Rare Photos of Emmitt Smith

SI Staff | May 15, 2014

Rare Photos of Emmitt Smith /

Rare Photos of Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith

As Emmitt Smith observes his 45th birthday (May 15), SI looks back at some rare photos of the Cowboys' legend. During his days at Escambia High in Pensacola, Fla., Smith ran for nearly 9,000 yards and scored over 100 touchdowns.

Emmitt Smith

Smith played three seasons at Florida before skipping his senior season for the NFL. As a Gator, Smith set school records for rushing yards in a season (1,599), rushing yards in a single game (316), career rushing yards (3,928), and career rushing touchdowns (36).

Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Warren Moon and Ernest Givins

In 1990, Smith was drafted with the 17th overall pick by Dallas and had immediate success, rushing for 937 yards and 11 touchdowns his rookie season. Along with Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, Smith helped Dallas reclaim its status as one of the NFL's elite teams. Here Smith poses with Aikman, Moon and Givins at a press conference to promote the Cowboys-Oilers game at Tokyo Dome.

Emmitt Smith

After leading the Cowboys to a victory in Super Bowl XXVII, Smith shows off his championship ring to Arsenio Hall.

Emmitt Smith

Smith checks out a poster featuring fellow Phi Beta Sigma brothers (and Cowboy teammates) James Washington (37) and Erik Williams (79).

Emmitt Smith's Goals

Smith's list of goals heading into the 1993 season.

Bill Clinton and Emmitt Smith

After winning his third and final Super Bowl, Smith and his teammates visited the White House.

Emmitt Smith

Although he left Florida after his junior season, Smith went back and earned his bachelor's degree in Public Recreation.

Emmitt Smith

Smith relaxes at home with his two dogs.

Emmitt Smith

Smith during an SI photo shoot in Dallas.

Emmitt Smith

Smith was baptized by the Rev. T.D. Jakes (right) during a ceremony at The Potter's House Church in Dallas.

Emmitt Smith

In 2002, Smith passed Walter Payton to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher. He retired with 18,355 yards and a record 164 rushing touchdowns.

Emmitt Smith and Muhammad Ali

Smith receives congratulations from Muhammad Ali after being awarded the "Muhammad Ali Sports Achievement Award."

Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith

Smith with former teammate Michael Irvin at the premiere of The Longest Yard at Graumans Chinese Theater in Hollywood, Calif.

Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke

Smith appeared on the third season of Dancing With the Stars , in which he and Burke won first place.

Rachael Ray, Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke

Smith and Burke discuss their Dancing With the Stars victory on the Rachael Ray Show in New York City.  (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

Emmitt Smith

Though his football career is over, Smith stays active on the links. He hosted the inaugural Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, last May.

Emmitt Smith

Smith's NBA allegiance remains in Dallas, where he cheered on the Mavs during a playoff game against the Spurs.

Patricia and Emmitt Smith

Smith married former Miss Virginia USA, Patricia, in 2000. The couple have two kids of their own and another two from previous marriages.

Emmitt Smith, Jim Kelly and Jimmy Johnson

Jim Kelly, whose Bills squad lost two Super Bowls to the Cowboys, gets a revenge headlock on Smith and former Dallas coach Jimmy Johnson.

Emmitt Smith, Dominique Wilkins

Smith and retired NBA star Dominique Wilkins attend the Reebok Pump 20th Anniversary at Pop Burger in New York City.

Emittt Smith and Family

The Smith family poses for a photo during NBA All-Star Weekend in Arlington, Texas.

Emmitt Smith

Smith speaks with Reggie Bush prior to the start of Super Bowl XLIV.

Emitt Smith, Colts and Saints

Smith flips the coin prior to the start of Super Bowl XLIV between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints in Miami.

Published May 15, 2014

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