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]

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]

[FLCowboy,]

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.