Emmitt James Smith III is a celebrated figure in American football history, best known for his 15-season career in the NFL. Playing primarily for the Dallas Cowboys, Smith secured his legacy as the league's all-time leading rusher. His exceptional performance on the field earned him numerous accolades and cemented his place as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
May 15, 1969: Birth of Emmitt Smith
Emmitt James Smith III was born on May 15, 1969. He would go on to have a legendary career as a football running back.
1986: High School Player of the Year
Emmitt Smith's exceptional talent in football was evident early on, as he earned recognition as the USA Today and Parade magazine high school player of the year in 1986, a testament to his dominance on the field during his high school years.
1987: College Football Debut and Breakout Performance
Emmitt Smith's college football journey began in 1987 at the University of Florida. After starting his college career on the bench, Smith's talent shone through in a game against Tulsa, where he showcased his potential with an impressive performance, racking up 109 rushing yards on just ten carries. This breakout game earned him a starting spot in the Gators' lineup.
1988: Injury and Setbacks
During the 1988 season, Emmitt Smith's promising trajectory faced a setback when he suffered a sprained knee, sidelining him for a significant portion of the season. Despite these challenges, Smith's determination and talent were evident as he worked his way back to contribute to the team.
1988: Return to Form and All-American Bowl MVP
In 1988, following his return from injury, Emmitt Smith showcased his resilience and talent, delivering standout performances, including a memorable game in the All-American Bowl. His performance in the bowl game earned him MVP honors, solidifying his status as one of the top running backs in college football.
1988: Longest Rushing Play
In a testament to his exceptional speed and agility, Emmitt Smith achieved the longest rushing play of his college career in 1988, a remarkable 96-yard run against Mississippi State. This impressive feat highlighted his ability to break away from defenders and turn short gains into game-changing plays.
October 1989: Record-Breaking Performance against New Mexico
Emmitt Smith delivered a record-breaking performance in October 1989, rushing for an astonishing 316 yards against New Mexico, etching his name in the University of Florida's record books. This remarkable feat showcased his exceptional speed, agility, and ability to break through defenses.
1989: Conclusion of College Football Career
Emmitt Smith's college football career at the University of Florida concluded in 1989. During his time with the Gators, he left an indelible mark on the program, setting numerous rushing records and establishing himself as one of the most talented running backs in college football.
1989: SEC Accolades and Heisman Trophy Contender
Emmitt Smith's exceptional junior season in 1989 earned him widespread recognition, including being named a first-team SEC selection for the third consecutive year and receiving the prestigious SEC Player of the Year award. His dominance on the field also placed him among the contenders for the Heisman Trophy, ultimately finishing seventh in the voting.
1989: Unanimous All-American and Decision to Turn Pro
In 1989, Emmitt Smith achieved unanimous All-American status, a testament to his exceptional talent on the football field. This recognition solidified his position as a top prospect for the NFL draft. Following this achievement, Smith made the momentous decision to forgo his senior year of eligibility at the University of Florida and pursue a professional career in football.
January 1, 1990: Steve Spurrier Becomes Florida Gators Head Coach
On January 1, 1990, Steve Spurrier was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Florida Gators, marking a significant turning point in the program's history. Spurrier's arrival brought about a change in offensive philosophy, shifting towards a more pass-oriented attack.
1990: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys
In 1990, Emmitt Smith's NFL journey began when he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the draft, marking the start of a highly successful career with the franchise.
1990: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
In the 1990 NFL draft, Emmitt Smith's talents were recognized by the Dallas Cowboys, who selected him with the 17th overall pick. Despite missing the preseason due to a contract holdout, Smith made an immediate impact in his rookie season, rushing for 937 yards and 11 touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and a Pro Bowl selection.
1991: First NFL Rushing Title
Emmitt Smith's dominance as a running back was on full display in 1991 when he secured his first NFL rushing title, amassing an impressive 1,563 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns throughout the season. This accomplishment solidified his position as one of the league's premier running backs and marked the beginning of a remarkable run of rushing titles.
1992: Breaking Records and Making History
In 1992, Emmitt Smith etched his name in the Dallas Cowboys' record books, setting the franchise's single-season rushing record with an impressive 1,713 yards. This accomplishment coincided with his second consecutive NFL rushing title. Smith's exceptional season culminated in a Super Bowl victory, making him the first player in NFL history to achieve the remarkable feat of winning both the league's rushing title and the Super Bowl in the same season.
