Emmitt Smith Thanks Daryl Johnston in Hall of Fame Speech

[skooterboot91]

ive never seen a running back praise a fullback so much! this is RESPECT

[dstickler06]

The Dallas Cowboys' center, John Gesek, took off a $5,000 Rolex watch, a gift from running back Emmitt Smith, and twirled it in his hands with pride. He wasn't so enamored of the watch; it was the idea of feeling appreciated.

Appreciation is something offensive linemen secretly crave but rarely receive. He smiled, turned the watch over and pointed to the inscription on the back. It read:

"To John G

Thanks for 1,563 yards

1991 rushing title

Emmitt Smith

#22"

[dstickler06]

Emmitt did indeed thank his linemen at his induction and always showed his appreciation by buying them all steak dinners after big games!

Truly a class act!!

[EOFFJM]

Did he thank the O-line?

[ramrod20042000]

Moose Johnston was one hell of a blocking back!

[caveman9301969]

darryl the moose was the best fb in the bizz bar none love them boyz

[MrMario1111]

Why are they buuing?

[dezdoacover]

@MrMario1111 Theyre saying Mooose. Daryl Johnston's nick name.

[gposty]

Class act.

[douginamerica]

I always respected Emmitt, but man hated him when he beat us Giants. But he was a true pro, Much respect to him. But what is up with the yellow suit???? Hahhaahha...man, truly awe inspiring when a tough guy gives another dude respect.

[DancesWithTommy]

@williejenkins666 I thought the same at the start of Superbowl 41 when they introduced Muhsin Muhammad as one of the Bears' captains, I was like "why the fuck are they booing him?"

[primate4]

All NFL players are overrated, overpaid, premadonnas. They didn't sacrifice shit! I don't recall seeing any of them fighting next to me in Iraq! Sacrifice? They have no clue as to what that really means.

[Jaytee1227]

@primate4 Wow. As much as I respect you and all other members of the military, you are a little off base there. Only way to sacrifice is to leave the country on a government payroll? I don't think so. I've seen to many people give up everything for another person or put everything they have into a dream for you to just belittle all of them like that.

[Whodatfootball]

You gotta' love this!

[octanina21]

all this time i thought they were booin him i was lik wtf, heck of a player

[nickmordo]

I respect Moose. good fullback, good teammate, good commentator nowadays.

[Demondscott]

@5BeForfunk nicely said,I agree as well.it takes a REAL man to show his emotions&give credit where it's due.i'm a saints fan but very classy emitt!!!moose is the man!love his commentary on FOX

[samuelrosenbalm]

The Moose laid many tracks for Smith to follow on his way to the record.

[TheDong56]

I don't like the cowboys at all, but ill def give some props to emmitt for sharing his sucess with his buddy, who worked just as hard to gain the cowboys glory

[jrmtactical]

I loved those guys back then. I'm a die hard Packers fan, and you know we LOVE football!! Hats off to Emmitt and to Moose, LOVE those guys...THEY PLAYED FOOTBALL!!

[Killerlonewolf115935]

Fuck all the cowboys haters!

[spider760]

made me cry. love my COWBOYS BABY!!!!!

[ramrod20042000]

Moose Johnston was one hell of a fullback! He cleared so many holes for Emmitt and rarely carried the ball himself.

[Jumsdune20]

Ima fullback too and it is very scary going one on one with a linebacker. Im very small too, but when you see yr tailback runnin by you, scorin tds, it is a wonderful feeling. As i die hard steeler fan, i giv props to emmitt as the best ever

[MrThatguy817]

Thanks for great memories!

[rebreh1029]

MOOSE!

[OutlawDBST]

Spoken like a true Champion!!

[cowboys7819]

These are some of the guys I think should be in the Hall Of Fame soon:

Drew Pearson #88 (Dallas Cowboys)

Sterling Sharpe #84 (Green Bay Packers)

Daryl "Moose" Johnston #48 (Dallas Cowboys)

[cowboys7819]

@cowboys7819

Jay Novacek #84 (Dallas Cowboys)

[SuperOriginalGuy]

Who were the fucking fags screaming "BOOOOO". That is disrespect beyond belief.

[beefjake]

@SuperOriginalGuy " MOOOOSE"

[mfletes]

@SuperOriginalGuy they weren't booing, they were yelling 'mooooooose' cause that's how fans used to call Daryl Johnston in the game.

