NFL Legend Emmett Smith at the 2023 Rancho Mirage Speakers Series

National football legend Emmett Smith became the second celebrity in the 2023 Rancho Mirage Speakers Series, Legends of Sports. This event was held at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa on Tuesday, February 21st. Chairs were set up on the floor in front of the stage. Everyone had a close view of Emmett and his interviewer.

Sibley Scoles did an excellent job as an interviewer. She questioned Emmett Smith about his life and career. He talked about his records as a runner. He noted that records are meant to be broken. His records stand today. He said his dream as a young boy was to be a Cowboy football player. He could not have envisioned then what his life would be like as a man.

Smith said he wanted to thank everyone for being here and asking to be a part of this series. He said he felt blessed to be asked. He mentioned his father passed away last week, and the funeral would be Friday, only a few days after he was here. He was very thankful for all his father’s help before and during his career—words of wisdom he imparts to his kids.

He said no one makes it alone to be on top of their chosen field. It takes the grace of God and the help of family, friends, and a village of other people. He said it was the help of many for a kid from humble beginnings to achieve all he did. He discovered that his dad was also a good running back but needed to have the opportunities he had. His dad’s teachings make him the player and the man he is today. He said he had a dream, and it took lots of hard work to make it come true. He said it was a dream come true when the Cowboys recruited him. He was intimidated by all the great players and wondered why he was chosen. At 5 foot 9, he was considered too small for the sport. He had to prove them wrong. Courage, determination, and God’s grace allowed him to do what he loved and excel.

They talked about his time on Dancing with the Stars. Once he figured out the steps, he said it was easy. You have to understand whatever you do to know how to do it. He learned that when he had to learn the football playbooks. He spoke about his son, who he says has great potential as a football player. He always encouraged his kids to do the things they love and are good at. His son was born on his birthday, so birthdays are for him, and he doesn’t celebrate his own anymore.

Smith spoke about his retirement and how he knew it was time. He said he cried once in the locker room when he saw the jerseys. He said he was offered 3 million dollars to return to Football and play for a different team. He turned it down, and that’s when he knew it was time to quit; besides, Buffalo is too cold. He loves retirement and plays miniature golf in his downtime. He enjoys the time with his family now. The questions and answers kept everything lively. Emmett has a great sense of humor and kept the audience laughing throughout the event. Finally, he left the stage with these words. Love yourself, be confident in who you are, and run your way. Don’t let others limit you, and have faith. His words make him a great mentor to all. The winner of three super bowls, MVP awards, and honored by the Hall of Fame in 2010. His next step should be to be a motivational speaker. He spoke with such knowledge about life, the ups and downs people experience, and how to deal with them.