Emmitt Smith
RetiredArizona Cardinals · RB
Emmitt Smith recorded 226 indexed regular-season NFL appearances across 15 rostered seasons with ARZ, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys.
81.2
rush yds/gm
14.3
rec yds/gm
17
playoff games
226
career games
Five defining games
Start here
A researched consensus introduction to Emmitt Smith's defining games.
Editorial methodology and sources
Cross-checked Smith's Hall of Fame record, Dallas championship history, rushing milestones, and verified archive box scores. The separated-shoulder division clincher and Super Bowl MVP performance lead, followed by both NFC breakthroughs and the day he became the league's career rushing leader.
- #1. Smith played through a separated shoulder to produce 229 scrimmage yards in overtime, clinching the division and home-field advantage for the eventual champions. Pro Football Hall of Fame: Emmitt Smith
- #2. Smith rushed for 132 yards and two second-half touchdowns to turn Super Bowl XXVIII, earning MVP as Dallas secured consecutive championships. Pro Football Hall of Fame: Emmitt Smith
- #3. Smith amassed 173 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in San Francisco, driving the NFC Championship victory that launched the Cowboys dynasty. Pro Football Hall of Fame: Emmitt Smith
- #4. A year later Smith again scored twice and produced 173 scrimmage yards against San Francisco, sending Dallas back to the Super Bowl. Pro Football Hall of Fame: Emmitt Smith
- #5. Smith passed Walter Payton to become the NFL's career rushing leader, making the defining longevity record official during his 13th Dallas season. Pro Football Hall of Fame: Emmitt Smith
Reviewed through 2026-08-11
Regular Season
1993DALLASCOWBOYS
NEW YORKGIANTS
Score hidden
JAN 2, 1994
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
Regular Season · Jan 2, 1994
168 rush yds · 0 rush TD · 10 rec
Super Bowl
XXVIIIBUFFALOBILLS
DALLASCOWBOYS
Score hidden
JAN 30, 1994
Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl XXVIII · Jan 30, 1994
132 rush yds · 2 rush TD · 4 rec
Conference Championship
1992DALLASCOWBOYS
SAN FRANCISCO49ERS
Score hidden
JAN 17, 1993
Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers
Conference Championship · Jan 17, 1993
114 rush yds · 1 rush TD · 7 rec
Single-game peaks
Career highs
Position-relevant single-game records from Emmitt Smith's indexed NFL box scores.
Career high: 237 rushing yards
Regular Season
1993DALLASCOWBOYS
PHILADELPHIAEAGLES
Score hidden
OCT 31, 1993
Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles
Regular Season · Oct 31, 1993
237 rush yds · 1 rush TD · 0 rec
Career high: 4 rushing touchdowns
Regular Season
1995DALLASCOWBOYS
NEW YORKGIANTS
Score hidden
SEP 4, 1995
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
Regular Season · Sep 4, 1995
163 rush yds · 4 rush TD · 1 rec
Career high: 31 carries
Regular Season
1999MIAMIDOLPHINS
DALLASCOWBOYS
Score hidden
NOV 25, 1999
Miami Dolphins vs Dallas Cowboys
Regular Season · Nov 25, 1999
103 rush yds · 0 rush TD · 0 rec
Career high: 1 run of 40+ yards