We’re counting down the days until the Dallas Cowboys battle the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener of the 2025 NFL season. To pass the time and mark the days, we are running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.
Today – number 2
Emmitt Smith
Born: May 15, 1969. Pensacola, Florida Position: Running back Dallas Cowboys: 1990-2002 Awards: Super Bowl champion- XXVII, XXVIII, XXX Super Bowl MVP- XXVIII NFL Most Valuable Player- 1993 All-Pro- 1992,
1993, 1994, 1995 Pro Bowl- 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999 NFL rushing yards leader- 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995 NFL rushing touchdowns leader- 1992, 1994, 1995 NFL scoring leader- 1995 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year- 1990
Emmitt Smith played running back for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002, becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty. Drafted 17th overall out of Florida, Smith’s vision, durability, and toughness allowed him to dominate defenses despite not being the fastest or flashiest back. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons, earned eight Pro Bowl selections, was the 1993 NFL MVP, and helped lead Dallas to three Super Bowl titles. Smith retired with 18,355 rushing yards and 164 rushing touchdowns, records that still stand today, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Best known for:
Smith was best known for being the NFL’s all-time rushing leader and the workhorse who powered the Cowboys’ offense during their Super Bowl dominance in the 1990s. He’s routinely involved in a small number of names that are considered the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Lesser known fact:
Smith played his last two seasons for the Arizona Cardinals and once played as the road team against his beloved Cowboys. He recalls the moment hearing the Dallas home crowd and became emotional in the locker room, this moment becoming a huge reason he finally retired from football.