1992: Rushing Title and Super Bowl Victory
In 1992, Emmitt Smith secured his first NFL rushing title, showcasing his exceptional skills as a running back. This achievement coincided with the Dallas Cowboys' victory in the Super Bowl, making Smith the first player to achieve both feats in the same season.
1993: Historic NFL Season
Emmitt Smith achieved an unprecedented feat in 1993, becoming the only running back in NFL history to win the Super Bowl championship, the NFL Most Valuable Player award, the NFL rushing title, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award all in the same season.
1993: Contract Dispute and Super Bowl XXVIII Victory
In 1993, Emmitt Smith missed training camp and the first two games of the season due to a contract dispute. The Cowboys, after losing both games, agreed to make Smith the highest-paid running back in the league. Despite the setback, Smith helped the Cowboys become the first team to win a Super Bowl after starting 0-2 and won both the league MVP and Super Bowl XXVIII MVP award.
1994: Leading Touchdown Scorer and NFC Championship Loss
Emmitt Smith led the league with 21 rushing touchdowns in 1994, a new career high, despite dealing with a hamstring injury later in the season. However, the Cowboys' season ended with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
1995: Second Rushing Title and Super Bowl Win
Emmitt Smith continued his dominance in the NFL, securing his second rushing title and leading the Dallas Cowboys to another Super Bowl victory in 1995.
1995: Setting Multiple NFL Records
Emmitt Smith set multiple NFL records during the 1995 season, including most games in a season with a touchdown and most games in a season with a rushing touchdown, both at 15.
1995: Breaking Rushing Records
In 1995, Emmitt Smith became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,400 or more yards in five consecutive seasons and set an NFL record with 25 rushing touchdowns. He also broke two of Tony Dorsett's Dallas franchise rushing records: most consecutive initial games of a season with 100+ rushing yards and single-season rushing yards.
January 15, 1996: Patricia Southall's Daughter from Previous Marriage
Emmitt Smith became a stepfather to Jasmine Page Lawrence, Patricia Southall's daughter from her previous marriage to actor-comedian Martin Lawrence. Jasmine was born on January 15, 1996.
1996: Graduates from University of Florida
Emmitt Smith graduated with his bachelor's degree in public recreation from the University of Florida in 1996.
1996: Reaching Career Milestones
Emmitt Smith scored his 100th career rushing touchdown and surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards in 1996, becoming the twelfth player in league history, and the youngest, to achieve this milestone.
1996: Completion of Bachelor's Degree
In 1996, Emmitt Smith achieved a significant milestone off the football field, completing his bachelor's degree. This accomplishment highlighted his commitment to education and personal growth alongside his successful football career.
November 2, 1998: Birth of Daughter, Rheagen
Emmitt Smith's daughter, Rheagen Smith, was born on November 2, 1998, to Smith and his ex-girlfriend Hope Wilson.
1998: Becoming the Cowboys' All-Time Leading Rusher
In 1998, Emmitt Smith became the Cowboys' all-time leading rusher, surpassing Tony Dorsett, and the NFL's all-time rushing touchdown leader, surpassing Marcus Allen.
1999: Induction into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the University of Florida's football program, Emmitt Smith was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" in 1999, solidifying his legacy as one of the most celebrated athletes in the university's history.
April 22, 2000: Marriage to Patricia Southall
Emmitt Smith married Patricia Southall, former Miss Virginia USA, on April 22, 2000.
2001: Eleven Consecutive 1,000-Yard Seasons
In 2001, Emmitt Smith became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in eleven consecutive seasons, marking a significant career milestone.
May 15, 2002: Birth of Son, Emmitt James Smith IV
Emmitt James Smith IV, son of Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall, was born on May 15, 2002.
October 27, 2002: Breaking the NFL Rushing Yards Record
Emmitt Smith broke Walter Payton's long-standing NFL rushing record on October 27, 2002, against the Seattle Seahawks.
2002: Founding the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities
Emmitt Smith and his wife established the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities in 2002, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and helping them reach their full potential.
2002: Breaking the NFL Rushing Record
Emmitt Smith achieved his long-standing goal of breaking Walter Payton's NFL rushing record in 2002. He also reached 150 career rushing touchdowns during the same game against the Seattle Seahawks.
February 26, 2003: Released by the Dallas Cowboys
After the hiring of new head coach Bill Parcells, the Dallas Cowboys released Emmitt Smith on February 26, 2003, as Parcells preferred to rebuild the team with younger players.
