Emmitt Smith Announces Retirement Plans

Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, announced his retirement plans Thursday in Jacksonville, and is expected to sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys so he can retire as a member of the team that drafted him and went on to win three Super Bowls with him as the featured running back.

Smith has 18,355 career rushing yards in 15 seasons, and also holds the record for the most touchdowns on the ground with 164. He spent the first 13 years of his career with the Cowboys, before signing on with the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent in 2003. Last season, he ran for 937 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 games.

Known for his consistency, Smith didn't possess the flashiness of some backs, but he always seemed to rise to the occasion in big games. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 11-consecutive seasons from 1991-2001 and led the league in rushing three times. He also was named the NFL MVP in 1993, which he followed up with the Super Bowl MVP the same season.

Smith will most certainly be a first-ballot hall of famer when he becomes eligible for induction in five years, and will be remembered as one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time.