Linked as the National Football League's all-time leading receiver and rusher, two of the sport's greatest players entered the Hall of Fame on Saturday in Canton, Ohio. Both said their destinies are fulfilled. "This is finally it," Rice said. "There are no more routes to run, no more touchdowns to score, no more records to set. That young boy from Mississippi has finally stopped running. Let me stand here and catch my breath."
An hour later, Smith tried to hold back his tears as he reflected on his career. "Most people only dream," Smith said. "I not only had my childhood dream, I did everything I could to fulfil it. You know what, I am now the all-time leading rusher. Wow. What an honour." Rice established every important pass-catching record in the league in his 20-year career. For 16 years he was the game-breaking receiver in the San Francisco 49ers' high-powered offence, and he established marks that may not be broken.
Rice caught 1,549 passes, over 400 more than anyone else. He gained 22,895 yards, more than 7,600 ahead of second place. He scored 208 touchdowns, easily shattering the previous record. He made 10 All-Pro teams, was chosen for 13 Pro Bowls and made receptions in an almost-unimaginable 274 consecutive games. At 47, looking as fit as any current player, Rice said he made one major mistake during his unparalleled career. "My single regret about my career is I never took the time to enjoy it," he said. "I was always working.
"I was afraid to fail. The fear of failure is the engine that has driven me my entire life. The reason they never caught me from behind is because I ran scared. People always are surprised how insecure I was. The doubts, the struggles, is who I am. I wonder if I would have been as successful without them." Smith played for 15 years, including his first 13 with the Dallas Cowboys. He choked up during a one-minute standing ovation as he stepped to the microphone as the final inductee. He immediately praised Walter Payton, the man he surpassed as rushing king. And he broke down when saluting Daryl Johnston, his former fullback.
"You took care of me as if you were taking care of your little brother," Smith said. Smith rushed for 18,355 yards and scored 164 touchdowns. He had 11 seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing, and 78 games with 100 yards rushing. He also won three Super Bowls, and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1994 game. "When I go into the hall today, I am not going in alone," Smith said. "I am carrying my grandfather, I'm carrying my father and I'm carrying my son along with me because I bear all their names. Now I can say to my dad and my son, EJ, our name will be forever enshrined in the history of football."
Also inducted on Saturday were John Randle, Dick LeBeau, Rickey Jackson, Russ Grimm and Floyd Little. LeBeau finally was inducted after a 32-year wait, by the senior committee. "Man, this really is a great day to be alive," said LeBeau, chosen for his 14-year career as a cornerback with the Detroit Lions, in which he had 62 interceptions, still eighth overall. * AP