Tag: Emmitt Smith

Fred Taylor named Semifinalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Former Gators running back Fred Taylor named a semifinalist in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Former Florida Gators standout and NFL star running back Fred Taylor was announced as a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025, a well-deserved recognition for one of the most electrifying players of his era.

Taylor, who played for Florida football from 1994-1997, was a key piece of the Gators’ national championship team in 1996 under legendary head coach Steve Spurrier.

Taylor was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the ninth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft and he didn’t waste any time making an impact.

Taylor was placed on the PFWA All-Rookie team after racking up over 1,200 rushing yards and 17 total touchdowns. Over the course of his career, Taylor rushed for 11,695 yards, placing him 17th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list at the time of his retirement in 2011.

Taylor coined the nickname “Fragile Fred” because of his durability concerns early in his career, but he later silenced those doubts with his consistent production.

What’s next?

Taylor is among 25 semifinalists for the 2025 Hall of Fame class. The list will be narrowed down to finalists in the beginning of 2025, with the official inductees announced shortly after.

If chosen, Taylor would join fellow Florida legends Emmitt Smith and Jack Youngblood in Canton, Ohio, proudly representing the Gators in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

For now, Taylor’s name remains in the conversation. But his contributions to the sport of football have earned him a rightful place in the Hall of Fame discussion.

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Gator great Major Wright to serve as Mr. Two Bits vs. Ole Miss

Legendary Florida defensive back Major Wright is returning to the Swamp this week to serve as Mr. Two Bits ahead of the Ole Miss game.

Former Florida safety [autotag]Major Wright[/autotag] is the latest Gators legend to earn an invite to serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits in the Swamp.

Sixteen years ago, Wright cemented himself in Gators history by delivering one of the biggest hits the sport has ever seen during the 2009 BCS National Championship Game against Oklahoma. Now he’ll in the footsteps of Gators greats such as [autotag]Jevon Kearse[/autotag], [autotag]Emmitt Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Rex Grossman[/autotag], all of whom have donned the yellow shirt and Orange and Blue tie this season.

“I’ve been wanting to do it,” Wright said. “Now that I’m getting the chance and it’s going to be amazing.”

Major Wright at Florida

Wright signed with Florida as a four-star prospect ranked No. 43 nationally, regardless of position, by 247Sports. He appeared in all 41 games over his three years in Gainesville, making 33 starts at free safety. He collected 165 tackles, eight interceptions, 10 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a national championship with the Gators.

He decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2010 NFL draft, where he was selected 75th overall in the third round by the Chicago Bears. Over 77 career games with the Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he made 242 total tackles and secured nine interceptions, peaking from 2012-2013.

What’s next for Florida?

The Gators play their final home game of the season against Ole Miss on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is set for noon ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

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Gators legend Emmitt Smith to serve as Mr. Two Bits vs. Texas A&M

NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith will finally get his turn in the role of Mr. Two Bits this weekend against TAMU.

Florida football and NFL legend Emmitt Smith will serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits for this Saturday’s SEC opener in the Swamp against the Texas A&M Aggies.

Amazingly, this will be the first time that Smith has ever donned the yellow shirt, tie and slacks immortalized by the late George E. Edmondson Jr. Despite a standing open invitation dating back to the beginning of the tradition’s new era in 2013, the all-time great running back will finally have his day inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

“It’s always a great time being back at the Swamp and this time is extra special watching my son take on my alma mater. It’s truly a full circle moment and I’m blessed to witness it,” Smith offered.

“I can still hear George Edmondson hyping up the crowd back when I was a player,” he continued. “You better believe I’m going to give it my all now that it’s my turn to give it a go. I’m ready to have a blast while keeping this tradition alive. ”

Smith spent three seasons (1987-89) in Gainesville, with 700 rushing attempts for 3,928 yards and 36 touchdowns — numbers that remain second all-time in Florida history. He was selected 17th overall in the 1990 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys and over the next 15 seasons rushed 4,409 times for 18,345 yards and 164 touchdowns, all of which remain NFL records.

In popular culture, Smith and his partner Cheryl Burke won the third season of Dancing With the Stars in 2006 — just two years after retiring from the NFL.

The legend from Milton, Florida, is now a thriving businessman in Texas at the age of 55, keeping himself busy with various ventures and charitable organizations.

Next up for the Gators

Florida will host Texas A&M inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC.

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‘Life is very fragile’: Emotional Emmitt Smith remembers former Cowboys teammate Larry Allen

From @ToddBrock24f7: Smith fought through tears to reflect on his fallen teammate on 9 seasons and urged fans to reach out to those they love.

