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Question of the Day: NFL's All-Time Leading Rusher
February 19, 2021
Emmitt Smith holds the NFL's all-time rushing record with 18,355 career yards.
Emmitt Smith rushed for 18,355 yards across 15 NFL seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. He surpassed Walter Payton's previous record in 2002 during his final season in Dallas before finishing his career with Arizona.
Smith won three Super Bowls during the Cowboys' dynasty years and earned the 1993 NFL MVP award. His combination of vision, durability, and consistency—11 seasons with 1,000+ rushing yards—set a standard that remains untouched more than two decades after his retirement.