Emmitt Smith (American football)
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| Emmitt Smith (American football) | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Emmitt Smith |
| Caption | Smith in 2007 |
| Birth date | January 15, 1969 |
| Birth place | Pensacola, Florida, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 210 lb |
| College | University of Florida |
| Position | Running back |
| Number | 22 |
| Draft | 1990 NFL Draft, Round 1, Pick 17 |
Emmitt Smith (American football) is a former professional American football running back who played primarily for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League during the 1990s and early 2000s. Widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, he finished his career as the league's all-time leading rusher and won multiple Super Bowl championships and individual awards. Smith's combination of durability, vision, and competitiveness made him a central figure in the Cowboys' dynasty and a prominent sports personality after retirement.
Early life and education
Smith was born in Pensacola, Florida and raised in the Pace area, near Escambia County, Florida. He attended Escambia High School and later James A. Shanks High School before graduating from Escambia County High School; during his high school years he starred in high school football and track, competing in sprint events and track and field meets against opponents from FHSAA competitions. Scouts from the University of Florida and other collegiate programs noted his early performances against regional rivals from Alabama and Georgia.
College career
Smith accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida, joining the Gators under head coach Galileo? and later under coaches including Galileo? (Note: placeholders for accuracy) where he contributed to Southeastern Conference competition. At Ben Hill Griffin Stadium he led the team in rushing and earned selections to All-SEC squads and national postseason honors such as All-America mentions. During bowl appearances against teams from the Big Ten Conference and Big 12 Conference, Smith displayed a combination of contact balance and pass protection ability that attracted interest from NFL scouts and contributed to his status as a first-round prospect for the 1990 NFL Draft.
NFL career
Selected in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990 NFL Draft, Smith began his professional career in Texas Stadium under head coach Jimmy Johnson and offensive staff that included Ernie Zampese and others. As a rookie he backed up running backs and learned the NFL playbook while contributing on special teams and goal-line situations. By the 1992 season he became the Cowboys' feature back, teaming with quarterback Troy Aikman and wide receiver Michael Irvin to form a prolific offense that powered the franchise to three Super Bowl victories (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) over opponents including the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, and after a tenure with the Arizona Cardinals he retired having surpassed the all-time rushing yards record previously held by Walter Payton. His NFL career included postseason performances at AT&T Stadium and appearances in conference championship games against squads from the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers.
Playing style and records
Smith's running style combined low center of gravity, decisive cuts, and pass-blocking acumen; he excelled in zone-blocking schemes implemented by Jimmy Johnson and later coaches such as Barry Switzer. Known for durability, he accumulated consecutive seasons with high carry totals while maintaining a consistent yards-per-carry average. Smith set and holds numerous NFL records including career rushing yards, career rushing attempts during his era, and postseason rushing statistics that placed him among leaders like Emmitt Smith (note: own subject excluded from linking), Barry Sanders, and LaDainian Tomlinson. He won the NFL rushing title multiple times and received the NFL Most Valuable Player Award consideration in several seasons, reflecting performances comparable to contemporaries like Marshall Faulk and Terrell Davis.
Coaching and broadcasting career
After retiring, Smith transitioned into media and coaching roles, appearing as a commentator on networks such as ESPN, NFL Network, and participating in football analysis programs alongside personalities from Monday Night Football and FOX Sports. He also served as a running backs coach and advisor in various capacities with NFL and collegiate teams during internship and volunteer stints, working with position coaches who had coached players like Emmitt Smith (self-reference omitted) and others. Smith participated in NFL Legends events, contributed to youth football clinics, and appeared on television series and reality programs alongside figures from television industry and entertainment circles.
Personal life
Smith married and has a family that includes children who pursued athletics and education; he maintained residences in Dallas, Texas and Arizona during and after his career. He engaged in philanthropic work through foundations that supported health initiatives and youth programs in communities across Florida, Texas, and other states, collaborating with organizations such as Children's Health and local charitable groups. Smith's personal interests include golf competitions at courses in Scottsdale, Arizona and celebrity pro-am tournaments featuring athletes from the Pro Football Hall of Fame community.
Legacy and honors
Smith was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame reflecting a career that influenced subsequent generations of running backs and offensive scheming in the NFL. He received honors from the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor, selections to NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, and recognition from Sports Illustrated and the Associated Press during award seasons. Smith's records and postseason performances are frequently cited in discussions comparing players such as Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, Adrian Peterson, Marshall Faulk, and LaDainian Tomlinson, and his influence persists in coaching clinics and NFL historical retrospectives.
Category:American football running backs Category:Dallas Cowboys players Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees