Former Gator Emmitt Smith Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame

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.