With the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Detroit Lions on Saturday night and former Cowboys HC Jimmy Johnson set to be enshrined in the Ring of Honor, it’s only right that fans may want to reminisce from the days of old — back when RBs Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith were tormenting opposing defense weekly.
While both have been retired for a quarter century now, one may begin to wonder if the two Hall of Fame careers ever crossed paths and clashed against one another. Let’s take a deeper dive at the head-to-head matchups between two of the greatest to ever do it.
Barry Sanders vs. Emmitt Smith Head-to-Head
Yes, Smith and Sanders’s careers overlapped, and the two had some excellent head-to-head battles during their day. The two met three times in the regular season, as Sanders and his Lions got the best of Smith and the Cowboys 2-1.
The two also met in the playoffs, and the Lions came out on top in that showdown, as well. Despite the Cowboys having far greater success in the 1990s compared to the woeful Lions, it is clear that Sanders and his Lions had the edge over Dallas during their head-to-head matchups.
Sanders vs. Smith Over the Years
Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 career rushing yards. He was able to tally that impressive feat throughout 226 career games. He also added 164 rushing touchdowns, as well as 11 touchdown receptions, to his résumé.
He won three Lombardi Trophies during his career and was named to five All-Pro teams, played in eight Pro Bowls, and was named the Associated Press’ MVP during his career, as well.
While Smith had longevity and team success to speak of, Sanders’ career was much shorter but wasn’t short on impact.
The Lions’ back played 153 games in his career and tallied 15,269 rushing yards during that time. He added 99 rushing touchdowns and 10 more receiving scores.
MORE: Why Did Barry Sanders Retire From the NFL? New Documentary Explores One of NFL’s Biggest Mysteries
Sanders played in 10 Pro Bowls, was selected to 10 All-Pro teams, and was also named Associated Press’ MVP, like Smith.
Many feel that Sanders ended his career far too early, but there is no denying that he was extremely productive and impactful during his time in the NFL. As a result, he continues to be talked about as one of the NFL’s greatest to ever do it.
Sanders and Smith Comparisons
Sanders was asked a couple of years ago about the similarities between the two backs. He gave a peak into the mind of one of the greatest to ever do it and how he compared to his counterpart.
“I think we’re both kind of shifty in our own way,” Sanders said. “Emmitt was probably a little more patient as a runner. It’s funny because I was hearing about Emmitt Smith when I was in high school. He was highly touted, one of the nation’s top players.
“So, it was just cool for me to end up being his nemesis, or adversary, or thought of as the top running back in the league along with him. But I think there are a lot of similarities between us, being that kind of slippery, elusive guy that can hit a home run from anywhere on the field.”
Smith himself was unafraid of heaping praise on his adversary, either, as both have much respect for one another.
“He was so amazing at making people miss out of the space — he was ridiculous. And, to me, he’s the best running back I’ve ever seen play the game, in terms of what his skillset offers. That’s just my personal opinion.”
It’s wonderful to see two all-time greats showing great respect for one another. It’ll be even greater to remanence as we all run to YouTube to watch their highlights for the 100th time during Saturday’s game.
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