NFL Legend Emmitt Smith's Son Signs With Chiefs

E.J. Smith didn't hear his name called during the NFL Draft, but by Sunday night, the son of Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith had signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.

The running back who played at Texas A&M and Stanford is heading to one of the best possible destinations for his professional debut. He'll work under Super Bowl champion head coach Andy Reid and compete for a roster spot on a team that's cycled through more than 20 running backs during their championship run since 2019.

Smith finished his college career with 969 rushing yards and nine touchdowns across 48 games. Now he faces the challenge of making the Chiefs' final 53-man roster before the 2026 season begins.

Before the draft, Smith asked his father how to handle the pressure of carrying such a famous name. Emmitt Smith, who himself became a Hall of Famer and the NFL's all-time leading rusher, shared wisdom that applies far beyond football.

"You gotta run your race, and you gotta disregard what other people are saying," the elder Smith told Fox News Digital. "You have whatever ability you have, you have to be yourself."

The former Cowboys star compared the journey to horses wearing blinders at the Kentucky Derby. "When the blinders come off, you may look up one day and find yourself in the damn Super Bowl," he said. "You never know."

Why This Inspires

This story captures something universal about stepping out from a parent's shadow. E.J. Smith isn't guaranteed anything because of his last name. He has to earn his spot just like every other undrafted player fighting for their dream.

His father's advice resonates because it's honest. Success isn't about meeting everyone else's expectations or living up to a legacy. It's about doing the work, blocking out the noise, and trusting your own path.

The Chiefs are giving E.J. a real shot, and that's all any young player can ask for.

Now comes the hardest part: proving he belongs.