Emmitt Smith NFL All-Time Rushing Leader

Emmitt Smith retired as the NFL’s all-time rushing leader with 18,355 yards and scored more rushing touchdowns (164) than any other player in NFL history.

Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times, won four NFL rushing titles (1991, 1992, 1993 and 1995), three Super Bowl titles, NFL MVP (1993) and Super Bowl XXVIII MVP award.

Emmitt Smith broke Walter Payton’s NFL rushing record at Texas Stadium on Oct. 27, 2002 on an 11-yard run in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks.

Dallas Cowboys running back EMMITT SMITH today became the NFL’s all-time rushing leader, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears legend WALTER PAYTON, who totaled 16,726 yards with the Bears from 1975-87.

"The people ... taking care of the Jumbotrons kept showing it and flashing it and counted down for me," said Emmitt Smith. "So I was very aware of how much I needed."

So aware, that nine minutes into the fourth quarter on his 20th carry against visiting Seattle, Emmitt Smith became the NFL’s all-time rushing leader.

"Once I broke the line of scrimmage, I knew that had to be the one," recollected Emmitt Smith.

Emmitt Smith gained the 11 yards he needed, giving him 16,728 career yards, surpassing Walter Payton.

"No one is more worthy to succeed Walter Payton as the all-time NFL rushing leader than Emmitt Smith," said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue after Smith attained the record. "He kept a photo of Walter Payton in his high school locker and then came to embody the qualities -- both athletic and personal -- that were so admired in Walter. Now Emmitt takes Walter’s place in the record book, and the NFL could not be more proud."

Smith finished the game with 109 yards for a career total of 16,743.

He also added a one-yard touchdown run for his record 150th-career rushing touchdown.

In his 13th season from Florida, Smith has long expressed his admiration of the late Bears legend.

"You play the game because you love it and you strive to win championships," said Smith.

"You set individual goals that are intertwined with team goals, and the all-time rushing record is one of them. It means a great deal to me, especially because of the greatness of the person who held it before me. I can't even begin to explain how great the 'great deal' is."

The NFL’s all-time rushing leaders

Emmitt Smith's Career Statistics: Game by Game

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Emmitt Smith NFL All-Time Rushing Leader
Dallas Cowboys All-Time Great and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith