Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith had an iconic career on the field, but after he retired he turned a different direction and excelled. He went into Commercial Real Estate and started Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities with his wife, Pat. Emmitt said that the transition from a player to philanthropist was something he adapted to well. “I did all that I wanted to do as a football player. I was blessed with the opportunity and I enjoyed every bit of it. (After I retired) I wanted to do something different and I am always up for a challenge. I wanted to do something new, so I occupied my mind and did just that. I always had a passion for helping people and with different platforms, I am able to do that,” said Emmitt.
Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities offers underserved children in North Texas educational opportunities and mentorship programs to help enlighten them about life decisions and how education is the most important thing that these individuals need to take advantage of. Emmitt talked loosely about how education can further their careers, as well as how it has helped him. “Education is our kids future. It is an industrial society that is advancing in technology. Education is very apparent. Knowledge is power. Lack of knowledge will leave you behind. My mother preached to me that education was going to get me ahead in life and I took what she said and applied it to my life.”
One of Emmitt’s quotes that he uses to inspire others to pursue their dreams is, “It’s a dream until you write it down and then it becomes a goal. Every day we have to be motivated to do something for ourselves and others.”
Emmitt has unified his community through giving back while educating individuals about his faith in God and using the opportunities to bless people. “My faith has helped me a lot. It has given me a solid foundation to tell people about the goodness that God has done for me.” While his faith is something that is seen through his motivational speeches, he has impacted a lot of people on and off the field. For people who want to get to that next level in playing running back in the NFL, they look up to Emmitt as being at patient and relentless attacker and off the field just his wisdom and how education has helped and molded him into the person that he is, tells a lot about his character, as well as his determination to be the best person that he can be. His views on coming together as a nation is very inspiring. “America has to look deep inside. Leaders need to analyze themselves and America history. Appreciate the diversity, analyze its beginning and where things are today. We have to look at the faults, acknowledge them and move forward.”
Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities host two annual fundraisers annually. The Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational golf tournament and gala every May and the Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo charity cycling ride coming up on September 30 in Frisco, TX. With 5-routes to choose from, this event offers course options for cyclists at all skill levels. It is speculated that over 3,000 people will be participating in this event. Connect socially with Emmitt at @EmmittSmith22 and @SmithCharities.
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