Net Worth Ranker
What Is Emmitt James Smith III’s Net Worth?
Emmitt James Smith III, a celebrated American retired professional football player, boasts a net worth of $25 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful 15-season career in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, coupled with astute post-retirement ventures in real estate development and media appearances.
Emmitt Smith’s NFL Career Earnings and Endorsements
During his illustrious NFL career, Emmitt Smith accumulated $61 million in salary alone. This considerable sum reflects his value as a premier running back and his consistent performance on the field. His earnings peaked during his prime years with the Cowboys, where he was a key component of their Super Bowl-winning teams. Beyond his on-field earnings, Smith secured lucrative endorsement deals with major brands, further augmenting his income. While specific figures for these endorsements are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume they added millions to his overall wealth, given his high profile and marketability during his playing days.
Emmitt Smith’s Real Estate Ventures
Following his retirement from professional football, Emmitt Smith transitioned into the world of commercial real estate, where he has become a significant player. He initially partnered with fellow Cowboys legend Roger Staubach to form Smith/Cypress Partners LP. One of their early projects involved a $45 million, 230,000-square-foot development in Phoenix, anchored by Mervyn’s, a well-known department store chain. Smith reportedly had access to $50 million in capital for his real estate ventures and was involved in developing several projects, including a 65-acre site in Fort Worth and another project southeast of Fort Worth. The plan was to develop one of these sites into a 600,000-square-foot retail complex. In 2018, Emmitt, through his firm ESmith Properties LLC, sought $14 million from the government of Pennsylvania to construct a campus of offices, labs, and homes on a 31-acre plot of land. The property, formerly a paper mill, was under contract for $12.5 million, with plans to invest approximately $72 million in renovations.
On the personal real estate front, in 1995, Emmitt custom-built an 11,000-square-foot mansion in Dallas, Texas. He listed this home for sale in October 2021 for $2.2 million, referencing his jersey number 22. He reportedly found a buyer within a few weeks of listing.
Early Life and College Career
Emmitt James Smith III was born on May 15, 1969, in Pensacola, Florida. His football journey commenced at the age of eight, foreshadowing his future success. During his high school career, he achieved record-breaking numbers as a running back, earning him recognition in various magazines. Despite his high school achievements, numerous universities initially dismissed his potential due to concerns about his size and speed. However, the University of Florida offered him an athletic scholarship, where he quickly defied expectations. In one game, he gained 109 yards on just ten carries. Smith broke Florida’s single-game rushing record, rushing for 224 yards and two touchdowns. These accomplishments prompted him to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft. Later, he returned to the University of Florida to complete his bachelor’s degree in public recreation.
NFL Career with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals
Entering the NFL Draft, Emmitt Smith once again faced doubts regarding his size and speed. However, the Dallas Cowboys selected him, and he promptly silenced his critics. During his rookie season, he rushed for 937 yards, scored 11 touchdowns, and earned the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, in addition to Pro Bowl honors. The following year, he rushed for 1,563 yards, scoring 12 touchdowns. In 1992, he set a new Cowboys record by rushing for 1,713 yards in a single season. That same year, the Cowboys secured victory in the Super Bowl. In 1993, Emmitt held out for a few games, leading the Cowboys to make him the highest-paid running back in the league before his return to the starting lineup. Despite losing their first two games of the season, the Cowboys rallied upon Smith’s return and ultimately won the Super Bowl. In 1994, Smith achieved a career-high of 21 touchdowns. In 1995, Emmitt scored a total of 25 rushing touchdowns, contributing to another Super Bowl victory for the Cowboys. He continued to perform at a high level for several years, setting new records before joining the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys’ new coach, Bill Parcells, desired a younger running back lineup. After his release, Smith signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals as a free agent. Although an injury hampered his first season with the Cardinals, he concluded the 2004 season with 937 rushing yards and nine touchdowns at the age of 35. Following his departure from the Cardinals, Emmitt signed a one-day, one-dollar contract with the Cowboys, allowing him to retire with the team.
Post-NFL Career in Media and Entertainment
After retiring from professional football, Emmitt Smith has maintained a public profile through various media appearances and reality television shows. He notably participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” showcasing his versatility beyond the football field. Smith also appeared on “Deal or No Deal,” further expanding his presence in the entertainment industry. These ventures contribute to his overall income and net worth by providing additional revenue streams and maintaining his public image.
