Jerry Jones: Emmitt Smith is rooting for Murray to break record
DeMarco Murray needs just 29 yards to set the Cowboys single-season record for rushing yards. Currently, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, holds the record with 1,773 set in 1995.
Very few of Smith's records get broken, so how would the Super Bowl XXVIII MVP feel about Murray besting him for the franchise's record for most rushing yards in a season?
"I got it from the man last weekend he's rooting for him," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday on 105.3 The Fan [KRLD-FM] "I'm talking about Emmitt Smith is rooting for DeMarco Murray."
According to Jones, part of the reason Smith came to the Dec. 21 game against the Indianapolis Colts in AT&T Stadium was to go down on the field to congratulate Murray if he broke the record. However, Murray who is on a four-game streak of failing to get 100 yards against a 3-4 defense, only gained 58 yards on 22 carries.
"We are so proud of what that means for the entire offensive unit, certainly the offensive line. And, so, we're all aware of that and it would be important if we could go up there and get it done."
Murray, who has a broken bone in his left hand, was sent home from Thursday's practice with an illness, or what Jones described as "a little cold symptoms."
"I don't even want to say 'little,'" Jones clarified. "It's easy for me to say. They're not my symptoms, but seriously, he was feeling good enough that he could have practiced. But everybody thought it was better for him to get the rest."
The last time Murray rushed for 100 yards or more against a 3-4 defense was against Washington on Oct. 27 when Murray had 19 carries for 141 yards and a fumble. Last week's 58-yard outing was Murray's lowest of the year, but even if repeated Sunday, would be enough for him to set the Cowboys record.
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