Emmit Smith within reach: Emmitt Smith is poised to become the all-time rushing king—but what really excites him is the potential resurgence of the Cowboys in 2002 - Cover Story

Football Digest, August, 2002 by Charean Williams

As evidenced by his longevity--he's played in 200 of a possible 204 games in his career--Smith's strengths always have been his consistency and durability. "I think that's the thing that really stands out in my mind is how durable he's been over the years," says Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson, who ranks fourth all-time with 13,259 career yards. "As a running back, you know you take a pounding, and he's been pretty healthy over his whole career. I think he's a smart runner, and he's been a pretty patient runner also."

The 33-year-old Smith has paid the price to keep his NFL career rolling. He works out 11 months a year, receives regular adjustments from a chiropractor, and visits a masseuse twice weekly. Says Smith, "I do the necessary things outside of just physical training to take care of my body."

Smith has lasted a lot longer than almost anyone expected--and as a result, history now is within his reach. The late Payton, who played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 through '87, was one of the all-time favorites among fans. But so is Smith, which is why nobody is rooting against him in his quest.

"He is a phenomenal person, extraordinarily competitive, highly unselfish, wants to win, durable, and his performance in the National Football League is identical to everything he's ever done in his life," says Cleveland Browns head coach Butch Davis, a Cowboys assistant from 1989 through '94. "He was the most highly productive player in the state of Florida in high school. He was a great player at Florida. Just the threads of his greatness have run through every step of his career."

It's only fitting, then, that Smith is about to make history in the NFL.

Shatterproof

EMMITT SMITH IS ON THE VERGE OF breaking one of the most prestigious records in pro football. Some records, however, are made to not be broken--like Tony Dorsett's 99-yard touchdown run, which can be tied but never surpassed. Here are some other records that aren't likely to be broken, at least not anytime soon:

THE UNDEFEATED SEASON. Like Dorsett's 99-yard TD run, this record can be tied but not broken. Each season when the last undefeated team finally loses, members from the 1972 Miami Dolphins toast their 17-0 record The 1984 San Francisco 49ers and the 1985 Chicago Bears threatened that mark, losing only one game each in going 18-1. As the years go by, however, a perfect season grows more and more elusive--thanks in large part to free agency and parity.

FEWEST POINTS ALLOWED IN A SEASON. The 2000 Baltimore Ravens made a case for having the greatest defense ever when they gave up 165 points, a record for a 16-game season. But the all-time record for fewest points allowed is 37, set by Cincinnati/St. Louis in 1934. That record is as untouchable as untouchable could be.

JERRY RICE'S RECEIVING RECORDS. Rice just keeps on going, which is why most of his records probably are uncatchable. Rice, who is entering his 18th season, has 1,364 catches for 20,386 yards and 185 touchdowns among his list of records.