[tallsmile28]

@SuperOriginalGuy they are saying Mooose!!!

[SuperOriginalGuy]

@tallsmile28 haha im not to familiar with that but it still sounds a little annoying

[2112bull]

@sergeontheloose  Charles Haley was not a quiet guy. He was far from quiet

[trthegreatone]

This is classic man. 

[5Be4Funk]

Gotta love how sports can break down all color barriers and racist bullshit and remind us that we are all teammates playing for the human team just trying to get another win.

[Thekingcmk]

Thats what class is people, he could have been like any cocky player we see in the league now and say it was all him but no he knew the O-line he had and the FB of the moose was the reason he got to the hall of fame and broke the record

[MasonMediaClips]

How are Tom Rathman and Daryl Johnston not in the hall of fame? Is the HOF un-aware of the fullback concept and how their dominance has little to do with their stats? Poor Lorenzo Neal is shaking his head too preparing himself for the same silence...

[dissolvedcarrion]

I'll probably never like another Cowboy player as much as I liked Daryl Johnston during the 90's. That guy just erased linebackers and was very reliable in his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and sometimes break a tackle or two.

[krjo4215]

bromance!

[tsh905]

life time eagles fan but damn this was special....emmitt and moose both class acts.

[redmustang03]

Moose took a lot hits and punishment for Emmitt. No wonder he got that neck injury that retired him. I would bet you anything he would gladly do it again.

[redmustang03]

Other than the offensive line, Moose was a huge reason why Emmitt gained those yards. The lead draw was their bread and butter and Moose was the one making those blocks getting Emmit into open space. Now only was Moose a blocker he could catch the ball out of the backfield, pass block,and get you 3 to 8 yards on a carry. The NFL created that fullback position for the pro bowl because of him. People like Moose and Tom Rathman are fullbacks you just don't see anymore. continue.

[adub4ever]

man this made me a 23 year old man cry..... Emmitt is truely the #1 RB of all time..... Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Sweetness, etc etc etc all take a back seat to the most consistant winningest RB of all time

[y2joct7]

@adub4ever sad most people dont believe in Dallas anymore...Emmit was my grandmas favorite and mine too. We need more players like him. It was a running joke at christmas..."what do we get grandma?"---"anything with emmit on it."...."uh yeah theres the problem she practically has everything with emmit, cept...emmit himself"

[AHawkins25]

Daryl Johnston & Tom Rathman were two great fullbacks in the NFL. Both could block, run, and catch. Daryl is highly underrated.

[xrtsplash]

a lot of people think people are booing him, they aren't. MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSEEEE

[Thebeckafella]

im a giants fan but this is just pure class and you have to respect it

[oosaf]

@Thebeckafella And you have class for being so respectful

[Thebeckafella]

@oosaf thanks man,good look this season i love all of you nfl fans.we dont deserve a lock out

[uzavas]

any true cowboy fan is moved by this...man this was the greatest team..

[hectorcaceres1979]

@uzavas i love my cowboys

[aktxag]

I was there and I can tell you that NO Cowboy fan had a dry eye during that time. Moose broke bones and literally broke his neck for the Cowboys. Moose will be loved by Cowboy fans forever.

[22chuy3]

much respect GO COWBOYS!

[SHOCCTROOP]

moose is the greatest

[AHawkins25]

@SHOCCTROOP Moose and Tom Rathman were two great fullbacks in the NFL.

[Davecm008]

I know this sounds cliche but it really seems like you don't find guys like that in the league these days...

[XTetsuoKanedaX]

damn his earnings are shiny.

[CanesGatorsDucks]

damn that shit almost made me cry

[Horzzo]

I really disliked the Cowboys back then but there is no denying that they had one of the best teams in the leagues history on and off the field.

[BIGSK8]

great job emmitt. 0:33lol at that idiot who stands up next to daryl johnson just to get attention

[youngd05200]

how embarrasingggggg......ha haha hahah. i love this vid.

[youngd05200]

the one dislike must be a redskins fan, or a eagles fan, or a giants fan, or just to make it more simple. . . . . . . . .a fool.

[49erswillis]

You have to admire Emmit Smith such a classy player, and a nice gesture to his teammate. Class act all the way around by a great player.

[NDirish056]

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSEE!!

