Emmitt James Smith III (born May 15, 1969) is a former NFL running back who played 15 seasons, 13 with the Dallas Cowboys and 2 with the Arizona Cardinals. He is the league’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards and holds the record for 164 rushing touchdowns.
A unanimous All-American at the University of Florida, Smith was drafted 17th overall by the Cowboys in 1990. He won 3 Super Bowls, was 1993 NFL MVP, and is in both the Pro (2010) and College (2006) Football Halls of Fame.
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Emmitt Smith Net Worth
Emmitt Smith, with a net worth of $25 million, has become a real estate mogul since retiring from football. He co-founded Smith/Cypress Partners LP with Roger Staubach, leading major developments like a $45 million, 230,000-square-foot project in Phoenix anchored by Mervyn’s.
Smith reportedly managed $50 million in capital, focusing on multiple developments, including a 65-acre site in Fort Worth and another nearby. Plans included creating a 600,000-square-foot retail complex, showcasing Smith’s successful transition from NFL star to real estate entrepreneur.
Early life
Emmitt Smith was born in Pensacola, Florida, to Mary J. Smith and Emmitt James Smith Jr.. At eight, he played his first organized football game with a Salvation Army-sponsored team. At Escambia High School, Smith led his team to two state championships, rushing for 8,804 yards and 106 touchdowns, the second-most in U.S. high school history at the time.
He averaged 7.8 yards per carry, exceeded 2,000 yards twice in a season, and was named 1986 National Player of the Year. In 2007, FHSAA honored him as Florida’s “Player of the Century.”
Career
On March 26, 2003, Emmitt Smith signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, aiming to boost both their performance and fan base. Despite early optimism, Smith suffered a broken left shoulder blade in an October 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys, forcing him to miss six games and finish the season with 256 rushing yards.
In 2004, under new coach Dennis Green, Smith totaled 937 rushing yards and threw his only career touchdown pass. On February 3, 2005, Smith retired, signing a one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
Personal life
Emmitt Smith joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity at the University of Florida, earning his degree in public recreation in 1996. A devout Christian, Smith has a daughter, Rheagen (1998), with ex-girlfriend Hope Wilson. He married Patricia Southall on April 22, 2000, and they share three children: Emmitt IV (2002), Skylar (2003), and Elijah (2010).
He is stepfather to Jasmine Lawrence (1996), Southall’s daughter with Martin Lawrence. Smith’s brother, Emory, played on NFL practice squads, and his son E.J. committed to Stanford football in 2020.
How big was Emmitt Smith?
Emmitt Smith was 5 ft 9 inches, 221 lb (1.75 m, 100 kg).
Conclusion
Emmitt Smith’s story is more than just a tale of a sports legend; it’s a narrative of a multifaceted individual who has achieved success in diverse arenas. His journey from the football field to the realm of business and real estate is inspiring, showcasing how skills honed in sports can translate into business acumen.
FAQs about Emmitt Smith Net Worth
- How much is Emmitt Smith’s net worth?
- Emmitt Smith’s net worth is estimated at $25 million.
- What are the key sources of Emmitt Smith’s wealth?
- Apart from his football career earnings, Smith has accumulated wealth through endorsements and his real estate ventures.
- What is Emmitt Smith famous for in his NFL career?
- He is famous for being the all-time leading rusher in the NFL and a three-time Super Bowl champion.
- What kind of real estate investments does Emmitt Smith engage in?
- Smith has been involved in large-scale commercial real estate projects, including developing retail complexes and office spaces.
- Did Emmitt Smith’s athletic career influence his business ventures?
- Yes, the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking from his athletic career have significantly influenced his approach to business and real estate investments.
