78R5724 WMS-D

By:  Harper-Brown                                                 H.R. No. 320



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, On October 27, 2002, Emmitt Smith became the 
National Football League's career rushing leader, eclipsing a 
record set by Walter Payton that had stood unchallenged for 15 
years; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Smith set the new rushing milestone in the 
fourth quarter of the Cowboys' game against the Seattle Seahawks, 
taking the ball over the left side for an 11-yard gain that 
simultaneously vaulted him into the NFL history books; and
	WHEREAS, An All-American and three-time All-SEC performer at 
the University of Florida, he joined the Cowboys organization in 
1990, and the qualities of speed, quickness, power, and competitive 
spirit that had enabled him to become a collegiate star quickly 
established Mr. Smith as one of the premier offensive threats in the 
NFL; and
	WHEREAS, Over the ensuing 13 years, Mr. Smith's consistently 
high level of performance has won him four NFL rushing titles, the 
league's Most Valuable Player award in 1993, Most Valuable Player 
distinction for Super Bowl XXVIII, and three Super Bowl rings; and
	WHEREAS, He was also a Pro Bowl selection eight times, more 
than any other player in franchise history, was the first player to 
record 11 1,000-yard rushing seasons in a career, and holds the NFL 
record for most career rushing attempts; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Smith is a force to be reckoned with off the 
field as well and has lent his time, energy, and celebrity to such 
worthy organizations and initiatives as the Open Doors Foundation, 
which he cofounded, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the United Way, Big 
Brothers/Big Sisters, the Kidney Foundation, and others too 
numerous to mention; and
	WHEREAS, One of the greatest competitors ever to step onto 
the playing field, Emmitt Smith is a gridiron legend whose 
phenomenal accomplishments as a football player may never be 
duplicated, and it is appropriate that he receive special 
legislative recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Emmitt Smith on becoming the NFL's 
all-time career rushing leader and extend to him sincere best 
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Smith as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.