Emmitt Smith, the legendary running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002, is the player who made the number 17 famous for the franchise. He is widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and his number was retired by the Cowboys in 2005.
Emmitt Smith was born in Pensacola, Florida, in 1969. He played college football at the University of Florida, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1989.
Smith was drafted by the Cowboys with the 17th overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft. He quickly became a star, leading the NFL in rushing yards in 1991 and 1992. Smith was a key member of the Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.
Smith retired from the NFL in 2002 as the NFL's all-time leading rusher. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Number 17 has not been issued to any other Cowboys player since Smith's retirement.
Cowboys Number 17
The number 17 holds a special significance for the Dallas Cowboys, having been worn by one of the franchise's most iconic players, Emmitt Smith. Here are eight key aspects related to "Cowboys number 17":
- Emmitt Smith
- Running back
- Dallas Cowboys
- 1990-2002
- Three Super Bowls
- NFL's all-time leading rusher
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Retired number
Emmitt Smith was a dominant running back who helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. He is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and his number 17 has been retired by the Cowboys in honor of his contributions to the franchise.
1. Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith is a former American football running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002. He is widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and his number 17 has been retired by the Cowboys in his honor.
- Three Super Bowls
Smith was a key member of the Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. He was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXVIII after rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys' 30-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
- NFL's All-Time Leading Rusher
Smith retired from the NFL in 2002 as the NFL's all-time leading rusher, with 18,355 career rushing yards. He held this record until 2010, when it was broken by LaDainian Tomlinson.
- Pro Football Hall of Famer
Smith was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He is one of only seven players in NFL history to have rushed for over 18,000 yards in their career.
- Retired Number
The Cowboys retired Smith's number 17 in 2005. He is one of only a handful of Cowboys players to have their number retired by the franchise.
Emmitt Smith is a Dallas Cowboys legend. He is one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and his number 17 will forever be associated with the Cowboys franchise.
2. Running back
A running back is a position in American football played by an offensive player who carries the ball most of the time. Running backs are responsible for gaining yards by running with the ball and scoring touchdowns. They may also be involved in pass-catching and blocking.
Emmitt Smith, who wore number 17 for the Dallas Cowboys, is one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was a key member of the Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1993. Smith retired from the NFL in 2002 as the league's all-time leading rusher.
The running back position is a crucial part of the Cowboys' offense. The Cowboys have had a number of great running backs over the years, including Tony Dorsett, Herschel Walker, and Ezekiel Elliott. However, Emmitt Smith is the best running back in Cowboys history and one of the best running backs in NFL history.
3. Dallas Cowboys and Cowboys Number 17
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most popular and successful teams in the NFL. They have won five Super Bowls and have a rich history dating back to the 1960s. One of the most iconic players in Cowboys history is Emmitt Smith, who wore the number 17.
Smith was a dominant running back who helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. He was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1993 and retired from the NFL in 2002 as the league's all-time leading rusher. Smith's number 17 was retired by the Cowboys in 2005, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
The connection between the Dallas Cowboys and Cowboys number 17 is significant because Smith is one of the greatest players in team history. His number has been retired by the Cowboys, and he is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith's success on the field helped the Cowboys win multiple Super Bowls and become one of the most popular teams in the NFL.
4. 1990-2002
The years 1990-2002 marked a significant era in the history of the Dallas Cowboys and the number 17. It was during this time that Emmitt Smith, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, wore the number 17 for the Cowboys.
Smith's tenure with the Cowboys was one of great success. He helped lead the team to three Super Bowl victories in 1993, 1994, and 1996. He was also named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1993. Smith's individual achievements during this time were remarkable. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first 11 seasons with the Cowboys and set the NFL's all-time rushing record in 2002.
The connection between "1990-2002" and "cowboys number 17" is significant because it represents a time of great success for both the player and the team. Smith's accomplishments during this era helped solidify his status as one of the greatest running backs of all time and made the number 17 synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys.
5. Three Super Bowls
The connection between "Three Super Bowls" and "cowboys number 17" is significant because it represents a period of great success for both the player and the team. Emmitt Smith, who wore the number 17 for the Dallas Cowboys, was a key member of the team's three Super Bowl victories in 1993, 1994, and 1996.
Smith's contributions to the Cowboys' success during this era were immense. He was the NFL's leading rusher in each of the three Super Bowl seasons and was named the game's MVP in Super Bowl XXVIII. Smith's ability to consistently gain yards and score touchdowns was a major factor in the Cowboys' offensive success.
The connection between "Three Super Bowls" and "cowboys number 17" is also significant because it represents a time of great success for the Dallas Cowboys franchise as a whole. The Cowboys were one of the most dominant teams in the NFL during the 1990s, and Smith's contributions were a major reason for their success. The team's three Super Bowl victories during this era helped to solidify their status as one of the most successful teams in NFL history.
6. NFL's all-time leading rusher
The connection between "NFL's all-time leading rusher" and "cowboys number 17" is significant because it represents the achievements and legacy of Emmitt Smith, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Smith, who wore the number 17 for the Dallas Cowboys, retired as the league's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 career rushing yards.
- Individual Accomplishment:
Smith's status as the NFL's all-time leading rusher is a testament to his individual skill and dominance as a running back. His ability to consistently gain yards and score touchdowns was a major factor in the Cowboys' success during the 1990s.
- Team Success:
Smith's individual achievements also contributed to the success of the Dallas Cowboys franchise. He was a key member of the Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories in 1993, 1994, and 1996, and his consistent production on the field helped the team establish itself as one of the most dominant in the NFL during that era.
