Emmitt Smith's rushing record faces a rare, though still unlikely, challenger

[big dog cowboy]

I still don't think anyone can catch Emmitt's rushing record. It's one of those forever unbroken records. But, Derrick Henry is a special back. I just don't think he has enough time left.

https://howboutdemcowboys.com/2025/...aces-a-rare-though-still-unlikely-challenger/

 

[jazzcat22]

Won’t happen. They said the same thing about Adrian Peterson, and a few others.
He would still need to play a good 4.5 years to even get close. And would need to average 1500 a year. I just do not see that as sustainable.

His wheels could fall off this year or next for all we know.

 

[Hardline]

Frank Gore was the closest threat at one time.

 

[acr731]

If the NFL extends to 18 game seasons the record could fall. It would always have an asterisk if it happens, but the extra games could certainly make a difference.

 

[CowboysLakerBamaFan]

People just don't play that way any more... just handing off over and over and over.

Certainly not in the Walter Payton or Barry Sanders skill category, but the record meant something to him and he stayed durable enough so he just kept hammering away year after year to get it, and he earned it.

Barry just didn't care. (Sacrificed records to be able to walk when he was 70)

 

[KJJ]

It’s possible Henry could pass Emmitt. He’s a rare athlete. Although he’s pushing 31, John Riggins had a 1200 yard season at age 35. Most teams are using two backs these days so Henry could be the only chance for anyone to break the all time rushing record. It’s possible his load could be reduced.

 

[JayFord]

No

And it’s only because of time…I give Henry 3-4 more years and even those years I feel will be 1200 but that leaves him a couple thousand short

 

[Praxit]

I still don't think anyone can catch Emmitt's rushing record. It's one of those forever unbroken records. But, Derrick Henry is a special back. I just don't think he has enough time left.

https://howboutdemcowboys.com/2025/...aces-a-rare-though-still-unlikely-challenger/

..no way. Emmits record if probably final for decades to come. I thought, Gore had a shot but he was 37 ..lol..

Henry probably has good 3-4 yrs left, if lucky. He's at 11k. He would have to get, at least 2k for next 3 yrs to have a shot.

 

[Ranching]

I still don't think anyone can catch Emmitt's rushing record. It's one of those forever unbroken records. But, Derrick Henry is a special back. I just don't think he has enough time left.

https://howboutdemcowboys.com/2025/...aces-a-rare-though-still-unlikely-challenger/

Emmitt ran against defenses that were meant to stop the run, nowadays, it's stop the pass, first. !although, he also ran in a run first attack.....so, I just basically said nothing! PSYT

 

[TequilaCowboy]

No one in the foreseeable future will break Emmitt’s record. More games in the season aren’t gonna help. That is just more wear and tear and subject to injury late in the season. The RBBC is also a hindrance.

 

[Flamma]

He'd have to average 1,733 yards over 4 seasons. Or 1,386 yards over 5 seasons. I don't see it.

 

[conner01]

I still don't think anyone can catch Emmitt's rushing record. It's one of those forever unbroken records. But, Derrick Henry is a special back. I just don't think he has enough time left.

https://howboutdemcowboys.com/2025/...aces-a-rare-though-still-unlikely-challenger/

It’s not gonna happen with Henry but it likely will be broken one day. Athletes keep getting bigger, stronger, faster. When Jim brown retired no one thought his record would be broke. Henry has a decontrol shot at second place though which is a heck of an accomplishment and a gold jacket for him

 

[FoxF]

I watched every game Emmitt played as a Cowboy, and as good as Henry is, he’s no Emmitt.

 

[Risen Star]

I thought this was about Phil Mafah.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I thought this was about Phil Mafah.

I would have too if @Pass2Run started it

 

[Pass2Run]

I would have too if @Pass2Run started it

Im more of a Jaydon Blue kinda guy.

Emmitt was overrated.

 

[bigE79]

If the NFL extends to 18 game seasons the record could fall. It would always have an asterisk if it happens, but the extra games could certainly make a difference.

Exactly..and that's why Babe Ruth will always be the home run king.

 

[Nova]

Won’t happen. They said the same thing about Adrian Peterson, and a few others.
He would still need to play a good 4.5 years to even get close. And would need to average 1500 a year. I just do not see that as sustainable.

His wheels could fall off this year or next for all we know.

So true. I remember breaking down the math for fans after Peterson’s 2K season and it was a similar deal.

In short, time was against both guys. When you’re over 30, that wall hits hard and fast.

 

[plasticman]

Emmitt Smith's record was just as much a team achievement and Derrick Henry has nothing near the quality team that Emmitt ran with.

 

[Vegas_Cowboy]

I thought this thread was going to be about Zeke.

Haters.