Emmitt Smith passes Walter Payton [All-time Rushing Leader]

espn.com ^ | October 27, 2002

[VaBthang4]

Emmitt Smith broke the late Walter Payton's NFL career rushing record Oct. 27 with an 11-yard run in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys' game against Seattle.

Smith got the record with a run over the left side with 9:10 left in the game. After he got tripped up at the line of scrimmage, he kept moving forward, extending his arm to get the final yards. That run gave the 33-year-old Smith 16,728 career yards, passing his idol Payton's mark of 16,726 yards. Payton, who played for the Bears, had held the mark since he retired after the 1987 season. Payton died in November 1999 from a rare liver disease. Payton needed 190 games over 13 seasons to set the mark. Smith, in his 13th season, played in his 193rd game Sunday. The record run came on Smith's 20th carry of the game, only the second time this season he's had at least 20 carries. A few plays later, he went over 100 yards for the first time this season, and then capped the drive with a 1-yard TD run, his 150th career rushing TD, extending his own NFL record.

[VaBthang4]

Emmit is a Soldier. I cant think of a runningback who deserves it more.

Kudos.

And he is a [real] Christian.

[VaBthang4]

[rintense]

Too bad Barry retired.

[NeoCaveman]

Congrats to Emmitt

He's a real class act.

[Non-Sequitur]

Well, if someone had to take the record it might as well be Emmitt Smith. He's no Sweetness, but he's darned close. And for the record that is the first and last time I will ever say anything good about the goddam Dallas Cowboys.

[BraveMan]

Cowboys Bump . . .

[VaBthang4]

Small "G"?

HaterAde?

Nevermind. ~Grin~

[Tripleplay]

Barry Sanders had 3 to 5 years left when he retired.........But at least he will be able walk when he is 50.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

He's also a Gator.

[Mr. Mojo]

My top 5 all-time NFL running back rankings:

1) Gale Sayers
2) Jim Brown
3) Walter Payton
4) Emmitt Smith
5) O.J. Simpson

[rintense]

He was a good work horse and never had a serious injury. I think he could have gone another 7 years from the time he retired.

[Non-Sequitur]

My antipathy of the Cowboys goes back for decades. A good friend of mine, a die hard Cowboys fan, was also the associate pastor of our church. One day he showed up at church wearing a ballcap with that big star on it. "Look, daddy", my darling 6 year old daughter said, pointing at the cap, "Goddam Dallas Cowboys."

[sinkspur]

And for the record that is the first and last time I will ever say anything good about the goddam Dallas Cowboys.

He, he. Da 'Boys must've whupped your team's ass a few times?

[Jonathon Spectre]

Congratulations to a class act all the way. No one deserves it more.

[VaBthang4]

I think it is "damned".

~Grin~

[Trajan88]

I can see keeping the football on the record-breaking run. Deserved and he should get his props.

With #22, it has always been about HIS numbers. He keeps every football that he scores a td with.

What the hell does he do with all that pigskin? Does he have a plexiglass wall at home with the 150 something balls? If so, does he lay out a mat a pray to it every day (like Jimmy "life-like" hair use to stare at his fish tanks)?

If Smith donates the balls to charity - that's fine, but if he keeps these things, he's a dork.

For the record, I'm a Redskin fan (and no I don't like Danny Snider as their owner).

Trajan88; TAMU Class of '88; Law Hall (may it R.I.P.) Ramp 9 Mule; f.u.p.

p.s. When's Barry Sanders coming out of retirement?

[My Favorite Headache]

Never sold out to drugs,booze,cheating,got his degree,christian,and is the best running back to hit the field. Just watch as another record falls in 2 games.

Cowboy fan of 25 years....even in another loss at least this came out of the darkness. I hope Emmitt stays on for another year and secures the record some more.

[Non-Sequitur]

My second favorite team has always been whoever happened to be playing the Cowboys at the time.

[rintense]

p.s. When's Barry Sanders coming out of retirement?

Never gonna happen. Although the bitterness runs deep in Michigan, Barry was also a class act (other than the suddent retirement). I only remember seeing him spike the football once. Every other time, he simply handed it to the official.

[Non-Sequitur]

I know. This is a family forum. :)

[VaBthang4]

As a diehard Colts fan I have no qualms in saying Emmitt is an awesome Runningback.

He is a class act.

After defenders tackled Emmitt...they picked him up. The ultimate sign of respect.

Went through the Crackboys years unblemished. Michael Irvin was there...he's gotten saved. Good for him.

Good day for Emmitt. Soak it up Bro.

