Courtesy of Dallas Cowboys
When the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee announces the 2010 class later today, one would have to assume that running back Emmitt Smith and receiver Jerry Rice are locks to become members.
The 44-member selection committee is meeting today at the Broward County Convention Center to decide who of the 15 finalists and two senior nominees will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio later this summer.
Smith, like Rice, is eligible for enshrinement for the first time. He is the NFL’s career rushing leader and has three Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys. Smith and Craig are the only running backs among the 15 finalists.
Smith has spent most this week speaking with the media in South Florida, reflecting on his career and likely induction into the hall.
“This is closing out what I perceive to be the final chapter in the book of my career, from 7 years old up to this point,” Smith said. “This is it.”
Rice owns virtually every major career receiving record, and is arguably the best ever to play the position. In 20 seasons with the 49ers, Raiders and Seahawks, Rice caught 1,549 passes for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns – all records by a wide margin. No player has crossed the goal line more than Rice, who is the league’s all-time leader with 207 scores.
“There are so many great players in this group,” said a very humble Rice. “I’d hate to be a voter. They’ve got a very tough job trying to decide who to select from this group. I’m just proud to be part of it.”
Rice, Tim Brown, Cris Carter and Andre Reed are receivers among the finalists.
Get the latest football news delivered instantly when you follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Comment on this story using your Facebook account.