Top 30 NFL players of the 1900s

Top 30 NFL Players of the 1900s

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Joe Montana #16 of the San Francisco 49ers passes during pregame warm up before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 13, 1987 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the 49ers 30-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 13: Dallas Cowboys runningback Emmitt Smith caught a Troy Aikman pass and runs it back for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs 20-17 win 13 December in Kansas City, MO. Smith is one rushing touchdown away from breaking former Chief Marcus Allen’s record. Number 83 is tight end Hayward Clay. AFP Photo David KAUP (Photo credit should read DAVID KAUP/AFP via Getty Images) /

13. Emmitt Smith

The Dallas Cowboys built a dynasty around Emmitt Smith in the early 1990s. Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones selected Smith in the first round in 1990 out of Florida, which turned out to be a franchise-altering decision.

Smith was the catalyst of the Cowboys offense for over a decade. The eight time Pro Bowler helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships, including consecutive titles in 1992 and 1993.

In 2002, Smith became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher in a game against the Seattle Seahawks. He is one of only four players throughout NFL history with north of 21,000 yards from scrimmage. Along with Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, Smith and the Cowboys had the best offensive trio of the 1990s. Their offensive attack, combined with their great defenses, helped them become the team of the decade.

Smith led the NFL in rushing four times and was named to six All-Pro teams. He was also named league MVP in 1993. The less said about the Arizona days, the better — he will always be known as being the best running back in Cowboys history, and as one of the best running backs in the history of the NFL.

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