PHILADELPHIA -- "He Hate Me" is a step away from the NFL.

Rod Smart, the running back whose slogan on the back of his jersey became a symbol of the defunct XFL, was signed Tuesday to the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 5-foot-11, 191-pound running back was second in the league in rushing, gaining 555 yards in 146 carries and scoring three touchdowns for the Las Vegas Outlaws. He also led the team in receptions with 27 for 245 yards.

But he was known less for his running than for "He Hate Me," which he proudly displayed on his back instead of his given name in a league that encouraged players to plaster anything they wanted there.

Smart played at Western Kentucky under coach Jack Harbaugh, father of John Harbaugh, the Eagles' special teams coach. He also is a first cousin of Freddie Mitchell, the Eagles' wide receiver, with whom he grew up in Lakeland, Fla.

Smart spent a month in the spring of 2000 on the roster of the San Diego Chargers. He also had a brief stint in the Canadian Football League.