I have a huge issue with putting Smith anywhere near the list. He should be outside the top 100 all time.
He averaged a 4.2 per for his career. Which is fairly mundane.
He also should have retired about 4 years before he did. When his YPC dropped below 4, he was done being productive and was taking up carries to get a record.
He had a couple of good years, but not all time good. The only thing that really sets him apart, is he played about 4-5 years longer than anybody else who was decent. If he had not, he wouldn't be close to the record.
If Jim Brown, Gayle Sayers or Barry had played for 15 years, Emmit would never have caught them.
That is why I hate career total records. If you are the only guy to play that long, even mediocrity will give you a couple records.
Like Favre for example. His only competition is Vinny Testeverde and Steve DeBerg. If he didn't hold a crap load of career total records, he would have had to be worse than both of those two. Who were both basically backups for half of their careers. It is a testament to how bad Vinny was that he leads only Favre in total games lost in the NFL.
You also have to consider the Cowboys the O-line. One of the best ever. Emmit literally had to run 3 yards untouched and fall down for a 4.2 ypc average. Also one of the reasons he lasted as long as he did. Sanders was making moves 2 yards in the backfield and still getting 5 per. He out worked and out produced Emmit 7 to 1.2.
I want to go out like my Grandpa did. Peacefully in his sleep.
Not screaming in terror like his passengers.