RECAP of QB CLUB LIVE CHAT!

It's Cyberspace Showdown XI! - Emmitt Smith vs. Jerry Rice - Nov. 5, 1996 at 9 PM ET

Welcome NFL fans to the Cyberspace Showdown, presented by Sprint. Each week during the NFL season two members of the NFL Quarterback Club will square off in cyberspace before they meet on the field. Tonight, Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith faces off against 49ers WR Jerry Rice in an online prelude to this Sunday's NFC Clash of the Titans.

During tonight's event, one lucky fan will win a Starter NFL team jacket courtesy of Sprint, as we answer the "Question of the Week."

Please post your questions now for Jerry and Emmitt. We'll ask a question to get things started.

Moderator: Jerry,

Congratulations on your big milestone Sunday night. Can you talk about your 1,000th reception and what it means to you compared to your other records?

Jerry Rice: I think it means a lot to really be able to catch that many balls. But you have to give credit to the supporting cast. So many guys have helped me along the way. I've been fortunate over the years to go without any major injuries. It was just a great night.

Moderator: With all of the distractions the Cowboys had to deal with this year, do you feel the team is ready to face two tough NFC opponents (Green Bay and San Francisco) over the next two weeks?

Emmitt Smith: Yeah, I think so. I think that we've been built with those kind of distractions since the season has started and handled them fine. We're ready to face the tough challenges ahead of us.

MenloNinerFan: Jerry, congrats on reception No. 1,000! How much has the "musical chairs" QB situation in SF affected your performance on the field?

Jerry Rice: It has affected my performance greatly. It's hard when you're so used to a starter such as Steve Young. We have a chemistry going. Then Elvis came in and we got a chemistry going, and something happened with him. It's hard to feel comfortable with the third string. I have to change my entire game plan without Steve in there. I have to adjust to Elvis and the things he tries to do.

Keith: Emmitt,how has the teams attitude changed since Irvin has returned and why??

Emmitt Smith: I think Michael Irvin brings some leadership, motivation and a lot of enthusiasm to the game. A lot of hard work and dedication to the sport. When he came back it was an emotional lift for everybody.

ILUVJH: Jerry, we have all heard you have an intense offseason workout. Can you describe one full day of your workout?

Jerry Rice: I get started about 7:30 a.m. Right after the season I have a hill I like to run. It's about 2.5 miles uphill. As the season gets closer I start my track work, doing sprints and cones, just really doing things that's going to help me in football, because football is about stop and go. I go to the gym about 9 a.m. and lift weights and get done about 12. It's a half-day, but it pays off.

Robert Fithian: Just a comment for Emmitt. I'm not a Cowboy fan but I thought it was really great that you went back to school to finish out your college education. I compliment you on that and think it was a great example for all the kids who look up to you.

Emmitt Smith: I think my motivation was basically to finish up something that I started. Even though I play in the NFL and I have some many different things going on, there are things in my life I had yet to accomplish. When I was speaking to kids in the offseason telling them to stay in school, it was hypocritical of me to sit up there and talk about its importance and not have finished myself. So that was a big motivation.

Jerry: Is playing for a world champion football team, where winning is expected, a distraction or a welcome challenge?

Jerry Rice: It's a welcome challenge because the expectations are so high with the 49ers. This team is not the type that wants to just have a winning season, make the playoffs and lose. We go in with the attitude we're going to win the entire thing. It's additional pressure, but it motivates you and makes you play your best football.

AileenNRO: Emmitt, Who do you plan on giving your next game ball to?

Emmitt Smith: All the touchdown balls are being kept and stored away. I've been thinking about putting them in my house or where people can see them. Right now they are getting lasered up all nice and pretty so they'll look good when people do see them. I've thought about putting them up, I just haven't made the decision yet.

Steve in Melbourne: Jerry, you are an inspiration to athletes everywhere. What have you been doing to help Terrell Owens contribute to the offense?

Jerry Rice: All the techniques. He has the desire to go out there and be the best player he can be. I like his attitude. He works hard and he's going to be a great player. I don't like to offer advise. I leave that up to the individual. If he wants help, I'm glad to do it. I help him with running routes and being physical and knowing his limitations. Technique comes with experience. I can tell him different things to do, but it is something he has to learn on his own.

I'mabigfan: Emmitt, you are amazing. You are a great athlete and from what I've read a class individual. Thanks for being you. Any word on Jay Novacek's injury?

Emmitt Smith: There is no word on the injury. Jay is day to day and week to week. Every time I see him he says he's doing fine but I don't know when we're going to get Jay back.

MJSTBC: At one point in your lives did you guys know you were going to be a professional football player?

Jerry Rice: I really didn't know until I got drafted. You never know what direction you're going to go. There's always that doubt in your mind. Once I got drafted by the 49ers, I felt like I had a legitimate chance.

TONY: Emmitt, if it all, how important is it to you to break Walter Payton's career rushing mark? You are better than he ever was.

