Emmitt Smith

While he was playing professional football, he returned to the University of Florida to complete his bachelor’s degree in public recreation, in 1996.

He has a daughter from his ex-girlfriend, Hope Wilson.

He married supermodel and Miss Virginia USA, Patricia Southall on April 22, 2000. The couple has a son, Emmitt IV and a daughter, Skylar. He has a step-daughter from his wife’s previous marriage to Martin Lawrence.

Emmitt James Smith was born to Mary Smith and Emmitt James Smith, II in Pensacola, Florida.

From a very young age, he dreamt of playing with the Dallas Cowboys. However, he had to face a number of difficulties before he could realize that dream. Growing up, his family faced a lot of financial difficulties and young Smith did a number of odd jobs so that he could support his family.

When he was at school, he was noted for his athletic skills and he went on to play football for the University of Florida. He was quickly recognized as one of the most ‘dynamic’ performers of the university team.

He created a number of football records while in school such as 100 yards in his first game itself—many of his school records which remain unbroken today.

In 1990, he left the University of Florida in his junior year and decided to play for his dream team - NFL’s Dallas Cowboys - when he was chosen in the NFL draft.

He achieved his first Super Bowl victory with the Dallas Cowboys in 1992. The following year, he once again led his team to victory at the Super Bowl.

In his first five seasons as a professional football player, he managed to make a place for himself with the Dallas Cowboys and had the most number of games in a season with 25 rushing touchdowns, which he set in 1995. It was his most fruitful year where he recorded 1773 rushing yards and 62 receptions.

He helped his team achieve their third Super Bowl victory in 1995. He was tasting success one season after another and was selected to participate in eight Pro Bowls.

He was so prolific and dependable that on October 27, 2002, he thrashed Walter Payton’s unprecedented record for career rushing yards. He finished his NFL career with an amazing 18,355 yards rushing, 164 touchdowns and 4409 carries, all NFL records.

He was to be fired by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2002 season, but he chose to be released from the team anyway, with the Cowboys paying him $4.9 million. Thereafter, he joined the Arizona Cardinals.

In 1989, he was given the award of ‘SEC Most Valuable Player’.

He is an Eight-time Pro Bowler from 1990 to 1999.

He won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, in 1990.

Smith won four NFL rushing titles in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

He won three Super Bowl titles in 1992, 1993 and 1995.