NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith, and NFL career pass receptions leader Jerry Rice, have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Also inducted were John Randle, Dick LeBeau, Rickey Jackson, Russ Grimm and Floyd Little.
This class was one of the most prestigious in recent years.
Cowboy icon Emmitt Smith holds the NFL’s mark with 18,355 yards, touchdowns rushing (164), seasons with 1,000 or more yards on the ground (11), and games with 100 yards rushing (78).
Rice’s accomplishments were even more impressive. He caught 1,549 passes, 400 more than any other receiver. He holds the record for yards gained (22,895), and touchdowns (208). He made 10 All-Pro teams, and played in 13 Pro Bowls.
Other inductees include John Randle. As defensive tackle for the Vikings and Seahawks, he accumulated 137 sacks in 14 seasons – a record for the position.
Offensive lineman Russ Grimm was one of the famed Washington Redskin ‘Hogs’ – helping the Skin to three Super Bowls.
New Orleans Saints Rickey Jackson was next. The undersized linebacker is the first Saint inducted into the hall.
Dick LeBeau was chosen due to his 14-year career as a cornerback with the Detroit Lions (his 62 interceptions still rank 8th in the league), followed by a long career as an innovative coach.
The final inductee was Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little. Little starred for the Broncos in the late 60s and early 70s.