The son of Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith showcases his skills at Dallas Day workout
Category: Sports
The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, and one of the notable participants at their recent local draft workout was EJ Smith, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. The workout, known as Dallas Day, featured local college players and does not count against the league's 30-visit limit for teams.
EJ Smith, who played for Texas A&M after starting his college career at Stanford, attended the invite-only workout on Thursday. Over his two years at Texas A&M, he accumulated 412 rushing yards on 98 carries, scoring four touchdowns. His college career totals include 207 carries for 969 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, along with 71 receptions for 470 yards and one touchdown reception.
Smith's performance during his college years has been a mixed bag. He was primarily a backup throughout his six-year career, which has led to skepticism about his draft prospects. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged the unique family connection, noting, "Very cool. You know me, man, I’m family. I’m all family." He praised EJ as an impressive short-yardage runner and a powerful young man, emphasizing the significance of having a player with the Smith name in their ranks.
Schottenheimer's admiration for EJ Smith extends beyond his lineage. He highlighted the advantages of conducting workouts with local talent, stating that the Dallas area is a hotbed for football prospects. "We multiply our top 30," Schottenheimer said. "We’re like top 45, top 48, whatever it is. And it’s because of the fact that we’ve got that location." This local workout format allows the Cowboys to evaluate more players than most teams, giving them a broader scope of potential talent.
As a member of the Class of 2020, EJ Smith was a four-star recruit from Dallas Jesuit High School, ranked as the No. 19 prospect in Texas and the No. 15 running back in his class. His college career, unfortunately, faced setbacks, including a season-ending injury in 2022 during his time at Stanford. David Shaw, his former head coach, spoke highly of him, stating, "I think he’s a special young man, a special football player and was just really coming into his own. The future’s bright." Shaw expressed hope that Smith would eventually fulfill the potential that many saw in him.
Emmitt Smith, EJ's father, is a legendary figure in Cowboys history. He played for the team from 1990 to 2002, finishing his career with the Arizona Cardinals. Emmitt holds several NFL records, including career carries (4,409), career rushing yards (18,355), career touchdowns (164), and first down runs (1,028). His legacy includes three Super Bowl championships and a remarkable streak of 11 consecutive seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards.
As the Cowboys prepare for the draft, they are acutely aware of their roster needs, particularly in the running back position, which struggled during the 2025 season. The Cowboys are also looking to address defensive weaknesses that plagued them last season. With the draft just around the corner, the team is evaluating all possible options, including the potential of EJ Smith.
It where EJ Smith will land on the Cowboys' draft board. His workout at Dallas Day could be a stepping stone, but he will need to impress in additional pre-draft opportunities to secure a spot on the team. The NFL Draft is scheduled to begin later this month in Pittsburgh, and the Cowboys will be looking to make impactful selections that can bolster their roster.
With a storied family history in the franchise, EJ Smith's path to the NFL is being watched closely by fans and analysts alike. The connection to his father adds a layer of intrigue, but EJ must carve out his own identity on the field. As Schottenheimer noted, there’s more to EJ than just his last name; it’s also about his skills and potential as a player.
In a league that values both legacy and performance, EJ Smith’s opportunity to follow in his father's footsteps is not just a matter of heritage but also a test of his own abilities. The upcoming draft will be a defining moment for him, and the Cowboys will be weighing their options carefully as they look to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.