A preponderance of Emmitt Smith’s all-time record 18,355 rushing yards came behind the blocking of Larry Allen.

From 1994, when Allen was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round, all the way through the 2002 season in which Smith became the league’s rushing king, Smith totaled 11,463 yards and scored 103 ground touchdowns while big No. 73 was helping to plow the road for him.

To put it another way, even if you count just the yards and touchdowns Smith amassed during Allen’s time in Dallas, he’d still be one of the top 20 rushers in NFL history and in the top 10 in end zone trips.

On Monday, Smith took to social media to share his thoughts on Allen’s untimely passing at the age of 52.

“Good afternoon,” a tearful Smith began on Instagram after a heavy sigh. “I’m sitting on my back patio reflecting on one of the best offensive linemen I’ve ever played with: Larry Allen.

“I got a call from my daughter. Skylar called to tell me that he passed away. I’m at a loss for words right now. Such a good dude. Great player. Super person. With deaths, bad weather, all kinds of things swirling around, loss of my folks and other friends, it just breaks my heart. I know life is very fragile, and we’re only here for a moment. And we need to make the best out of every moment and not take people for granted.

“[My wife] sent me a text last night about not taking folks for granted, and here we are today. All I can say is: live life to the fullest that you can. Love those that are closest to you, try to love those who are not near you as best you can. Let’s cut out all the bickering, all the separation, all the hierarchy and all the things that separate people- family, friends, culture, whatever you want to call it- some of those things are very minor in comparison to a human’s life.”

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“The one thing about Larry Allen I know: he had a big heart, and he lived life to the fullest. A man of very few words, but on the football field [he] was a beast. And he’ll be sorely missed; he’s always missed because he never came back to many of our functions. I don’t know it it’s because he put football behind him and moved on, but my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. My heart is just broken.”

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An emotional Smith took the opportunity to also remember several other former teammates from the Cowboys offensive line who departed far too soon.

“I sit back here reflecting on Mark Tuinei as well [who died in 1999], Larry Allen, Frank Cornish [died in 2008]. We just lost another one about six months ago [Char-Ron Dorsey passed away in early March]. Life. It reminds me of the words my mom used to say: ‘Son, keep living. You’re going to see a lot of things.” She’s absolutely right. I’ve seen people come and go. It’s hard. It really is hard.

“So, peace out. Love those around you. Hug someone today and let them know that you love them. Call somebody today and let them know that you love them. May God be with all of you, and pray for Larry Allen and his family, and also Cowboys Nation, because we lost a good one. Be good.”

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Emmitt Smith declares he’s ‘done’ with the Cowboys

Emmitt Smith called the Cowboys’ early exit from the playoffs “borderline embarrassing”

“I’m done! I’m over the moon – past the word frustration.”

Those were the words of Dallas Cowboys icon Emmitt Smith when USA TODAY Sports’ Mackenzie Salmon asked Smith about his former team.

When reflecting on the Cowboys during the past year, Smith didn’t mask his exasperation for the team, which was bounced by the Packers in the Wild Card round.

“I’ve never been at the place that I am at right now,” said Smith. “It is borderline embarrassing.”

Within the interview, Smith also hit on numerous key Cowboys storylines including Dak Prescott. He indicated he was disappointed in his development.

The NFL’s all-time leading rusher also weighed in on the return of Mike McCarthy and the acquisition of DC Mike Zimmer.

Smith didn’t contain his enthusiasm for Zimmer, who he thinks is “going to figure out what to do with that defense, and he’s going to make that thing right.”

Check out the entire interview by clicking here.

DJ Lagway, Emmitt Smith talk Gatorade National Player of the Year award

Gators Wire spoke with the two regarding the prestigious award and what it means to be a member of the Orange and Blue.

The new face of Florida football has arrived at the Swamp and the Gator Nation cannot wait for the next era of their favorite gridiron warriors to begin.

Pro Football Hall of Famer, former Florida Gator and 1986-87 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year [autotag]Emmitt Smith[/autotag] surprised UF commit [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] of Willis, Texas, with the 2023-24 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award.

Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on and off the field. From CEOs and coaches to star athletes, the award touts an all-star group of alumni including Peyton Manning, Nick Singleton and Jackson Arnold. 

Ahead of the big announcement, Gators Wire spoke with the two regarding the prestigious award and what it means to be a member of the Orange and Blue. Take a look below at what they had to offer.

Peyton Manning promotes Super Bowl giveaway in new Bud Light commercial

Peyton Manning and Emmitt Smith star in Bud Light’s new commercial promoting their Super Bowl LVIII ticket giveaway.

Peyton Manning has announced yet another Super Bowl giveaway, this time with Bud Light, the official beer sponsor of the NFL.

