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Emmitt Smith

RB (retired)

Emmitt Smith: facts drawn from the play-by-play.

FanIQ Research · May 10, 2026 · 6 facts, every one from the play-by-play

18,355 career rushing yards — still the NFL's all-time rushing leader, 20+ years after he retired.

Milestone

All-time NFL rushing leaders

Rank	Player	Yards
1	Emmitt Smith	18,355
2	Walter Payton	16,726
3	Frank Gore	16,000
4	Barry Sanders	15,269
5	Adrian Peterson	14,918

164 career rushing TDs — also the all-time NFL record, by a wide margin.

Rare

All-time rushing TDs

Player	Rush TDs
Emmitt Smith	164
LaDainian Tomlinson	145
Marcus Allen	123
Walter Payton	110
Adrian Peterson	120

His final 6 seasons (1999-2004) — already past his MVP prime, still 1,000+ yds in 4 of 6.

Trend

Rushing yards by season (DB: 1999-2004 tail)

x	y
1,496 (DAL)	1496
1,203 (DAL)	1203
1,021 (DAL)	1021
975 (DAL)	975
256 (ARI inj.)	256
937 (ARI)	937

3x Super Bowl champion + Super Bowl XXVIII MVP — only RB to win MVP + SB MVP + rushing title in same year (1993).

Split

1993 triple crown

Award	Detail
NFL MVP	1,486 rush yds in 14 gms
Super Bowl XXVIII MVP	132 yds, 2 TDs vs BUF
NFL Rushing Title	Led league
Super Bowl Ring	Cowboys 30-13 over BUF

11 straight 1,000+ yard rushing seasons (1991-2001) — only Barry Sanders matched the streak.

Comparison

Consecutive 1,000-yd rushing seasons

Player	Streak
Emmitt Smith	11 (1991-2001)
Barry Sanders	10 (1989-1998)
Curtis Martin	10 (1995-2004)
LaDainian Tomlinson	8 (2001-2008)

He's the only RB in NFL history with 4 rushing titles AND a Super Bowl ring AND an MVP.

Anomaly

Emmitt's unique resume

Honor	Count
NFL Rushing Titles	4 (1991-93, 1995)
NFL MVP	1 (1993)
Super Bowl Rings	3 (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
Pro Bowls	8
Pro Football HOF	2010

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