Top 30 NFL players of the 1990

Top 30 NFL players of the 1990s

DENVER, UNITED STATES: Denver Brocos running back Terrell Davis (30) makes a 12 yard carry late in the second quarter during game action 24 September, 2000 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. AFP PHOTO/ MARK LEFFINGWELL (Photo credit should read MARK LEFFINGWELL/AFP via 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) /

4. Emmitt Smith

There were quite a few special running backs that graced the gridiron in the 1990s, and Emmitt Smith was as special as they came. The former Florida Gator was the catalyst to creating a dynasty in Dallas.

The Cowboys drafted him with the 17th overall pick in 1990 after trading up with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he was named the 1990 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Alongside quarterback Troy Aikman and wide receiver Michael Irvin, the Cowboys put together one of the best stretches in NFL history, winning three Super Bowls in four seasons from 1992-95.

Smith led the NFL in total touchdowns throughout the decade with 146. He also led the NFL in rushing four times, including a career-high 1,773 yards in 1995. Smith also ran for 20+ touchdowns in consecutive seasons, netting 21 in 1994 and 25 in 1995.

He was selected as a first-team All-Pro four consecutive times from 1992-95, and made eight Pro Bowls throughout the 1990s. He won the NFL MVP in 1993 and is a member of the 1990s All-Decade team. Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, and will forever be recognized as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the game.

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