After previously announcing a Super Bowl LVIII ticket giveaway with Caesars, Manning is teaming up with Bud Light for a similar campaign.

As part of their Super Bowl giveaway, Bud Light has released a new commercial featuring Manning and fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. In the ad, Manning buys drinks for everyone in a crowded bar and then begins passing cans of Bud Light to an excited crowd.

“Experiencing the playoffs or the Super Bowl is a special moment for a fan, and I’m happy that Emmitt and I get to be part of Bud Light’s mission to host their largest ever NFL postseason ticket giveaway,” Manning said in a press release.

Here’s the extended version of the commercial:

Bud Light will air 15- and 30-second versions of the ad for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season and into the playoffs leading up to the Super Bowl.

Manning, 47, has long been a fan of Bud Light, but he did not have an endorsement deal with Anheuser-Busch during his playing days because the NFL frowns on active players endorsing alcohol (the league itself can have official alcohol sponsors, though).

Not having an official partnership did not stop Manning from plugging the product as a player, though. After a playoff win in 2014, Manning said: “What’s weighing on my mind is how soon I can get a Bud Light in my mouth.”

Two years later, after winning Super Bowl 50, Manning said “I’m going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight” during a post-game interview. Then, during the trophy presentation, Manning said: “I’m going to drink a lot of beer tonight, Jim. Budweiser.”

Budweiser claimed that they were “surprised and delighted” that Manning mentioned them on TV, but said they did not pay him to do so.

Seven years later, Manning is no longer an active player, so the NFL can’t stop him from endorsing any particular service or product. His Bud Light endorsement is official now, and knowing Manning, that might have been his long term goal all along.

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Emmitt Smith believes the Cowboys can stack up with the Eagles

After the Cowboys’ win over the Seahawks on Thursday night, Emmitt Smith has no doubt Dallas can stack up with Philly

The storyline of the season is that Dallas has yet to beat a ‘good’ team. Yes, they did just pull off a 35-41 victory against Seattle, which was their first win against a team over .500, but is it still fair to label the Cowboys as elite?

In a recent interview with Sports Seriously, Emmitt Smith didn’t hold back when asked if he thinks the Cowboys deserve to be on the same pedestal as the Eagles and 49ers.

“I think they can be – and they have the ability to do it. They have been growing over the last four or five weeks and they’re showing signs of developing the mental toughness that’s going to be required for when we get into the playoffs… and how we finish the rest of the season is going to be a clear indication of how mentally tough and mentally sharp we really are,” Smith said.

“The playoffs” – two words that always bring Cowboys fans back down to earth.

Last season, the ‘Boys were 6-2 after their first eight games. In 2021, 6-2 through the first half as well. Both of those seasons ended up in embarrassing losses to the San Francisco 49ers in the early rounds of the playoffs. 

Right now, it’s looking like Dallas has the 5th seed locked up yet again, no thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite Philly being 10-1, Smith doesn’t think Dallas is too far behind.

“I think [Philly] they’re built tough inside out. They have all the pieces of the puzzle in place to be a back-to-back Super Bowl-contending team, but I think our Cowboys are coming along. I think our Cowboys are rolling right along.”

It’s hard to disagree with the numbers Prescott and the offense have put up so far this season. In Dallas’ six games before Thursday, Dak had thrown 18 touchdowns to two interceptions, completing more than 70% of his passes for a league-high 122.6 passer rating. He was even better Thursday night, throwing for 299 yards, three touchdowns and made several big plays against a Seahawks team that came to Dallas looking for an upset and just about got it.

This win will undoubtedly give the Cowboys a boost of confidence as they prepare for a huge Week 14 rematch versus the Eagles. 

When asked about Dallas’ recipe for success on how to beat Philly, Smith says it comes down to one thing— intensity.

“I think the key is matching that level of intensity for four quarters. That to me begins in practice.

We’re going up against one of the best defenses every day in practice and if we’re not matching that defensive intensity, then the defense is letting our offense down and our offense is definitely not showing up week in and week out when that intensity level rises up from an opposing team.”

Will Dallas prove Smith right and show the world that it can hang with the league’s best? We’ll find out soon.

In the meantime, you can watch the full Emmitt Smith conversation in the link above.

5 Cardinals named best to wear their uniform number in NFL history

Larry Fitzgerald headlines five former Cardinals who were the best to wear their uniform number in history

The NFL offseason brings innumerable lists and rankings. It is just what happens when there are no NFL happenings.

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar put together a list of the player in NFL history that was the best for each uniform number.

Several players who played for the Arizona or St. Louis Cardinals made the cut. Check them out below.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.