Emmitt Smith: I think breaking that record isn't as important as winning games right now. Payton's record is so far out there, it's in my mind, but out there. I'm focused on what I need to do today to help our team win today.

Tahnya Beyer: Jerry, any word on when you are planning on retiring? Are you just taking it year by year?

Jerry Rice: I'm taking it year by year. The fire is still inside. As long as it continues to burn, I'll go out there and play. If I'm not playing up to my standards and can't do some of the things I'm doing now, then it will be time to give it up and move on.

MICHAEL DEIME: Emmitt what do you think of that running back from Washington? Do you think he can keep that up? It will be great on Thanksgiving Day to sit back and watch two exciting running backs.

Emmitt Smith: I think he can keep it up, he's doing a great job right now. It's like there's no stopping him. He's having a great season so far. The pressure comes from yourself.

Matt: Jerry, even though the 49ers lost in Green Bay, did playing them so close still give the team a bit of confidence if you were forced to play at Lambeau Field in the playoffs?

Jerry Rice: I think so. We had an opportunity to win that game without a doubt. We played well. If we should meet again, I think it's going to be a great game and we'll go in with a lot of confidence and come out of there with a win.

Moderator: NFL fans, it's now time for the "Question of the Week," presented by Sprint. Tonight, one of your submissions will be selected with the winner receiving the Starter NFL team jacket of their choice, courtesy of Sprint.

Visit www.sprint.com to post your question and for more information, then check on Tuesday nights to see if your question is selected.

Tonight's winner is Bruce Fulciniti of Anderson, IN:

Emmitt- You've been in the league a relatively short time, and in that time you've accomplished what other players spend an entire career trying for and never actually get. With all of your incredible achievements, what prevents the game from becoming boring? Does winning ever become routine to you?

Emmitt Smith: Winning never becomes routine, especially when you're competing against other human beings. The game isn't boring, the game is always interesting. Winning is so fun it can be addicting. When you win, you grow to expect to win and when you do that, you put the emphasis solely on winning. I play the game, as most players in the NFL, for the love of it, number one, and to win, number two. With those factors involved, the game will always remain interesting. As long as you keep everything in perspective, you will always have fun.

Moo: Hey Jerry, congrats on the 1,000 catches and the great start this year! How has the lack of the running game effcted the team?

Jerry Rice: I think we have been so focused on trying to develop a running game that it has taken away from the passing game. You need the balanced attack, but San Francisco has been known as a passing team. We've got to work harder and balance everything out. If that means passing the football more, we have to make the plays to win the game.

Rick: Emmitt, do you think you could break Jerry's record for career touchdowns.

Emmitt Smith: Heck no. He's so far out there. I've gotta have a couple of back-to-back touchdown years like I've had the past couple of years and I don't see that happening.

Will Upson: Jerry, what's your main concern about the game this weekend with the Cowboys?

Jerry Rice: My main concern it that this team is desperate now. Last year we went into Dallas at 5-4 and our backs were against the wall and we came out fighting. We know this is going to be a very intense game, and the team that executes is going to win the game. They are talented from all aspects. It's a great matchup.

Moderator: Emmitt, What questions do you have for Jerry? Any advice for this Sunday's matchup?

Emmitt Smith: I've got a question for Jerry: Will you participate in my charity golf tournament in April next year? This is my way of extending an invitation right now.

Jerry Rice: Without a doubt I'll participate, but I have one also around June, so he has to participate also.

Emmitt, how do you feel about the season right now? Are you 100 percent and having a good time?

Emmitt Smith: We can match up schedules and I'll be there. I'm having a good time but I'm not 100 percent. Our season right now isn't real good. We're not real good, we're not real bad. We're struggling right now, our record indicates that. We just have to cut back on our mistakes and play hard like we have the past couple of weeks. We played hard against Philly and Miami. We're heading in the right direction and we just need pressing. Jerry, when are you going to retire? He's 40 years old!

Jerry Rice: With this new generation of guys, it might not be long. The fire is still inside right now. We're 7-2 but we haven't played our best football. There are still things we need to get better at. I'm sure it's going to be a good game and I wish you the best. Good luck and try to get healthy and continue doing what you're doing.

Moderator: Thanks for joining us Emmitt and Jerry. Any parting comments for all the NFL fans out there?

Jerry Rice: Emmitt, tell Irvin it's good to see him back. Football had really been missing him and he's doing a great job right now.

To the fans, thanks for the support. It's really encouraging. I get my inspiration from them. When I'm on the field, I get my inspiration from them.

Emmitt Smith: Stay NFL fans. Keep supporting the Cowboys and stay true to the sport. Be good to your athletes. We love you all and thank you for all your support.

Moderator: Thanks NFL fans for joining us tonight for the Cyberspace Showdown, presented by Sprint. We'd also like to thank Jerry and Emmitt for their time and wish them the best of luck this Sunday. Be sure to join us again next Tuesday night when Rick Mirer of the Seattle Seahawks and Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions will be here to answer all of your questions before they face off Sunday in a match-up of perennial NFC contenders.

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