Emmitt Smith, one of the most decorated football players of all time, built his career on barreling into defenders and running through them on the way to the most rushing yards in NFL history (18,355). The NFL is considering a rule change, however, that will make it difficult for current running backs to emulate Smith, according to reports.
An emphasis on player safety has led to many fines and penalties against defensive players for helmet-to-helmet hits on quarterbacks and defenseless receivers. Now, the NFL is considering extending those penalties to ball carriers outside the tackle box. Smith was vocal in his disapproval about this possible change.
On a Dallas radio station, 105.3 The Fan, Smith said "If I'm a running back and I'm running into a linebacker, you're telling me I have to keep my head up so he can take my chin off? You've absolutely lost your mind. As a running back, it's almost impossible (to not lower your head). The first thing you do is get behind your shoulder pads. That means you're leaning forward and the first part of contact that's going to take place is your head, regardless."
The rule would call for a 15-yard penalty on any player outside of the tackle box initiating helmet-to-helmet contact. It needs 24 of the NFL's 32 owners to approve the change for it to be passed. Smith said "I disagree with the rule altogether. It doesn't make any sense for that position. It sounds like it's been made up by people who have never played the game of football.''
Smith played for 15 years with the Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. He won three Super Bowls as a member of the Cowboys, made the Pro Bowl eight times, was a first-team All-Pro selection four times. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1990, and won the 1993 NFL and Super Bowl MVP awards.
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