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Emmitt was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 1990 draft. Coach Jimmy Johnson was looking to rebuild after a 1-15 season and felt that Emmitt could be the cornerstone of the Cowboy’s offense. Over the next twelve years Emmitt was able to help lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl Championships, lead the NFL in rushing four times, was the league MVP in 1993, MVP of Super Bowl XXVIII and made eight Pro Bowl appearances. In addition, Emmitt was the first player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons and on October 27, 2002 he surpassed Walter Payton’s All-Time Leading Rushing Record of 16,726 yards and became the NFL’s All-Time Leading Rusher. On September 19, 2005 Emmitt was added to the Cowboys Ring of Honor along with his former teammates Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. After 12 seasons with the Cowboys, Emmitt finished his career with the Arizona Cardinals playing the 2003-2004 seasons.
Emmitt’s mother Mary Smith always told him that “football football could end at any time, but your education will last a lifetime.” Though he left school early after his junior year to become Dallas’ first-round draft selection in 1990, he made vow to her to complete his degree. He fulfilled that promise by returning to the University of Florida each NFL off-season to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Public Recreation in 1996. He continues to support higher education and is currently sponsoring 19 underserved kids’ college education.
Today Emmitt lives with his wife Pat in Dallas, Texas with their four children. The son of Mary and Emmitt Smith Jr., Emmitt has two sisters, Marsha and Connie, and three brothers, Erik, Emil and Emory.
