Emmitt Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the National Football League (NFL). Over the course of his career, he became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, a hallmark that earned him legendary status within the sport. Off the field, Emmitt Smith’s life has been equally rich, filled with family, business ventures, and philanthropy. Below is a detailed look at Emmitt Smith’s family, wife, children, parents, siblings, and net worth.

Emmitt Smith's Family Background

Parents:

Emmitt James Smith III was born on May 15, 1969, in Pensacola, Florida, to Mary J. Smith and Emmitt Smith Jr.. His parents were integral to his upbringing and played a key role in shaping the man he became, both on and off the field.

• Mary J. Smith (Mother): Emmitt’s mother, Mary, was a strong and loving presence in his life. She supported Emmitt’s athletic endeavors from a young age and is often credited with being a pillar of strength for Emmitt. Despite facing financial difficulties, Mary encouraged Emmitt to focus on his education and sports. Her unwavering support helped Emmitt develop the work ethic and perseverance that later propelled him to success.

• Emmitt Smith Jr. (Father): Emmitt’s father, Emmitt Jr., was a Vietnam War veteran. He was a disciplinarian who taught Emmitt the importance of dedication, responsibility, and hard work. Emmitt Sr. was a positive role model who provided the structure and guidance needed for Emmitt’s development into an elite athlete. While Emmitt Smith Sr. was not heavily involved in football himself, his influence in instilling values in Emmitt had a profound impact on his son's life.

Siblings:

Emmitt Smith has two siblings, both of whom played a role in shaping his early life. His family was close-knit, with a strong emphasis on the importance of education, family, and hard work.

• Shannon Smith (Sister): Shannon is Emmitt’s older sister. While not much is known about her public life, Emmitt has frequently spoken about the close bond he shares with his sister, who supported him during his athletic pursuits.

• Emmanuel Smith (Brother): Emmitt’s brother, Emmanuel, has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Like Shannon, Emmanuel played a key role in Emmitt’s upbringing and was part of the tight-knit family structure that helped Emmitt succeed.

Wife and Marriage:

Emmitt Smith has been married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Shonda, and they had three children together. However, the marriage ended in divorce. Emmitt’s second wife, Patricia Southall, has been by his side since their marriage, and they are one of the most respected couples in the public eye.

Patricia Southall:

Emmitt Smith married Patricia Southall in 2000. Patricia is a former Miss Virginia USA and an accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist. Prior to marrying Emmitt, Patricia had been married to Martin Lawrence, a well-known actor and comedian. Patricia’s career in the entertainment industry helped her gain public attention, but it is her dedication to her family and charity work that truly defines her today.

She and Emmitt have worked together on numerous charitable initiatives, including raising awareness about education, homelessness, and health. Patricia is known for her poise, intelligence, and supportive role in Emmitt’s life and career.

Children:

Emmitt and Patricia Smith have three children together. Emmitt is incredibly proud of his children and has spoken about how they are his greatest achievements. Additionally, Emmitt has two children from his previous marriage to Shonda.

1. Emmitt Smith IV (Son) – Born in 1998, Emmitt Smith IV is the eldest of the Smith children. He is a student and has pursued a relatively private life, despite being in the spotlight as the son of a famous athlete. Emmitt IV has, however, shown interest in sports, which is not surprising considering his father’s legacy.

2. Skylar Smith (Daughter) – Skylar, Emmitt and Patricia’s daughter, was born in 2003. Like her brother, Skylar is relatively private, and Emmitt has always made it a priority to shield his children from excessive media attention. Skylar has grown up with the influence of her father’s legacy while also having the opportunity to live a relatively normal life.

3. Urijah Smith (Son) – Urijah is Emmitt and Patricia’s youngest child. Born in 2006, Urijah is still young but has been involved in various activities, and like his older siblings, is shielded from the public eye to maintain a sense of normalcy.

4. Trey Smith (Son) – From Emmitt’s first marriage to Shonda, Trey was born in 1993. Emmitt has shared that he maintains a strong relationship with Trey, and they are close despite the separation from his first wife.

Emmitt is extremely family-oriented, and his children are central to his life. While he remains a public figure, his family values and involvement in his children’s lives have remained private and central to his happiness.

Net Worth:

As of 2025, Emmitt Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. This fortune was accumulated from his incredible 15-season NFL career, including his time with the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals. Smith’s legacy as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, with 18,355 rushing yards and 164 touchdowns, made him one of the highest-paid athletes of his era.

Income from Playing Career:

Throughout his career, Emmitt signed several lucrative contracts. His most notable contract came in 1993 when he signed a four-year, $13.6 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys, which made him one of the highest-paid running backs at the time. Over the course of his career, Emmitt Smith earned a total of approximately $60 million in salary alone from his NFL contracts.

In addition to his playing salary, Emmitt also earned significant income from endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Pepsi, and Pizza Hut. He became a household name not only because of his athletic prowess but also due to his endorsement presence in various media.

Post-Retirement Ventures:

After retiring from professional football, Emmitt Smith has been involved in a variety of business ventures, including real estate and investment projects. He also found success in television, particularly through his appearances on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, where he won the competition in 2006. He has also been involved in philanthropic work and charity events, particularly focusing on education and youth development.

Additionally, Emmitt Smith has become an advocate for financial literacy and has worked on projects related to personal finance and retirement planning for athletes. His business ventures and public speaking engagements have continued to grow his wealth post-retirement.

Charitable Work and Philanthropy:

Emmitt Smith has always emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. He founded the Emmitt Smith Charities, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and families. Through this foundation, Smith has been involved in funding educational programs, community development, and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of young people in at-risk communities.

Post-Football Career:

Emmitt Smith’s post-football career has seen him thrive in many areas, including television, business, and philanthropy. He has served as an analyst for ESPN and as a motivational speaker, sharing his life lessons learned through football with audiences worldwide. His business ventures, including investments in real estate and partnerships with various companies, have ensured his financial success beyond football.

Summary of Family Details:

• Father: Emmitt Smith Jr.
• Mother: Mary J. Smith
• Siblings:
  • Shannon Smith (Sister)
  • Emmanuel Smith (Brother)
• Wife: Patricia Southall (Married in 2000)
• Children:
  • Emmitt Smith IV (Son)
  • Skylar Smith (Daughter)
  • Urijah Smith (Son)
  • Trey Smith (Son, from first marriage)

Emmitt Smith’s legacy as an NFL icon is matched by his dedication to his family, business, and charitable work. While his football career is celebrated by fans around the world, his post-retirement life focuses on building a legacy of community engagement, family support, and entrepreneurship. Through it all, Emmitt Smith remains a beloved figure in American sports history.