A class second to none

CANTON, Ohio - Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith can stop the chase now.

Linked as the NFL's leading receiver and rusher, two of the greatest players football has seen entered the Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Both admitted their destinies are fulfilled.

"This is finally it," Rice said. "There are no more routes to run, no more touchdowns to score, no more records to set. That young boy from Mississippi has finally stopped running.

"Let me stand here and catch my breath."

An hour later, Smith tried to hold back his tears as he reflected on his unequaled career.

"Most people only dream," Smith said. "I not only had my childhood dream, I did everything I could to fulfill it.

"You know what, I am now the all-time leading rusher. Wow. What an honor."

Rice was the man who took away everyone's breath during an incredible 20 years and was one of seven NFL greats to enter the shrine as the Class of 2010. It is one of the strongest groups ever inducted, also including John Randle, Dick LeBeau, Rickey Jackson, Russ Grimm and Floyd Little.

Rice holds every important pass-catching record as the game breaker in the West Coast offense for the San Francisco 49ers. In becoming the top target in the pro game's most dangerous scheme, he established marks that might never be broken.

Rice caught 1,549 passes, more than 400 beyond anyone else. He gained 22,895 yards, more than 7,600 ahead of second place. He scored 208 touchdowns, easily shattering the previous record. He made 10 All-Pro teams, was chosen for 13 Pro Bowls, and made receptions in an almost-unimaginable 274 consecutive games.

Yet, he says, at 47, "I still believe in my heart I could play today."

Looking as fit as any current All-Pro, Rice admits he made one major mistake during that unparalleled career.

"My single regret about my career is I never took the time to enjoy it," he said. "I was always working.

"I was afraid to fail. The fear of failure is the engine that has driven me my entire life."

Rice was successful from Day 1 in the NFL, rising from the obscurity of Mississippi Valley State to win three Super Bowls and change the game forever. He was humbled by the conclusion Saturday night.

"I can honestly say this is the greatest team I have ever belonged to," Rice said.

Smith began choking up during a one-minute standing ovation as he stepped to the microphone as the final inductee. He immediately praised Walter Payton, the man he surpassed as rushing king, and recognized the two other Hall of Fame members of the Cowboys' Triplets, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin.

While Rice and Smith were immediate selections for the hall, LeBeau finally was inducted after a 32-year wait.

"Man, this really is a great day to be alive," said LeBeau, elected by the senior committee.

LeBeau was chosen for his 14-year career as a cornerback with the Detroit Lions, in which he had 62 interceptions, still eighth overall. He's best known as an assistant coach, the mastermind of the zone blitz. Currently the defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, LeBeau singled out his players who sat in a corner of Fawcett Stadium.

He was immediately followed on the stage by Randle, who as an undrafted defensive tackle with the Vikings and Seahawks accumulated 137? sacks in 14 seasons, most for anyone at that position.

Grimm was called the "Head Hog" by former Redskins offensive line coach Joe Bugel. From 1981-91, Grimm led the Hogs and helped the Redskins win three Super Bowls. He is the first member of that memorable line to make the hall.

Jackson, one of the most versatile linebackers in league history, is the first New Orleans Saints player to be enshrined. Jackson made six Pro Bowls with a combination of strong run defense and a tenacity that led to 128 sacks.

Little was a star running back for the Denver Broncos from 1967-75 despite being the only offensive threat on the team. He had to wait nearly three decades since becoming eligible before getting elected.