Emmitt Smith is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League for 15 seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. Among other accolades, he is the league’s all-time leading rusher.
Smith grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and became the second-leading rusher in American high school football history while playing for Escambia High School.
Despite his accomplishments and accolades, some college recruiting analysts opined that he was too small and too slow to succeed in major college football when he signed to play for the University of Florida.
.He played three years of college football for the Florida Gators, where he set numerous school rushing records. After being named a unanimous All-American in 1989, Smith chose to forgo his senior year of eligibility and play professionally.
Did Emmitt Smith retire as a Cowboy?
Three days before Super Bowl XXXIX on February 3, 2005, Smith announced his retirement from the NFL.
He was not re-signed by the Cardinals and signed a one-day contract for one dollar with the Dallas Cowboys, after which he immediately retired with the team he had played with for most of his career.