Childhood and Education Journey of Emmitt Smith in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Emmitt Smith, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Emmitt Smith is a former American professional football running back, renowned for his 15 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. He holds the distinction of being the NFL's all-time leading rusher, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest running backs in football history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 15, 1969: Emmitt Smith Born

On May 15, 1969, Emmitt James Smith III was born. He would later become a professional football running back.

Others born on this day/year

1986: Named National High School Player of the Year

In 1986, Emmitt Smith was named the national high school player of the year by multiple publications and organizations, including USA Today, Parade Magazine, and Gatorade.

1987: Attended the University of Florida

In the fall of 1987, Emmitt Smith accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville and played for coach Galen Hall's Gators for three seasons.

1988: Injured During Game Against Memphis State

In 1988, during the sixth contest against Memphis State in mid-October, Emmitt Smith was sidelined with a sprained knee, leading to an upset loss for the Florida Gators.

1989: Played at University of Florida

In 1989, Emmitt Smith played his last season for the University of Florida.

1989: Named All-American

In 1989, Emmitt Smith was named a unanimous All-American. He then chose to forgo his senior year of college to play professionally.

January 1, 1990: Steve Spurrier Introduced as New Gators Coach

On January 1, 1990, Steve Spurrier was introduced as the Gators' new head coach. Emmitt Smith, concerned about his potential role in Spurrier's reportedly pass-first offense, decided to forgo his senior year at Florida and enter the NFL draft.

January 15, 1996: Jasmine Page Lawrence's Birthdate

January 15, 1996, marks the birthdate of Jasmine Page Lawrence, Patricia Southall's daughter with ex-husband Martin Lawrence, making her Emmitt Smith's stepdaughter.

1996: Graduated from the University of Florida

In 1996, Emmitt Smith graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in public recreation.

1996: Completed Bachelor's Degree

In 1996, during the NFL off-season, Emmitt Smith returned to the University of Florida and completed his bachelor's degree.

November 2, 1998: Birth of daughter Rheagen Smith

On November 2, 1998, Emmitt Smith's daughter, Rheagen Smith, was born to his ex-girlfriend Hope Wilson.

April 22, 2000: Married Patricia Southall

On April 22, 2000, Emmitt Smith married former Miss Virginia USA Patricia Southall.

May 15, 2002: Birth of son Emmitt James Smith IV

On May 15, 2002, Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall welcomed their son, Emmitt James Smith IV.

2002: Founded the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities

In 2002, Emmitt Smith and his wife founded the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide children with the resources necessary to reach their full potential.

February 26, 2003: Released by Cowboys

On February 26, 2003, after the 2002 season, the Cowboys released Emmitt Smith after hiring Bill Parcells as head coach.

October 15, 2003: Birth of daughter Skylar Smith

On October 15, 2003, Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall celebrated the birth of their daughter, Skylar Smith.

2005: Formed Smith/Cypress Partners LP

In 2005, Emmitt Smith partnered with Roger Staubach to form Smith/Cypress Partners LP, a real estate development enterprise.

July 23, 2006: Judge at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant

On July 23, 2006, Emmitt Smith served as a judge at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant.

2006: Won Dancing with the Stars

In 2006, Emmitt Smith won the third season of Dancing with the Stars with professional dancer Cheryl Burke.

2007: Guest appearance on How I Met Your Mother

In 2007, Emmitt Smith made a guest appearance on "How I Met Your Mother", joking about the Super Bowl in a scene with Barney Stinson.

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2007: Named Florida High School Football Player of the Century

In 2007, twenty years after graduating high school, Emmitt Smith was named the Florida high school football "Player of the Century" by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

February 7, 2010: Flipped the coin at Super Bowl XLIV

On February 7, 2010, Emmitt Smith flipped the coin at the start of Super Bowl XLIV between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints.

June 2010: Returned to Escambia High School for Homecoming

In June 2010, Emmitt Smith returned to his high school alma mater, Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, for a taping of ESPN's show Homecoming with Rick Reilly.

September 22, 2010: Birth of son Elijah Alexander James Smith

On September 22, 2010, Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall welcomed their son, Elijah Alexander James Smith.

October 2010: Inducted into the Escambia High School Sports Hall of Fame

In October 2010, Emmitt Smith was inducted into the Escambia High School Sports Hall of Fame during halftime of an EHS football game.

2011: Participated in National Heads-Up Poker Championship

In 2011, Emmitt Smith participated in the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, defeating David Williams in the first round but losing to Andrew Robl in the second round.