National Football League

Rice, Smith among Hall of Fame semifinalists

Published Nov. 29, 2009 12:20 a.m. ET

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Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith are among 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Former Raiders receiver Tim Brown and Cardinals and Rams defensive back Aeneas Williams were the only other players selected in their first year of eligibility.

Rice and Smith hold some of the NFL's biggest records. Smith is the league's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards for the Cowboys and Cardinals from 1990-2004. Rice is the all-time leading receiver with 1,549 catches for 22,895 yards with the 49ers, Raiders and Seahawks from 1985-2004.

The semifinalists include a coach, Don Coryell, and two contributors, Art Modell and former commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

The list will be reduced to 15 by Jan. 7. Dick LeBeau and Floyd Little have already been selected as finalists by the Seniors Committee.