CANTON, Ohio — Former University of Florida running back Emmitt Smith was formally enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday, following a 15-year career in the National Football League that saw him become the league's all-time rushing leader.
The Pensacola, Fla., native leads in the NFL in both all-time rushing yards (18,355) and touchdowns (164). Smith played the majority of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys (1990-2002), where he won three Super Bowl championships along with being named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1993. The eight-time Pro Bowler finished up his pro career with the Arizona Cardinals (2003-04).
"This is almost perfect," Smith said. "I don't think even Steven Spielberg could have written a script this nice. So many people said I could not do it. I believed in that little giant inside of me that said I can."
Smith graduated from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Fla., and played for the Gators from 1987-89. Smith went on to break the school record for most career rushing yards with 3,928. He was named the SEC Player of the Year in 1989 and was drafted 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990 NFL Draft.
His 2010 induction comes four years after Smith was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, Gator Football Ring of Honor and the UF Athletic Hall of Fame.
A contingent of UF athletic department officials made the trip to Canton, Ohio, including head football coach Urban Meyer. Along with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the group went on a private tour of the Hall of Fame. Coach Meyer had a chance to speak with Andre Caldwell and Carlos Dunlap of the Cincinnati Bengals, who are playing in the annual Hall of Fame game on Sunday. The group also saw former Gators Daryl Perry and Johnny Nichols and then shook hands with Maurkice Pouncey and Max Starks as they entered the stadium for the ceremony.
"It's a great day for the Gator Nation," Meyer said. "I am extremely happy for Emmitt and his family and it was an honor to be on hand watching Emmitt's induction."
Smith is one of two Gators to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining former Gator defensive end Jack Youngblood, who was enshrined in 2001.
The former Gator great has actively participated in the 10-day Enshrinement Festival in Canton, which includes various festivals throughout the week to honor the inductees. The ceremonies conclude tomorrow night, when Smith's Cowboys face the Cincinnati Bengals in the annual Hall of Fame game.
The other six players joining Smith in the 2010 NFL Hall of Fame class include guard Russ Grimm, linebacker Rickey Jackson, cornerback Dick LeBeau, running back Floyd Little, defensive tackle John Randle and wide receiver Jerry Rice.
Smith's selection was originally announced on Feb. 6, 2010.
WFTV