[pd9971]

Moose was one hell of a fullback and leader!!!! I loved the guy!!!!!

[GhostDigga121]

Man I got so mad when I was watching this, I thought they were booing... just now figured out it was MOOOOOOOSE.

[ANNPAR60]

Darryl looks a little like Paul Newman there.

[klined]

The fullback slot in the probowl was created specifically because of Moose.

[sergeontheloose]

I was introduced to the game of football on the day Dallas trashed the Buffalo Bills in Superbowl 27.

What a team the Cowboys possessed back then, but what most stands out - the quiet but very productive guys like Daryl Johnston and Jay Novacek, the defense - Ken Norton, Charles Haley.

What about Bill Bates - the small guy on special team who could hit like a freight train.

It's guys like that who make any team from just very good to being a "dynasty".

[freshprince512]

@sergeontheloose amen to your comment. the current cowboys dont half the heart of those guys.

[klined]

@sergeontheloose

Jay Novacek was a wonderful role player, I was always a big fan of his

[octanina21]

@sergeontheloose i agree wit yu men bill bates is so underrated i think hes one the best players ive seen in the boys defense

[TennesseeTitans4Life]

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!

[ilovelu]

I hate the Cowboys like i hate raw onions or garlic...

but, that is pure class act right there.

[jnthnporras]

It sounds like their booing him

[TheTokinbudZ]

49ers fan and Cowboy hater here.

Never liked Emmitt on the field but he's a damn classy dude to show the rightful props to Moose. He could have just said "I'd like to thank Daryl Johnston for being my blocker for so many years" but he showed mad respect for Moose. Props to Emmitt.

[bassman2389]

i have loved football my whole entire life and as UofA student i know what great football is. rtr. but emmitt was the first great football player i remember loving. this speech shakes my soul everytime i hear it, i love it. classy speech from a class act. this speech was the best thing to happen to football all year. emmitt you confirmed it for a lot of people that day, you are not only one of the best players to ever play, you may be one of the best people to ever play

[jmcantu1234]

The true meaning of Class. Emmitt Smith. This just chokes you up hearing him. I feel like moose was inducted with him during this speech.

[VpY22]

daryl johnston = greatest blocking fb ever!

[raterroyale]

The bond between a fullback and his halfback is very special.

[StuckinDallas]

@raterroyale Special in the butt. Giggity.

[ddgg2009]

wow.... you know it sucks moose will never get into hall of fame... but this pretty much had to feel as if a part of him was inducted that night!!! thats why those cowboy teams were champions and unstoppable, because they played for each other!! no one wanted to let the other down, and when a team can get to that point, great things will happen as it did !!!

[chivesisme123]

@ddgg2009 yeah he will he changed the meaning of fullback he put fullbacks on the map hell get there

[pg86]

Im a skins fan..but U gotta respect this man anad what he did for the game Honestly as much as it pains me to say it I loved seeing Emmitt play with all that heart

[mrsbellus]

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!!!! 

[doogrisa]

Daryl was a beast.

[topjimmy72]

as a Giants fan, i couldn't stand Emmit Smith during the 90's (because he would usually abuse my Gmen twice a season), but I have to admit the guy is 100% class.

If only our politicians in Washington could have half the amount of sincerity and decency that Smith has, this country would be in alot better shape than it's in today....

[DJKhrome]

I hated the 'Boys 'cause they were so good, but you can't help but to have mad respect for Emmitt for doing that!

[vomit49894]

Greatness thanking greatness!! Awesome!

[shelbyfin]

Two great guys! Total class.

HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!

[tufftexan]

MOOOOOOOOSE!!! I love that man too!! What an awesome tribute for Emmit to give to such a wonderful guy!! MOOOOOOSE!!!

[jabtot]

Total class Emmitt...total class.

[BinkyStalls]

Those 2 mofos were to fun to watch play. Class act from ES man.

[stewwalk]

very nice very cool..much respect. Always remember in life you do NOTHING of your own accord. Someone was there to teach you something, scold you when you needed it, or in this case, took massive hits so you could run all over the feild and go to the hall of fame. QBs and running backs get the glory, but with full backs and o-lines blocking your team will be garbage.

[MrCrimsonpanda]

I saw this live. Amazing

[murderface74]

i have a new respect for him.

