Emmitt Smith was the quintessential Cowboy. He defined the running game, and was there through all the trials and tribulations of the team. While other members of the team were getting arrested for all manner of stupidity, he remained a positive role model for many.
He may not have produced like he used to, but that was a direct result of the failure of the rest of the team to do anything. Defensive coordinators, when faced with approving a strategy to use against the Cowboys, simply said, "contain Smith." The front line was marginal, the quarterbacks terrible, and the defense was full of holes. The receivers were no threat because the quarterbacks couldn't get the ball to them. Hambrick is decent, but needs a whole lot of grooming because he doesn't get enough ball time.
The thing about Smith is consistency. He played the game hard. He didn't back down, and always did his best. Had the Cowboys been able to retain the team they had during the superbowl-winning seasons of the 90s, Smith would still be a venerable force.
He was the best of the best, and just put the icing on the cake when he broke Peyton's record.
Ok, it's a little hero worship. Emmitt.