[VaBthang4]

...and a competent one. ~Grin~

[strela]

"Look, daddy", my darling 6 year old daughter said, pointing at the cap, "Goddam Dallas Cowboys."

ROFL! Laugh of the day for me.

[rintense]

That should be SUDDEN retirement.

[RoseyT]

Great football player and upstanding person. Yay Emmitt!

[strela]

Michael Irvin was there...he's gotten saved. Good for him.

I'd pay big money for a copy of that peach-colored "Dr. Evil" Nehru jacket that Irvin was wearing today. Halloween is just a few days away.

[jla]

[VaBthang4]

"I'd pay big money for a copy of that peach-colored "Dr. Evil" Nehru jacket that Irvin was wearing today. Halloween is just a few days away."

ROFL! Laugh of the day for me.

Wait a minute...

No it wasnt. ~Grin~

[Consort]

[khenrich]

Wow, you really don't hide your feelings at all. Success breeds contempt?

[rintense]

I loathe the Cowboys, but today is Emmitt's day...

[Darlin']

If Sweet's record was to be surpassed I'm glad it was by a good guy like Emmitt.

[Mudboy Slim]

Yo, dude...what's yer official list fer the top 5 NFL running backs of all time?! NFL began in 1967, right, so none of this Jim Brown nonsense, either...or CrazyLegs Hirsch...or Red Grange!! Just since the NFL became official, who are the Top 5 Running Backs, In YOUR Humble Opinion?!

Clock's tickin'...MUD

[Non-Sequitur]

Emmitt Smith is a fine football player, an exceptional football player. But he has just broken the record held by the finest all around player ever to set foot on a football field, Walter Payton. It just takes some adjusting is all.

[RoseofTexas]

Rintense, THANK YOU so much for this wonderful pix! This guy is so HUMBLE, boy! At the news conference he CONTINUED to give the Lord the credit! I bet the reporters were just ITCHING for him to cool it with the Jesus talk! God's continual blessing upon his life and his family!

[RoseofTexas]

ooops...this=these

[VaBthang4]

I'm not sure if you were asking me or not but here is my chance to share...my top three.

Emmitt Smith
Walter Payton
Terrell Davis

[Mudboy Slim]

We're talking Top 5...and where's Eric Dickerson?

MUD

[Grizzly Bear]

Emmitt is the best. Glad to see that Moose was there to be a part of it as well. Many of thse yards Emmitt racked up were done on the heels of Moose.

Emmitt is a class act. Congratulations #22!

[hottomale]

My only regret is that the Cboys were not playing the Wredskins. Go AHEAD Emmit # 22.

[FreeTheHostages]

GO REDSKINS!!!

[Mark Turbo]

Glad to see that Moose was there to be a part of it as well. Many of thse yards Emmitt racked up were done on the heels of Moose.

I remember hearing how Emmitt Smith bought watches for his offensive line one year after finishing first in rushing yards for the season. I'm sure they, like Moose, were happy to see this day come.

[plymaniac]

As good as Emmett is, today I remember Walter.

[Not A Democrat]

Emmitt has been pure greatness his entire career with the Cowboys. He has been a true warrior and a fierce competitor. He deserves all the kudos being directed his way.

I lost a bit of respect for him, though, this past spring during the primary season, when I received recorded messages from Emmitt asking me to vote for Ron Kirk for U.S. Senate. (How the Dems had my number is another story-I've never voted in a Dem primary in my life) I was disappointed, but not really surprised.

Nonetheless, he has been a truly great player. His bust will be in Canton, and his name will be on the Cowboys' Ring of Honor at Texas Stadium.

[Richard Kimball]

He's saving the footballs and other memorabilia to have a charity auction. He also contacted Walter Payton's widow and son and invited them to the game. In addition, he's contributed time to Walter Payton's foundation for finding cancer cures.

Of course, if you're a Redskin fan and a graduate of A&M, I understand your bitterness.

[Ahban]

Top five of all time? The names I've seen are good, but I'd have to throw Earl Campbell in there. The Oilers wore him out too fast by over use, but he dominated the game as a pro during his five best seasons.

[Darlin']

FOFLOL. I hear ya :)

[Mudboy Slim]

Haven't read the whole thread, but Barry Sanders has to be in anyone's Top 5, IMHO...MUD

[habs4ever]

Campbell wore himself out, it was the way he played the game.Punishing to watch, as well as play ;-)

Marcus Allen is the most underrated back in the past 25 yrs.He most closely resembled Gayle Sayers.

[Rightly Biased]

Thanks again rintense I have always been an Emmitt fan what a nice tribute.......