Considered by many NFL football experts to be the best running back and wide receiver to ever play in the league, Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice were inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Canton, Ohio. Smith and Rice headlined a group of seven inductees that also included John Randle, Dick LeBeau, Rickey Jackson, Russ Grimm and Floyd Little.
Former Dallas Cowboy great Emmitt Smith entered the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. During his career he rushed for 18,355 yards with 164 touchdowns and had 11 seasons with 1,000 or more yards on the ground. He won three Superbowl championships during his career and was named the game's MVP in 1994. Smith gave these comments in his induction speech:
"Most people only dream. I not only had my childhood dream, I did everything I could to fulfill it. "You know what, I am now the all-time leading rusher. Wow. What an honor."
"When I go into the hall today, I am not going in alone. I am carrying my grandfather, I'm carrying my father and I'm carrying my son along with me because I bear all their names. Now I can say to my dad and my son, EJ, our name will be forever enshrined in the history of football."
Jerry Rice, who played most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, is the owner of every significant receiving record. During his 20 year career he caught 1,549 passes. He gained 22,895 yards, which is 7,600 yards ahead of second place. He scored 208 touchdowns, another all time best for a wide receiver. Rice was known as one of the hardest workers in sports, but ironically he said in his induction speech that was his only regret:
"My single regret about my career is I never took the time to enjoy it. I was always working."
"I was afraid to fail. The fear of failure is the engine that has driven me my entire life. The reason they never caught me from behind is because I ran scared. People always are surprised how insecure I was. The doubts, the struggles, is who I am. I wonder if I would have been as successful without them."
Rice moved from the low profile of Mississippi Valley State College to win three Super Bowls and redefine the role of the wide receiver in the modern game. He won three Superbowls with the San Francisco 49ers.
Former Dallas Cowboy great Emmitt Smith entered the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. During his career he rushed for 18,355 yards with 164 touchdowns and had 11 seasons with 1,000 or more yards on the ground. He won three Superbowl championships during his career and was named the game's MVP in 1994. Smith gave these comments in his induction speech:
"Most people only dream. I not only had my childhood dream, I did everything I could to fulfill it. "You know what, I am now the all-time leading rusher. Wow. What an honor."
"When I go into the hall today, I am not going in alone. I am carrying my grandfather, I'm carrying my father and I'm carrying my son along with me because I bear all their names. Now I can say to my dad and my son, EJ, our name will be forever enshrined in the history of football."
Jerry Rice, who played most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, is the owner of every significant receiving record. During his 20 year career he caught 1,549 passes. He gained 22,895 yards, which is 7,600 yards ahead of second place. He scored 208 touchdowns, another all time best for a wide receiver. Rice was known as one of the hardest workers in sports, but ironically he said in his induction speech that was his only regret:
"My single regret about my career is I never took the time to enjoy it. I was always working."
"I was afraid to fail. The fear of failure is the engine that has driven me my entire life. The reason they never caught me from behind is because I ran scared. People always are surprised how insecure I was. The doubts, the struggles, is who I am. I wonder if I would have been as successful without them."
Rice moved from the low profile of Mississippi Valley State College to win three Super Bowls and redefine the role of the wide receiver in the modern game. He won three Superbowls with the San Francisco 49ers.
About the Author:
Ross Everett is a freelance writer and noted authority on price per head. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and bookie software sites. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.
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