[tgirlplace]

i hate to sound like an old fart at the age of 46, but those were the good ole days, players were more class than these days, these days, most players are mostly just into them selves and all about the money, the days of emmitt smith, jerry rice and other classy players are long gone!

[Marcnizzy15]

The speech was awesome and having no paper up there does take guts but he should thank his starting line while he was on the subject

[Torito468]

It's just a matter of time before The Moose gets in. Class act & great football player. Emmitt signed that ballot (Mooses') with probably what will be considered one of the speeches in Hall of Fame Induction history.

[STILLNAKEDBULLWINKLE]

CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS!!!

[chilledmonkeebrains]

I'm a huge Giants fan....season tickets in my family since 1954. It's hard to admit this but....Those Cowboys ruined alot of my weekends but.....they were great players on great teams....no doubt.

[STILLNAKEDBULLWINKLE]

@chilledmonkeebrains go giants but I loved emmitt as a man, christian, and leader. I hated dallas being a giants fan but had massive respect for him.

[AndyL69]

WOW i didnt like Emmitt that much... He played past his prime to break the NFL record i felt should have been Barry Sanders if he would have played longer but he retired in his prime. But this shows that Emmitt was humble and it is great to see HOF players give such great thanks to other players.... GO EMMITT! Go MOOSE!

[STILLNAKEDBULLWINKLE]

@AndyL69 CLASSY COMMENT SIR!!!!

[texassugardaddy]

That was a beautiful sentiment. 

[numoneuncfan]

This totally changes my opinion of Emmitt Smith. I have always thought he was an also ran behind Barry Sanders. Seeing him show genuine emotion and thanks to a teammate that made his HOF induction possible is humbling for me. Congrats on your induction Emmitt Smith.

[rusty1491]

How about thanking the Minnesota Vikings and the infamous Hershel Walker Trade?

[phsftbal49]

What a great team....

[mjbdetroit]

100% sure class! We need more guys like this in sports!

[DerrvilleProductions]

Greatest of ALL time!!

[therevivedone]

@buttfacepoophole They are saying moose.

[teetez]

@buttfacepoophole

moooooose

[steve0281]

Mr. Smth, you are a class act. You belong in the Hall of Fame of Life.

[aktxag]

Hell I teared up when I watched that. Moose will ALWAYS be loved in Dallas. Actually, I was at the game when Emmitt broke Payton's record, and one of the first people he hugged was Moose and he was equally emotional.

I would be emotional too if someone not just stuck out their neck for me, but literally broke their neck for me as Moose did for Emmitt.

[rusrod]

Finally the rest of the world has seen what those of us in BIG D already knew!!! He was equally as emotional when he was inducted into the "Ring of honor" and when he signed a 1day contract to officially retire as a DALLAS COWBOY. He thanked "Moose" on every occasion also.

[dotcomprof]

I hate the cowboys and Emmitt but Mr. Smith's Hall of Fame speech praised those that helped him. The one noted mention mentioned was for the Moose. Nice Emmitt! You demonstrate a character that people should emulate. Congratulations. To look back in your career and thank those that helped you to be who you are now shows maturity and understanding on the long journey to get to Canton.

[randi1202]

In this day and age it takes alot to be a amn who can express himself witout critisims from people. He is and was one of the greatest running backs in the history of footbal. You can not take that away from one of the classiest men who played the game on or off the field.

[fletchdrebon]

Wow, I just went from not really liking Emmitt, to really liking him. Wierd.

[redmustang03]

Moose really sacrificed himself to help Emmitt out along with his offensive line. i mean Moose took the hits so much that near the end of career he had to have neck difficulties and surgery to get him through. He's one of the top color guys on Fox the other Troy Aikman his QB, but still Moose was one of the best fullbacks along with Robert Newhouse.

[TheRings7]

That was so moving, imagine someone telling you that, way to go Moose!

[k5kee]

Outstanding! He's one class act.

[thegame2125]

I, like many others, am not a Cowboy fan. But Emmitt Smith portrays what a Hall Of Famer should be. What a class act. Good job Emmitt.

[footballisfun]

I had goosebumps when I was watching this Saturday night. That's the kind of experience football brings. People who have never played don't understand the bond players develop playing this game. That's why you get stupid comments from "kingsofgroove" calling that speech "gay." Kid probably has never played a team sport in his life.

[195miles]

Pure. Class.

