[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15496]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF EMMIT JAMES SMITH III

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I 
rise today to recognize the inspirational career and achievement of 
Emmitt James Smith III, on the occasion of his recent induction into 
the National Football League's Hall of Fame.
  A Pensacola, Florida native and a fellow University of Florida 
graduate, Emmitt Smith is regarded not only as one of the greatest 
running backs in the history of the NFL, but also as a role model for 
young athletes everywhere.
  During his freshman year at Escambia High School, Emmitt Smith rushed 
for 19 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards. He continued his training 
during the off-season. As a result of his hard work and determination, 
he improved his game and rushed for 26 touchdowns and over 2,200 yards 
during his sophomore year--leading Escambia High School to their first 
state football championship. Smith's high school football career did 
not stop there, and he had an even more impressive season junior year. 
Rushing for 33 touchdowns and over 2,900 rushing yards, he once again 
led the team to win another state title.
  Throughout college and his career in the National Football League, 
Emmitt Smith overcame many odds to establish himself as a tremendous 
individual both on and off the field. He has many awards and accolades 
attributed to his name, including: being inducted into the NFL Hall of 
Fame, leading the league in rushing touchdowns, leading the league in 
100-plus yard rushing games, winning 3 Super Bowl Championships and 
being named NFL Most Valuable Player in 1993. However, breaking Walter 
Payton's NFL record for the most rushing yards is certainly his 
greatest feat--a feat that he dreamt of many years before his first 
professional football game.
  Madam Speaker, there are few athletes who walk onto the gridiron and 
play with the level of emotion and passion as Emmitt Smith. His 
impressive football career and his dedication to self-improvement have 
taken him to a level that transcends most professional athletes and 
have won the hearts of many in Northwest Florida and all across this 
Nation. On behalf of the United States Congress, I congratulate Emmitt 
Smith for all his great achievements. My wife, Vicki, joins me in this 
commendation and in extending our best wishes to him and his family.

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