Emmitt Smith Childhood

Emmitt James Smith was born on May 15, 1969 in Pensacola, FL. He is the son of Mary and Emmitt Smith Jr. Emmitt started playing organized football at a very young age. At first his father was against it, but the younger Smith proved he was capable of playing well. Smith was a multi-sport athlete who also played basketball and ran track. There was a period of time when Smith was too heavy to play youth football, and he had to wait until he reached high school to play again.  

Emmitt Smith High School Stats and Awards

Emmitt played running back at Escambia High School, and he lit up the gridiron ever since his freshman year. By the time Smith finished his high school career, he had rushed for 8,804 yards (second most in national high school history) and 106 TDs. He led his team to a state title in 1985. For his hard work, he was recognized as the top high school football player by Parade Magazine and USA Today in 1986. He decided to continue playing football at the University of Florida.

Emmitt Smith College Career Stats and Notes

With as decorated a high school career a running back could have, Emmitt proved that at any level, he could be the best. He picked up right where he left off, and as a freshman he set the Florida Gators' single season rushing record (1,341) while winning SEC and National Freshman of the Year honors. Smith would be named First Team All-SEC all three years at Florida, and in 1989, was also First Team All-American, SEC MVP and a Heisman Finalist. At the conclusion of his junior season, he decided to enter the 1990 NFL Draft.  

Emmitt Smith NFL Career Stats and Notes

Smith was drafted 17th overall in 1990 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, and it was a perfect fit for the rebuilding team. He became the driving force that helped the Cowboys, 1-15  after the 1989 season, to a Super Bowl XXVII win in 1993.  In his 1993 MVP season, Smith led the Cowboys to back to back titles in Super Bowl XXVIII, and then a third two years later in Super Bowl XXX.

As he continued playing the yardage piled up. On October 27, 2002, during a game against the Seattle Seahawks in his 13th season, Smith passed NFL legend Walter Payton as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. At every level of football, Emmitt Smith had left his mark. In 2003, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals for two years after the Cowboys didn't resign him. After his 15th season in the NFL and second with the Arizona Cardinals, Emmitt Smith called it a career in 2005.

Emmitt Smith Separated Shoulder Game Against the New York Giants

With so many special games in his NFL career, one that embodied everything about Emmitt Smith came in a legendary 1993 season ending game against the New York Giants.  In the January 2, 1994 game in the Meadowlands, the winner gets the division title and home field advantage through out the playoffs. Both teams knew it would be a slugfest on the hard, cold turf in front of the rowdy New York Giants fans. The Cowboys would lean on their superstar running back heavy, and he came to play. However, near the end of the first half on his longest run of the game, Smith was tackled hard on his right shoulder. It was diagnosed as a separated shoulder. Smith knew his team needed him for this game and he came back, arm taped to his side with extra padding.

Smith kept pounding the Giants' defense, and whenever he was tackled, one or several of his teammates would pick him up off the turf. The game went into overtime, and on an Eddie Murray field goal, the Cowboys won 16-13. Smith ran for a playoff career- high 168 yards on 32 carries and added 61 yards receiving. The monumental effort definitely paid off for him and the Cowboys as they clinched home field and secured the first round bye. The extra rest gave Smith the time to recoup and lead his team to their second straight Super Bowl title weeks later.

List of Pro Football Hall of Fame Members