[luanatic]

Without Moose and that big ass offensive line they had during his days...Emmitt wouldn't be here...im not a hater or anything, but i think the ONLY running back that i considered great, was Barry Sanders...you can have high school girls for an offensive line and he'd still run around and break your ankles for an 80 yard TD run...

[Hawada]

@luanatic

Barry was the greatest running back in NFL History!!!!

[bicround2006]

Another reason it's great to be a Cowboy fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wdp11683]

MOOOOOOOOOSE

[flipsiderunner]

I hate the Cowboys, but that was the coolest thing I have seen at a Hall of Fame ceremony. Way to go Emmitt

[coolcustomer31]

emmit was very fortunate to have such a good team all around him... moose, that o-line and dont forget troy and irving. he was a great running back and it's nice to see he gives credit where it's due.

[chocolatethunder1968]

I am a die hard Steelers fan and I fuckin hate the Dallas Cowboys. With that being said Moose and Emmitt were one of the best backfield duos in the history of the game. Got to give credit where credit is due. Emmitt was a beast. Now lets get Cris Carter in there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!

[JtheWun]

FBs just don't get the love the deserve; guys like Moose Johnson, Mack Strong, Lorenzo Neal, Sam Gash, Tony Richardson and Tom Rathman are amongst some of the best ever at their positions and should get some love.

[b582gurl]

:) How bout them Cowboys!!! Awesome!!!

[jaxotto2]

My son played the fullback position in highschool & even though highschool could never compare to the NFL, I can relate to the fact that the fullbacks are all too often the unsung hereos on all levels of the game of football. A good fullback paves the way & often gets very little, if no credit at all. It also takes a talented runningback dont get me wrong, but the efforts of the fullback is essential! Kudos to Emmitt for sharing part of his moment with MOOSE! Emmitt is such a humble man!

[Number1StarsFan]

MOOSE into the HALL!!!

[hitekdialect]

This was far and AWAY the best part of the speech. This is how class is displayed and as a lifelong Cowboys fan, it was a privilege to watch these men do their thing.

This was spot on perfect.

[lintburger]

Wow that got me choked up. Great move on Emmitt's part...

[theiceman9009]

It's so sad that Daryl doesn't get the respect that he deserves. If any Cowboy deserves to go to the Hall of Fame, it's him. He's a true class act and knew what the word sacrifice meant. He deserves to be in there. After all, how can you put the league's all-time leading rusher in there without also adding in the one who cleared his way and led him into the Hall of Fame?

[Brvsfan23]

@theiceman9009 Point well taken! As I said before, I am a big 49er fan...but that is a true statement you made. If the all time leading rusher in NFL history is in the Hall Of Fame, you would think his fullback sould get consideration also. Probably the greatest Hall Of Fame induction speech I have ever heard Emmitt was, and still is, a class act!

[m0wens]

Very classy tribute to Moose...

[briansvoice]

Hall of Fame MOOOOSE

[h2oK9gbh]

This was my favorite part of a great speech.

[jackattackmemphis]

That was a very special moment shared between two warriors. Truly, one of the all time favorite moments in football history there. Both men have such great hearts. 

[djack0wns89]

moose should be in the hall of fame! and im an eagles fan

[nmbw1963]

An incredible video, and an amazing moment. Thanks for posting it.

[mowen300]

I'm normally a Cowboy hater, but that was awesome.

[Brvsfan23]

@mowen300 I agree! I dont like the Cowboys at all since I am a 49ers fan but that was a very moving speech that Emmit gave! Emmitt is a class act all the way and I really loved how he gave credit to Jerry Jones, Jimmie Johnson, all the offensive linemen who blocked for him, and especially Johnston, Aikman, and Irvin. I have to say I was moved and glad that he did that! Shows that the man has alot of class!

[happy4achange1]

@mowen300 Now that is awesome that you say that.....thanks Emmitt means alot to us Cowboys fans!!!

[TheTokinbudZ]

@mowen300

Me too man, 49ers fan here i've always hated the Cowboys but this was as classy as classy gets by any professional athlete.

[isnetamerica]

@TheTokinbudZ Absolutely agreed. This was a tribute and a thank you among tributes. I have always been a 49ers fan, but these Cowboys played so well together and were close off the field as well...that is the biggest reason I miss players like these

[ViralSpace]

Emmitt has a heart of gold....

[philm00r]

a class act