards to make the difference in a game, I would choose him.

He did not stay around just to break the record. He is a FOOTBALL PLAYER. That means he gets up every day loving what he does. Whether the Cowboys are good or bad, it is his job to get up and run with the football, and he enjoys it. He will probably do it until he is unable to any more. Hats should go off to him for what he accomplished....

[goobylal]

Jim Brown was the best of all-time. Most NFL RB's will tell you that.

[thegame]

You don't rush for over 15,000 yards simply because there was a great line in front of you. Emmitt has what few runners in this league have, the ability to stay healthy and take a pounding year after year, down after down. I don't think he's as prolific as Barry Sanders or as amazing as Jim Brown, but I'd put him as a strong #3 as far as all time running backs.

[jjm19672000]

I'll put him at #4. I think Payton belongs on that list.