Emmitt Smith Urges Son EJ to Ignore Expectations Before NFL Draft
Emmitt Smith advised his son EJ, a Texas A&M running back entering the NFL draft, to disregard external pressures and focus on his own path. The NFL's all-time leading rusher recalled a high school conversation where EJ expressed the burden of living up to his father's legacy. Smith told him to run his own race like a horse with blinders, honing his craft without distraction.
EJ Smith served primarily as a backup during his college career but earned a workout with the Dallas Cowboys, his father's longtime team, earlier this month. Emmitt Smith, a Hall of Famer who rushed for 18,355 career yards across 15 NFL seasons mostly with Dallas, emphasized aligning personal goals over others' demands. He and EJ discuss all topics, underscoring Smith's priority as a father.
Smith holds NFL records for career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and postseason rushing yards, achievements that amplify the scrutiny on his son. EJ played in games including Texas A&M's matchup against Miami on Dec. 20, 2025, at Kyle Field and against Florida on Sept. 14, 2024, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
For draft day, Smith recommended EJ play golf and avoid television, letting his agent deliver any news. The NFL draft occurs later this month.
