Barry Sanders vs. Emmitt Smith: Who was better?

Mark (Emmitt)

When all pertinent stats are compiled, Emmitt Smith is simply a better and more accomplished running back than Barry Sanders. While Barry Sanders never got his Super Bowl ring, Emmitt did three times and was named MVP in 1993. Emmitt was a part of the dynasty known as the Dallas Cowboys in the 90s. He and Troy Aikman helped propel the team to tremendous success in that Era. In fact, from 1990 to 1996, Emmitt scored a record-setting 115 touchdowns—a feat that still goes unsurpassed today.

Emmitt Smith is a longer-tenured player than Barry Sanders as well. He played five seasons more than Sanders did. He also managed to keep himself healthy throughout, suffering remarkably few injuries and playing a position tackled more often than most others. Emmitt Smith was simply a once-in-a-lifetime player and a perpetual overachiever. He was also a great receiver, having scored many of his touchdowns, catching the ball, as well as successfully running it.

When it comes to the playoffs, you'll find few other players with the pedigree of Emmitt Smith. As a matter of fact, he is the ALL-TIME leader in rushing yards and touchdowns, having held that record for several decades now. If you need any more convincing, you can also ask Barry Sanders himself. He has gone on record as saying that he would never call himself better than Emmitt Smith. When it comes to carrying and even catching the football, Emmitt Smith is the indisputable GOAT.

Takashi (Sanders)

Barry Sanders is unquestionably the GOAT when it comes to legendary running backs in the NFL. Barry averaged around five yards per carry and 100 yards per game. Both of these stats exceed Emmitt Smith's average yards per game/carry. In his rookie year alone, Sanders averaged 1,500 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. Barry Sanders was rarely unable to find his way into the end zone.  

Barry Sanders was a dominant and seemingly impenetrable running back. He would routinely evade, break tackles, and find holes only he could see. He was as tough and fearsome as any defensive player, and he could always be counted on to achieve a first down. He didn’t enjoy the fanfare that Emmitt Smith did, yet he often over-performed in adverse situations. Ask several Hall of Fame-level players who the greatest running back of all time is, and Barry Sanders is the answer you’re likely to get more often than not.  

Barry didn’t have the benefit of being protected by one of the best offensive lines in league history as Smith did. In fact, Barry Sanders was something of a one-man army, with his skills far exceeding most of his teammates. Had Barry Sanders played for the early to mid-90s Dallas Cowboys, Emmitt Smith may very well not be a part of the GOAT conversation. Speaking of Emmitt, he may have the most accurate take on this whole debate. As Smith once stated, “Barry Sanders is the greatest running back of all time.'