40 Facts About Emmitt Smith

Early Life and College Career

Emmitt Smith's journey to becoming an NFL legend began long before he stepped onto a professional field. His early years and college career laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Born on May 15, 1969, in Pensacola, Florida, Emmitt James Smith III showed athletic promise from a young age.
2. Smith attended Escambia High School, where he excelled in football, earning USA Today and Parade magazine All-American honors.
3. Despite his high school success, some college recruiters doubted his potential due to his size, standing at 5'9".
4. Smith chose to attend the University of Florida, where he played for the Florida Gators from 1987 to 1989.
5. During his freshman year, he set a school record with 1,341 rushing yards, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
6. Smith left college early to enter the NFL Draft, finishing his college career with 3,928 rushing yards, a record that stood for decades.

NFL Career and Achievements

Smith's professional career is nothing short of legendary. His time in the NFL is filled with records, accolades, and unforgettable moments.

7. The Dallas Cowboys selected Smith in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft, 17th overall.
8. Smith won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 1990, rushing for 937 yards and 11 touchdowns.
9. He led the NFL in rushing yards for four seasons: 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1995.
10. Smith became the NFL's all-time leading rusher on October 27, 2002, surpassing Walter Payton's record with 18,355 career rushing yards.
11. Over his 15-season career, Smith accumulated 18,355 rushing yards and 164 rushing touchdowns.
12. He played 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and two with the Arizona Cardinals before retiring in 2004.
13. Smith was a key player in the Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s (XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX).
14. He was named Super Bowl XXVIII MVP after rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
15. Smith earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was a four-time First-Team All-Pro.
16. In 2010, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Personal Life and Post-NFL Career

Smith's life off the field is just as interesting. From his family to his ventures after football, he continues to make an impact.

17. Emmitt Smith married Patricia Southall, a former Miss Virginia USA, in 2000.
18. The couple has three children together: Emmitt IV, Skylar, and Elijah.
19. Smith also has a daughter, Rheagen, from a previous relationship.
20. After retiring from football, Smith competed on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2006, winning the competition.
21. He returned to "Dancing with the Stars" for the All-Stars season in 2012, finishing fourth.
22. Smith co-founded ESmith Legacy, a real estate development and investment company.
23. He authored an autobiography titled "Game On: Find Your Purpose – Pursue Your Dream" in 2011.
24. Smith is involved in various charitable activities, including the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, which focus on providing educational opportunities for underserved youth.
25. He has served as a football analyst for ESPN and the NFL Network.
26. Smith was a contestant on the reality show "Celebrity Family Feud" in 2015.

Records and Legacy

Smith's records and legacy in the NFL are a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination.

27. Smith holds the NFL record for career rushing touchdowns with 164.
28. He is the only player in NFL history to rush for over 1,400 yards in five consecutive seasons.
29. Smith's 4,409 carries are the most in NFL history.
30. He is one of only four players to have won the NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year awards.
31. Smith's 11 seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards are tied for the most in NFL history.
32. He is the only player to have rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season after turning 35.
33. Smith's 21 career playoff rushing touchdowns are the most in NFL history.
34. He is one of only three players to have rushed for over 100 yards in three different Super Bowls.
35. Smith was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
36. He is a member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Beyond his records and achievements, there are many interesting tidbits about Emmitt Smith that fans might not know.

37. Smith's nickname in high school was "Scoey," a reference to his speed and agility.
38. He made a cameo appearance in the 2004 film "Little Giants."
39. Smith is an avid golfer and has participated in numerous celebrity golf tournaments.
40. He was a guest star on the TV show "How I Met Your Mother," appearing in the episode "The Limo."

Smith's life and career are filled with fascinating stories and accomplishments. From his early days in Florida to his record-breaking NFL career and beyond, Emmitt Smith remains an iconic figure in sports history.

Emmitt Smith's Legacy

Emmitt Smith's career is nothing short of legendary. From his early days in Pensacola to becoming the NFL's all-time leading rusher, Smith's journey is filled with determination, hard work, and unmatched talent. He didn't just break records; he set new standards for what it means to be a running back. His impact on the game extends beyond his stats. Smith's leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication have inspired countless athletes. Off the field, his charitable work and business ventures show he's more than just a football player. Emmitt Smith's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or someone who appreciates greatness, Smith's legacy offers valuable lessons. His name will forever be synonymous with excellence in the world of sports.