Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith may become Hall of Famer

In their first year of eligibility, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith both were among the 17 finalists announced Friday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame respectively as the NFL’s career receiving leader and top receiver.

Starting his NFL career by putting on the San Francisco 49ers jersey, Rice finished his career as a Seattle Seahawks wide receiver with 1,549 catches for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns, leading second place Marvin Harrison by career receptions. He was named twice the NFL Offensive Player of the year during his 21-year career and also holds numerous Super Bowl records.

Smith won three Super Bowls during his 14-year career. He rushed for 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns, caught 515 passes and scored on 19 receptions, winning league MVP title in 1993 and Super Bowl MVP the next year. Rice also won the Super Bowl MVP once in 1989.