It took Trent Richardson some time to win over Jim Brown. But he always had one Hall of Fame running back in his corner.

Richardson has a close relationship with former Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith. They attended the same high school (Escambia High School in Pensacola, Fla.), and Richardson regularly gets advice from Smith.

When the Browns play at the Cowboys on Sunday, Richardson hopes Smith will be in attendance.

“I’m one of Emmitt’s biggest fans, so it would mean a lot to me if he’s at the game,” Richardson told the Chronicle-Telegram. “He’s someone who I’ve gotten to know pretty well and he’s a great man. We talk probably two or three times a month, and the thing I appreciate the most is he’ll be straight with you. He’ll tell me exactly how I’ve been doing and what I need to do to get better.”

Richardson is going for that elusive Browns rookie trifecta. He is looking to become the first Browns rookie to ever rush for 100 yards in three consecutive games.

Before the bye, Richardson ran for 122 yards against San Diego and 105 yards against the Ravens. On Sunday, he is going against Dallas and the NFL's 13th-ranked run defense.

Because of the break, Richardson should be healthier now than his previous two productive games. He has been dealing with a rib injury, but he told coach Pat Shurmur that he feels better now.

"I haven’t, like, punched him in the ribs or anything, but he’s going to be out there practicing," Shurmur said. "He said he feels good."

On the official practice report, Richardson had full participation Wednesday but he is listed with rib, chest and finger injuries.