NFL legend Emmitt Smith, the league's all-time leading rusher, has witnessed a shift in the NFL's offensive strategy over his 20 years of retirement. While quarterbacks have become the focal point in recent years, Smith observes a resurgence in the running game, and he believes teams are finally recognizing the value of a strong ground attack.

Smith highlights the recent successes of running backs like Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs, who all found new teams this past offseason and made significant impacts. He argues that their performance demonstrates the importance of a balanced offensive approach, even in a quarterback-driven league.

Smith believes the previous underutilization of running backs stemmed from a league-wide emphasis on quarterbacks and a flawed narrative that devalued the position. He points to instances where teams, including his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, leaned heavily on their running game when backup quarterbacks were in place, proving the effectiveness of a ground-focused strategy.

While in New Orleans for PepsiCo's and Frito-Lay's "Chips and Sips" campaign, Smith emphasized the importance of enjoying quality snacks during the Super Bowl. A self-proclaimed ranch dressing enthusiast, Smith believes the Super Bowl provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in favorite snacks and celebrate the game.

Smith also noted the success of Bijan Robinson in Atlanta and the impact a strong running game had on Michael Penix Jr.'s quarterback play. He contends that while the league often focuses on star quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, the contribution of talented running backs is often overlooked.

The resurgence of the running game is evident in the statistics. Five running backs surpassed 1,400 rushing yards this season, the highest number since 2012, a stark contrast to the single running back who achieved that feat in 2023.