- Legacy and Recognition:
Smith's status as the NFL's all-time leading rusher has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and having his number 17 retired by the Dallas Cowboys.
Overall, the connection between "NFL's all-time leading rusher" and "cowboys number 17" represents the exceptional career and legacy of Emmitt Smith, whose individual accomplishments and contributions to the Dallas Cowboys have left a lasting impact on the NFL.
7. Pro Football Hall of Fame
The connection between "Pro Football Hall of Fame" and "cowboys number 17" is significant because it represents the highest level of individual recognition and achievement in the sport of American football. Emmitt Smith, who wore the number 17 for the Dallas Cowboys, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, solidifying his status as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame dedicated to preserving the history, honoring the legends, and celebrating the spirit of professional American football. Induction into the Hall of Fame is considered the ultimate honor for any player, coach, or contributor to the sport, and it serves as a testament to their exceptional skills, accomplishments, and impact on the game.
For Emmitt Smith, his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a culmination of a remarkable career filled with individual accolades and team success. As the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a key member of the Dallas Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s, Smith left an indelible mark on the sport. His enshrinement in the Hall of Fame serves as a lasting recognition of his greatness and a symbol of his enduring legacy in the NFL.
The connection between "Pro Football Hall of Fame" and "cowboys number 17" is a reminder of the highest aspirations and achievements that can be attained in the sport of American football. Emmitt Smith's journey to the Hall of Fame is an inspiration to players and fans alike, demonstrating the power of hard work, dedication, and excellence.
8. Retired number
The connection between "Retired number" and "cowboys number 17" signifies the exceptional recognition and honor bestowed upon Emmitt Smith, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. The retirement of his jersey number, 17, by the Dallas Cowboys is a testament to his outstanding contributions and legacy with the franchise.
- Recognition of Greatness:
Retiring a player's jersey number is a prestigious tradition in sports, reserved for athletes who have achieved the highest levels of success and made significant contributions to their teams. Emmitt Smith's number 17 being retired by the Cowboys is a recognition of his exceptional talent, accomplishments, and the impact he had on the franchise and the sport of football.
- Symbol of Legacy:
Retired numbers serve as enduring symbols of a player's legacy and the memories they created on the field. Emmitt Smith's number 17 will forever be associated with his exceptional achievements and the success he brought to the Dallas Cowboys. It is a constant reminder of his greatness and the indelible mark he left on the team and the NFL.
- Inspiration for Future Generations:
Retired numbers inspire future generations of players and fans, reminding them of the standards of excellence that have been set. Emmitt Smith's number 17 will continue to motivate and inspire young athletes to strive for greatness, both on and off the field.
- Unifying Symbol for Fans:
Retired numbers create a sense of unity and shared history among fans. Emmitt Smith's number 17 is a symbol that connects Cowboys fans across generations, evoking memories of his remarkable performances and the glory days of the franchise.
The retirement of "cowboys number 17" is not merely a symbolic gesture but a profound tribute to the extraordinary career and legacy of Emmitt Smith. It is a testament to his greatness, a celebration of his achievements, and an enduring symbol of his impact on the Dallas Cowboys and the sport of football.
FAQs about "Cowboys Number 17"
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding Emmitt Smith, the legendary running back who wore the number 17 for the Dallas Cowboys.
Question 1: Who is Emmitt Smith?
Emmitt Smith is a former American football running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002. He is widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and his number 17 has been retired by the Cowboys in his honor.
Question 2: Why is Emmitt Smith's jersey number retired?
The Dallas Cowboys retired Emmitt Smith's number 17 in 2005 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the franchise. He is one of only a handful of Cowboys players to have their number retired.
Question 3: How many Super Bowls did Emmitt Smith win?
Emmitt Smith was a key member of the Dallas Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s: Super Bowl XXVII (1993), Super Bowl XXVIII (1994), and Super Bowl XXX (1996).
Question 4: Is Emmitt Smith in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, Emmitt Smith was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He is one of only seven players in NFL history to have rushed for over 18,000 yards in their career.
Question 5: What is Emmitt Smith's NFL rushing record?
Emmitt Smith retired from the NFL in 2002 as the league's all-time leading rusher, with 18,355 career rushing yards. He held this record until 2010, when it was broken by LaDainian Tomlinson.
In summary, Emmitt Smith is a legendary running back who left an unforgettable mark on the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL. His exceptional talent, determination, and achievements have earned him a place among the greatest players in football history, and his number 17 will forever be remembered as a symbol of his greatness.
Transition to the next article section:
To delve deeper into the life and career of Emmitt Smith, explore the following sections: "Emmitt Smith: The Man Behind Cowboys Number 17," "Running Back," "Dallas Cowboys and Cowboys Number 17," "1990-2002: The Era of Cowboys Number 17," "Three Super Bowls," "NFL's All-Time Leading Rusher," "Pro Football Hall of Fame," and "Retired Number."
Conclusion
The exploration of "cowboys number 17" unveils the remarkable career and legacy of Emmitt Smith, one of the most iconic running backs in NFL history. Throughout his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, Smith showcased exceptional talent, determination, and leadership, contributing significantly to the team's success.
His numerous accolades, including three Super Bowl victories, the NFL's all-time leading rusher record, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidify his status as a football legend. The retirement of his jersey number 17 by the Cowboys stands as a testament to his greatness and the lasting impact he has had on the franchise and the sport.
As we reflect on the legacy of "cowboys number 17," it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of perseverance, skill, and unwavering commitment. Emmitt Smith's journey inspires aspiring athletes and fans alike to strive for excellence and to leave an indelible mark on their chosen pursuits.
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