In his first year of eligibility, NFL legend Emmitt Smith was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith will be inducted during the Enshrinement Ceremony on August 7, 2010 in Canton, Ohio.
Smith finished his illustrious 15-year career as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher (18,355 yards), which featured a record 11-straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons, to go along with an NFL record 164 rushing TD’s. The Pensacola, FL native won three Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990’s and was named both league MVP in 1993 and Super Bowl XXVIII MVP that same season. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Smith won league rushing titles in 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1995 and was named First Team All-Pro from 1992-1995. Smith had the best season of his 226-game career in 1995 when he recorded career highs for rushing yards (1,773), rushing touchdowns (25) and receptions (62).
On September 19, 2005, Smith was added to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor along with his former teammates Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. Smith is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame and Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
Smith was college standout at the University of Florida. He set 58 school records in his three years. He earned All-American honors and was named the 1989 SEC Player of the Year.
The running back always promised his mother that he would finish his college degree. He kept that promise by earning his degree in 1996.
Emmitt married former Miss Virginia USA Patricia Southall (Pat) and together, the couple has a son, Emmitt IV, and daughters Rheagen, Jasmin and Skylar.
Life After Football
Smith, along with his dancing partner Cheryl Burke, was crowned the winner of the ABC reality show Dancing with the Stars in 2006.
Smith is the Co-Chairman of the Emerging Business Action Team as part of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. This committee aims to get female and minority owned business owners certified and eligible for the Super Bowl related contracts that will be up for bid.
Facts
Name: Emmitt Smith
Date of Birth: May 15, 1969
Place of Birth: Pensacola, Florida
Resides: Dallas, Texas
High School: Escambia High School
College: University of Florida
NFL Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1990-2002) and Arizona Cardinals (2003-2004)
