Emmitt Smith

May 15, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Emmitt Smith was born on May 15, 1969. Since he was just a child, he showed great aptitude for football. His skills were one of a kind, and he started breaking records when he was in high school. Smith played professional football for a total of 15 seasons. For most of his career, he played for the Dallas Cowboys. He won three Super Bowl rings, and still today, he holds the record for most career rushing yards.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Emmitt James Smith III

Nickname:

Scoey, Catch 22

Birth date:

May 15, 1969

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Taurus

Height:

5' 8.8"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$25 million

Background

Emmitt James Smith III is a former American football player and was born on May 15 in Pensacola, Florida. His parents are Emmitt James Smith Jr. and Mary Smith. From a young age, Smith was not only drawn to football, but he also excelled at the sport. He attended Escambia High School and played for the school team, the Escambia Gators. Smith was so talented in his teen years that he was named ‘Player of the Year’ by “USA Today” and “Parade” magazine.

The football player was considered too small to succeed in a professional football career. Still, Smith was offered a sports scholarship at the University of Florida in Gainesville. There, he played for the Florida Gators. He didn’t get to play for the first couple of games, but when he got the chance, he showed how capable he was of thriving in the sport. He played for the Florida Gators for three years, from 1987 to 1989. During those years, Smith broke 58 records and was named All-American in 1989. Due to his success, Smith decided to leave school in his last year and dedicate 100% to his professional career. In 1990, Smith was picked in the first round of the National Football League draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

The football icon played for Dallas for a total of 13 seasons. He helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowls championships. In 1993, Smith was named the Most Valuable Player of the N.F.L., the Super Bowl M.V.P., and the N.F.L. rushing crown, an unprecedented record of accolades in only one season. In 2003, the Dallas’ coach decided to go with a team of younger players, so he let Smith go. Smith signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The star player announced his retirement in February 2005. Smith is married to beauty queen Patricia Southall, and he lives in Dallas with his five children.

Career timeline

1990

N.F.L. Draft

Smith is picked by the Dallas Cowboys.

1992

Super Bowl

Smith wins his first Super Bowl ring.

2003

Arizona Cardinals

Smith signs with the Arizona Cardinals.

2005

Retirement

He retires from professional football.

Why We Love Emmitt Smith

His spirit
Smith was known as one of the most competitive players in the N.F.L. He always played to win and brought his passion for the sport to every game.
Philanthropist
Smith is a Philanthropist; he supports different charities. He and his wife founded Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities to collect money for various good causes.
A born leader
Smith is not only a fantastic player and an all-around talent. He led all his teams to multiple victories employing his skills as a player and as a natural leader.

5 Surprising Facts

“Dancing With the Stars”
Smith appeared and won the third season of “Dancing With The Stars.”
Hall of fame
As of 2010, he is included in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
His own day
Every April 23, the city of Pensacola celebrates Emmitt Smith Day.
Architect
Smith used to dream about becoming an architect.
Double T’s
Smith shares his name with his grandfather and father; he is the only one who spells Emmitt with two t’s.