With 9 Pro Bowl selections and a laundry list of former NFL records to his name, Walter Payton is undoubtedly one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game. In fact, one of the only players who can compare to Payton's remarkable rushing success is Emmitt Smith. Known for his '90s run with the Dallas Cowboys and their three Super Bowl wins, Smith managed to eclipse many of Walter Payton's rushing records during his 14 year career. Smith would go on to break Payton's record for all-time rushing yards and also all-purpose yards. After falling just short of Payton's 9 Pro Bowl appearances with 8, Emmitt Smith began the final leg of his career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2003.
On October 24, 2004, as the Cardinals downed the Seattle Seahawks 25-17, Emmitt Smith made history once again. Towards the end of the game, Smith pulled of a 23-yard TD to put Arizona in the lead and wrap up the victory. Not only that, but the 23-yard play put him over the 100 yard mark on the night, which was the 78th game he hit the century mark. This surpassed yet another Walter Payton milestone and certified Emmitt Smith as one of the greatest of all time.
Although Emmitt may be known best for his signature line with Reebok, by 2004 he had partnered with Nike. During this historic outing, he wore a pair of heavily taped cleats which can be seen in the gallery above. This particular style is now discontinued, but you can shop Nike's current football cleat selection here.
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