WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- Veteran running back Emmitt Smith, who is about to start his 12th season in a Dallas Cowboys uniform, has his sights set on becoming the all-time leading rusher in NFL history.

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Emmitt Smith At Cowboys Camp

The Dallas Cowboys training camp may have experienced a let-down Monday when lineman Flozelle Adams suffered a sprained knee during practice, but now coaches are focusing on preparing Smith to make history even though it probably will take two years to do it.

"I've been playing (football) all my life. I still got the fire and I still have the passion for it," Smith said.

He is the lone star left with the Dallas Cowboys. He is one of only four players left on the Cowboys who were part of three Super Bowl championships in 1993, 1994 and 1996.

"It's a little different, but there are some guys I can still cling to, like Darryl Woodson," he said.

What is a little different this season is who is gone -- former quarterback Troy Aikman, fullback "The Moose" Darryl Johnston and wide receiver Michael Irvin.

Smith is practicing for another season without even his best friend left on the team.

"Everybody plays the game for the love of the game. Unfortunately, we all come and go. My time is going to come and go as well," Smith said. "I'm just taking it as it comes."

Although Smith won't discuss the specific goals he has set for himself this season, Walter Payton's all-time rushing record must be at the top, sports critics say.

Smith trails the late Payton by just 1, 560 yards, but that's not what motivated the self-proclaimed, "Last of the Mohicans" as Smith began yet another training camp in sweltering heat Tuesday.

He said that practicing in rain, heat, sleet or snow is part of his job.

Smith has been wearing a face shield on his helmet during practice because he had lasik eye surgery during the off-season.

Cowboys practice will resume later this week.

Additional Resources:

• Cowboys Lineman Injured During Practice
• Jones Optimistic About Cowboys Season
• Cowboys Kick Off Training Camp
• Training Camp Calendar
• Exhibition & Regular Season Schedule
• How Good Will The Cowboys Be This Season?
• Visit Offical Team Web Site