Biography

Emmitt Smith holds “brand” recognition for his name alone through his success on and off the football field. The Cowboys drafted him in the first round of the 1990 draft. Coach Jimmy Johnson was looking to rebuild after a 1-15 season and felt that he could be the cornerstone of the Cowboy’s offense. Running through a fifteen year career and determined to triumph, he became the National Football League’s all-time leading rusher while accumulating three Super Bowl Championships, named league MVP in 1993, and MVP of Super Bowl XXVII that same year and made eight Pro Bowl appearances.

After retiring in 2005, Mr. Smith has continued to remain in the spotlight through his business endeavors, entertaining, and for giving back. He was most recently named champion of ABC’s hit TV show, Dancing With The Stars. The title has brought him much more publicity, appearing on numerous shows and magazines as the show was watched intently by America.

Emmitt Smith continues his on screen career as an analyst on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown shows, in addition to lending his voice to ESPN radio and ESPN.com.

As the President of SmithCypress Partners, a commercial real estate company based in Dallas, Mr. Smith is able to take his success to the business world, and has also founded Emmitt Smith Charities to aid in helping others to achieve their goals by providing educational scholarships to under served youth.

Though Emmitt Smith left college early to become Dallas’ first-round draft selection in 1990, he made vow to his mother to complete his degree. He fulfilled that promise by returning to the University of Florida each NFL off-season to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Public Recreation in 1996. He continues to support higher education and is currently sponsoring several underserved children’s college educations.

In the multi-faceted personality that Emmitt Smith exudes, he remains a sought after speaker for corporate events, giving advice on motivation, leadership, teamwork, discipline and winning with all audiences.

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Videos

Emmitt Smith HOF speech

Emmitt Smith's legacy is about more than football | KNEADING DOUGH

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Game On: A Championship Vision

Emmitt takes the audience through his life and career, weaving compelling stories with valuable lessons and inspirational messages. He talks about adapting to change and overcoming obstacles, achieving goals and maintaining success, and leadership and teamwork – while highlighting his journey as a football player, businessman, and even “Dancing with the Stars” champion.

Booksby Emmitt Smith

Game On

The Emmitt Zone

Blog Posts

Audience Engagement Through Laughter Works Better Than Any Agenda

Audience engagement transforms when humor creates connection. Learn from Scott Bloom how laughter turns passive attendees into active participants at events.

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Crisis Leadership That Holds When Everything Falls Apart: Lessons from Inside the White House Bunker with Robert J. Darling

Robert J. Darling shares crisis leadership frameworks and strategies for leading through chaos from his experience inside the President's bunker on 9/11.

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Why Veterans Teach the Leadership Skills Your Team Needs Most

Veterans Day reminds us that commitment means showing up for others—discover how veteran speakers teach steadiness, trust, and service.

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How to Find Happiness by Loving the Process (And Not the Prize)

Discover how Olympic legend Apolo Ohno found happiness by prioritizing purpose over prizes and loving the journey more than the destination.

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Energy Management Strategies with Erin King

Energy management expert Erin King discusses balancing energy in this episode of The Keynote Curators Podcast, sharing strategies for peak performance.

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Why Top Event Planners Build Loyalty Loops (And You Should Too)

Build unwavering client loyalty through trust, engagement, and emotional connection—turning first-time buyers into forever advocates.

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