NFC Cowboys' Smith passes Payton for rushing record

The Dallas running back ran for a season-high 109 yards in a 17-14 loss.
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Emmitt Smith never considered leaving Texas Stadium without the NFL's career rushing record. He even dressed for the occasion.
Smith went through four No. 22 jerseys during his historic game Sunday. But under them all he kept on the same white T-shirt, one with his image on the Dallas Cowboys star logo, the phrase "All Time" and the number 16,727 -- a yard more than the late Walter Payton had.
With an 11-yard run in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks that was classic Emmitt, he became No. 1.
Smith cut left, saw a hole and plunged through it. He got tripped up, but put his right hand down to keep his balance and surged forward. And past Payton.
"Trust me, I knew what I needed," Smith said. "Once I broke the line of scrimmage I knew that would have to be the one."
Best game of season
The 33-year-old Smith wanted to get the record at home, and he knew this was his last chance because the Cowboys play their next two games on the road. So he went out and had his best game of the season.
Smith ran for 109 yards on 24 carries, both season highs, and scored a touchdown, giving the Dallas fans something to remember even though their team lost 17-14. Many of them even stayed around for a postgame celebration.
"To do it in front of the home crowd makes history of this magnitude such a special thing," Smith said. "I've learned how special it is when I saw Cal Ripken go through what he went through, and I saw Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, and watched Barry Bonds do what he did, and saw the fan reaction."
After Smith came back on the field in full uniform, he took a victory lap around Texas Stadium -- a la Ripken -- and slapped hands with fans before making his way to a star-shaped stage in the middle of the field.
Special moment
Smith gave an eloquent speech filled with thank-yous and memories, and then was presented a silver football from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the team unfurled a banner that reads: "All-Time Leading Rusher ... 22 ... Emmitt Smith."
With the song "Simply the Best" blaring, Smith looked at the banner and squeezed his eyes shut trying to gather himself. But the tears flowed as he embraced Jones.
Among the others there to share the moment were Payton's mother and brother, Pat Summerall, Marcus Allen, Daryl Johnston and Michael Irvin, who said: "We all want to thank Emmitt for allowing us to enjoy every yard."
Midway through his 13th season, Smith has 16,743 yards. Payton finished his 13-year career in 1987 with 16,726. Smith broke Payton's record for career carries earlier this season and topped his yardage record in his 193rd game; Payton played 190.
Payton, who played his entire career for the Chicago Bears and earned the nickname "Sweetness" for his beautiful playing style, died in November 1999 from cancer. He was 45.