The legacy of Emmitt Smith is heading to the NFL again—this time through his son, EJ Smith, who has officially signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
According to NBC News, EJ Smith made the announcement himself, confirming the move shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped. Despite early buzz linking him to the Dallas Cowboys—his father’s former team—following a pre-draft workout, the younger Smith opted for a different path.
And despite being the son of the league’s all-time leading rusher, the younger Smith made clear, with his announcement, that he’s on a journey all his own.
“Excited to officially sign with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent,” Smith wrote on Instagram. “Nothing is given. Everything is earned. I’m ready to work, learn, and prove myself every single day.”
He added that the journey “hasn’t been easy,” crediting his support system while emphasizing that he’s “grateful” for the opportunity.
That’s no small task considering the résumé attached to his last name. Emmitt Smith remains the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns, a résumé that includes three Super Bowl titles and a Hall of Fame induction, most of which he spent with America’s Team.
The younger Smith’s college career spanned six seasons—four at Stanford and two at Texas A&M—where he contributed to multiple roles beyond just rushing. While his 2025 numbers (205 rushing yards and four touchdowns) were modest, he delivered key moments, including a critical fourth-down conversion against Arkansas and impactful blocking on special teams.
Over his career, he totaled 969 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and added 470 receiving yards.
Off the field, Smith comes from a high-profile family with deep ties across sports and entertainment. His mother, Patricia Southall, is a former Miss Virginia USA, and his half-sister, Jasmin Lawrence, recently made headlines after marrying Eddie Murphy’s son and welcoming a child.
