On behalf of the Eastern Regional Director, the Honorable Daryll Williams and the entire Eastern Region, the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma would like to send a heartfelt congratulations to Brothers Jerry Rice and Emitt Smith for their selection for induction into the National Football Hall of Fame.
Both brothers were giants on the football field. Each won three Super Bowls and was honored as the MVP in one of those victories. Brother Smith was selected as the 1993 league MVP. Rice, the perfect receiver for the West Coast offense, played 20 seasons for San Francisco, Oakland and Seattle. He made 1,549 catches for 22,895 yards, had 14 1,000-yard seasons and scored 208 touchdowns. Brother Smith rushed for 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns for Dallas and Arizona.
“They told me, ‘Don’t cry,’ ” said Rice with tears coming from his eyes. “It meant the world to me, just like winning a Super Bowl. On draft day, I didn’t take that for granted. I didn’t take this for granted.”
The induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame will take place in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 7. Expect Sigma Men to be there in large numbers.
JERRY RICE
Wide receiver; 6-2, 200
Career: 1985-2000 49ers, 2001-04 Raiders, 2004 Seahawks. 20 seasons, 303 games.
Of note: Averaged 18.9 yards per catch on 49 receptions for 927 yards and 3 TDs as rookie. … In 1986 caught 86 passes for a league-leading 1,570 yards and led the NFL in touchdown catches with 15. … In 1987 set the NFL record for TD receptions in season with 22. … Earned three Super Bowl rings with 49ers and was named MVP in Super Bowl XXIII. … Named first-team All-Pro 11 consecutive seasons and voted to 13 Pro Bowls. … A member of NFL’s All-Decade Teams of 1980s and 1990s and NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team.
EMMITT SMITH
Running back; 5-9, 207
Career: 1990-2002 Cowboys, 2003-04 Cardinals. … 15 seasons, 226 games.
Of note: Rushed for 937 yards, 11 TDs to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. … Second season rushed for league-leading 1,563 yards. … Won rushing crowns in 1991, ’92, ’93, ’95. … In 1995, recorded career highs for rushing yards (1,773), rushing TDs (25), and receptions (62). … Major contributor to Cowboys Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, XXX victories. … Named first-team All-Pro 1992-95. … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.
– Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame
