Rice, Smith lead HoF finalists [View All]

If ever two players seemed like locks to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith would be the choices.

Rice retired as the NFL's career receiving leader, and Smith finished as the top rusher. They were among 17 finalists announced Friday for the Hall of Fame, including two senior nominees. The voting for entry into the shrine by a 44-member panel will take place Feb. 6, the day before the Super Bowl. The Class of 2010 will be inducted in August in Canton, Ohio.

Rice finished his career with 1,549 catches for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. He leads second place Marvin Harrison by 447 career receptions, and his 208 total TDs (11 rushing) are 33 more than runner-up Smith.

He is a two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year for his 21-year career and also holds numerous Super Bowl records.

Like Rice, Smith won three Super Bowls. He rushed for 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns. He also caught 515 passes and scored on 19 receptions. Smith was the league MVP in 1993.

Rice was the Super Bowl MVP in 1989 and Smith in 1994.

Other finalists include receiver Tim Brown, also a first-time nominee, and fellow wideouts Cris Carter and Andre Reed.

Tight end Shannon Sharpe, running back Roger Craig, center Dermontti Dawson, guard Russ Grimm, defensive tackles John Randle and Cortez Kennedy, defensive end Richard Dent, DE/linebacker Charles Haley, LB Rickey Jackson, and coach Don Coryell also made the cut.


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Jerry's looking to beat Emmitt one more time...by finishing with the most votes.