The Smith name is back in the NFL—and it's not just the Hall of Famer. E.J. Smith, the son of legendary running back Emmitt Smith, has inked a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. After a six-year college journey that took him from Stanford to Texas A&M, the younger Smith is ready to carve his own path in the league.
E.J. Smith's college career may not have mirrored his father's historic run at Florida, but it was a testament to perseverance. Over six seasons, he amassed 207 carries for 969 yards and nine touchdowns, adding 71 receptions for 470 yards and a score. While those numbers don't scream "future Hall of Famer," they show a versatile back who can contribute in multiple ways.
His father, of course, set an impossibly high bar. Emmitt Smith is the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards and 164 rushing touchdowns, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and a 2010 Hall of Fame inductee. But E.J. isn't trying to fill those cleats—he's just trying to find his own spot on the field.
"Expectations for E.J. Smith probably aren't Hall of Fame, or even an All-Pro team," the original piece noted. "But if he can carve a nice little niche for himself, it will be a lot better than plenty of other players throughout history." And that's exactly the mindset he'll need as he joins a Chiefs backfield that already features star Isiah Pacheco and others.
The Chiefs, fresh off another playoff run, are always looking for depth and competition. Smith's ability to catch passes out of the backfield could make him a valuable asset in Andy Reid's offense—a scheme that has turned many an undrafted free agent into a contributor.
Interestingly, this signing comes as the 2027 NFL Draft is already shaping up as an all-time class, with names like Manning and Smith headlining. But E.J. Smith is taking the less glamorous route, betting on himself as a free agent rather than waiting for a draft call.
It's a story of legacy and grit. While Stephen A. Smith might have something to say about who qualifies as an athlete, there's no question that E.J. Smith has the pedigree and the drive to make an impact. Whether he becomes a fan favorite in Kansas City or just a practice squad player, he's already living out a dream that started with his father's iconic career.
For now, Chiefs fans can look forward to seeing the next Smith carry the ball—and maybe even catch a few passes—in training camp. The legacy lives on, but E.J. is writing his own chapter.
