3× Super BowlSuper Bowl MVPNFL MVP4× First-Team All-Pro8× Pro BowlHall of Fame (2010)
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Super BowlNFL MVPOffensive POY5× First-Team All-Pro9× Pro BowlHall of Fame (1993)
The verdict
Smith holds the edge, leading in 4 of 4 categories (rushing yards (career), rushing tds (career), receptions (career)). Payton answers in the intangibles — which is exactly why this is the marquee debate.
62Smith · Solid starter
Balladex Impact Index
56Payton · Rotation piece
Card value — head to head
Emmitt Smith
$550
Cemented legacy
5-yr outlook+46% ▲
Legacy floor100%
RarityMythic
Walter Payton
$150
Cemented legacy
5-yr outlook+41%
Legacy floor100%
RarityLegendary
Card verdictEmmitt Smith is the more valuable card today ($550 vs. $150). Emmitt Smith carries more projected upside (+46% vs. +41% over five years).