March 26, 2003: Signing with the Arizona Cardinals and Season-Ending Injury
Emmitt Smith signed with the Arizona Cardinals on March 26, 2003. During a game against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, Smith suffered a broken shoulder blade, sidelining him for six games.
October 15, 2003: Birth of Daughter, Skylar
Skylar Smith, daughter of Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall, was born on October 15, 2003.
2004: Throwing His First Touchdown Pass
In 2004, Emmitt Smith achieved an unusual feat for a running back: he threw his first and only touchdown pass, a 21-yard completion during a game against the New Orleans Saints.
February 3, 2005: Retirement from the NFL
Emmitt Smith announced his retirement from the NFL three days before Super Bowl XXXIX on February 3, 2005. He signed a one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys to retire with the team where he spent most of his career.
September 2005: Joining NFL Total Access as an Analyst
Emmitt Smith transitioned to a career in sports media in September 2005, becoming a studio analyst for the NFL Network show NFL Total Access.
September 19, 2005: Induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
Emmitt Smith was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor on September 19, 2005, alongside his former teammates Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin.
2005: Ventures into Real Estate Development
In 2005, Emmitt Smith partnered with Roger Staubach to form Smith/Cypress Partners LP, a real estate development company.
July 23, 2006: Judging the Miss Universe Pageant
Emmitt Smith served as a judge for the Miss Universe 2006 pageant on July 23, 2006.
2006: Winning Dancing with the Stars
Emmitt Smith showcased his versatility and charisma by winning the third season of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2006, partnered with professional dancer Cheryl Burke.
2006: Gator Football Ring of Honor and Recognition as Top Player
Emmitt Smith's legacy at the University of Florida was further cemented in 2006 when he was inducted into the Gator Football Ring of Honor, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the program. Adding to this honor, he was recognized as the No. 3 all-time player in the history of the Gators football program.
2006: Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame
Emmitt Smith's remarkable college football career was honored in 2006 with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a legend in the sport at both the collegiate and professional levels.
2006: Smith/Cypress Partnership Details and Staubach Co. Success
In 2006, Staubach's company, which Smith had spent time learning from, had transactions totaling $26 billion and 835 million square feet of space.
March 12, 2007: Joins ESPN as Studio Analyst
On March 12, 2007, Emmitt Smith joined ESPN as a studio analyst for their NFL pre-game coverage. He worked alongside Chris Berman, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, and Chris Mortensen.
2007: Florida High School Football "Player of the Century"
Two decades after his graduation, in 2007, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) bestowed upon Emmitt Smith the prestigious title of Florida high school football "Player of the Century," a testament to his enduring legacy and unparalleled impact on the sport at the high school level. He was also named to the FHSAA's All-Century Team.
2007: Guest Appearance on "How I Met Your Mother"
In 2007, Emmitt Smith made a guest appearance on the TV show "How I Met Your Mother."
2008: ESPN Coverage Changes
In 2008, Emmitt Smith was removed from the NFL pre-game coverage on ESPN but appeared on SportsCenter during the NFL season and Monday Night Countdown.
2009: ESPN Contract Not Renewed
Emmitt Smith's contract with ESPN was not renewed for the 2009 season.
February 7, 2010: Flips 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 New Orleans Saints.
June 2010: ESPN's Homecoming Taping
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 in June 2010.
September 22, 2010: Birth of Son, Elijah Alexander James
Elijah Alexander James Smith, son of Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall, was born on September 22, 2010.
October 2010: Inducted into 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.
2010: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2010, Emmitt Smith's extraordinary contributions to football were officially recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest running backs of all time.
2010: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Emmitt Smith was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, his first year of eligibility.
2011: Participates in National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Emmitt Smith participated in the 2011 National Heads-Up Poker Championship. He won in the first round against David Williams but lost in the second round to Andrew Robl.
2014: DeMarco Murray Breaks Rushing Records
In 2014, DeMarco Murray surpassed Emmitt Smith's franchise records for most consecutive initial games of a season with 100+ rushing yards and single-season rushing yards.
2014: Smith/Cypress Nationwide Expansion
In 2014, Emmitt Smith's company, Smith/Cypress, began a nationwide expansion, including into New York City.
2016: Co-owner of The Gents Place
Emmitt Smith became co-owner of The Gents Place, a men's grooming and lifestyle club, in 2016.
2019: Appearance on "Deal or No Deal"
Emmitt Smith appeared on an episode of the game show "Deal or No Deal" in 2019 to support a contestant who idolizes him.
2020: Son Commits to Stanford Football
Emmitt Smith's eldest son, E.J., committed to play college football at Stanford in 2020.