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NFL: Ranking every MVP winner in league history based on pro career

By Hans Themistode

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images) /
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Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith (Photo credit should read PAUL BUCK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 6. Emmitt Smith

Stats:

  • 18,355 rushing yards
  • 164 rushing touchdowns

Dallas Cowboys fans were waiting patiently to see where running back Emmitt Smith would check in on this list. Well, here he is.

Smith isn’t just the greatest running back in their history but he has the best argument as the best of all time.

All of the statistics point in Smith’s direction. He’s ranked number one all-time in terms of rushing yards with 18,355, rushing touchdowns with 164, and total touches with 4,924. He’s also second in yards from scrimmage with 21,579 and when we add in his receiving touchdowns, he ranks second in NFL history in both rushing/receiving combined with 175.

Smith may only have one MVP to his name but he was a four-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, and has three Super Bowl rings and a Super Bowl MVP.

When it comes to who’s the greatest running back of all time, every answer is subjective but Smith should be ranked number one on most lists.

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