Throughout the history of the NFL, the running back has become one of the most important positions on the field, second only to the quarterback. This is due in part that the success of a running back directly correlates with a team's success. A running back is responsible for carrying the ball on the bulk of running plays, at times he is used as a short yardage receiver or even to help assist block a blitzing linebacker or safety. It is imperative to remember this when discussing this daunting task of deciding which running back was the best pound for pound in their career. And while there have been many who carried the ball, there has only been one man to discuss, and he is Emmitt Smith.

In 1990, Emmitt Smith began his illustrious NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. When drafted there were many who questioned whether Smith would be as successful as he was at the University of Florida. Smith did not fit the mold of the typical bruising NFL running back as he only stood 5'9" and weighed roughly 215lbs. Most thought Smith would have a shortened career due to his size and the punishment he would take running the ball on a regular basis. As a result, Smith was not drafted until the 17th pick of the first round, behind such running backs as Blair Thomas.

By the time Smith finished his career in 2004, he managed to rack up 18,355 yards on the ground and break into the end zone an astounding 164 times, both NFL career records for running backs. Smith also managed to haul in 515 receptions for over 3,220 yards over the fifteen seasons he played with the Cowboys and Cardinals. In 2001, Smith became the first running back to post eleven 1,000 yard rushing seasons in his career and he almost posted a twelfth in 2004, his last season, when he ran for 937 yards for the Cardinals. In 1993, Smith became the only NFL running back ever to with a Super Bowl Championship, NFL Most Valuable Player, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player in the same season.

Aside from his statistical prominence, Emmitt Smith provided many highlights for fans with his traditional North South power running attack and offered a more balance running game for his team. Smith excelled at running between the tackles by cutting through quickly changing gaps toward the open holes, but was also able to gain significant yardage when he ran outside the tackles. Smith actually excelled in the short yardage game despite his size and was able to find the goal line with ease. Most consider him to be the best goal line back of all time. Let us not forget Smith's ability to protect the quarterback in pass protection has often drawn such high praise as being the pass-blocking tailback of all time from those who played the game with him. Emmitt Smith was known for being a very durable back, with great balance, soft hands, and who possessed the heart of a true competitor. With that all wrapped up into one package, there is no doubt that Emmitt Smith, pound for pound was the most complete running back to play in the NFL.

When considering all of the running backs in NFL history, we have to remind ourselves as fans, of how lucky we are when we had or have the chance to see one of the greats on the field. Each one amazing in their own way as we could watch them turn the momentum of the game with a graceful sidestep, a stout stiff-arm, or with a burst of speed.

Learn more about this author, J. M. Van Horn.
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