It was January 30, 1994, and things were heating up in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. The defending champion Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills were lined up under the bright lights, eyeing the Super Bowl XXVIII title. By halftime, the Bills were leading 13–6 with the tension in the air settling with a heavy thud. Enter Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith, the man who said just five words to offensive coordinator Norv Turner to change the tides: “Get the ball to me.”

By the end of the game it was clear why that was the best idea. Smith was the top rusher of the game, concluding with 108 yards, one touchdown, 6 passes for 27 yards, and also the MVP that night. He stormed out in the second half and ran straight through Buffalo’s defense, helping Dallas pull away an iconic 30–13 scoreline, sealing their second consecutive Super Bowl win. Mind you, this is the same Smith, who at the start of that very season was entangled in a heavy contract dispute with team owner Jerry Jones. 

Paid a measly $465,000 despite leading the NFL with 1,713 rushing yards, Smith’s plan of action was a game holdout. But Jones wouldn’t budge, prompting rookie Derrick Lassic to start the season instead. The result? A 0-2 start to the season, and the team owner swiftly making Smith the highest-paid running back in NFL history with a four-year, $13.6 million contract. In retrospect, it’s clear that Smith has always been the dark horse—a player who’d come back stronger each time he was doubted. Perhaps that’s what makes his birthday all the more special.

So, as the 3X Super Bowl champion turned another year older, his ex-wife Patricia Southall had a special message for him. On Thursday, she took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post featuring a photo with Emmitt and their son, E.J. Smith. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWINS!!!!🎂🥰🎉🎉” she wrote in the caption. Interestingly, the Cowboys legend shares his birthday with his eldest son, Emmitt James Smith IV, better known as E.J. Smith.

Emmitt also took to Instagram later to send a heartfelt birthday shout-out to his son. Sharing a few pictures of EJ, the former RB wrote, “Happy Birthday to my oldest son @therealejsmith (and me 😉). I love you son, continue to follow God and blaze your own trail. To many more. “ EJ, 22, just like his dad, is making his own mark in football. He started his college career at Stanford as a backup running back and became their starting RB in 2022.

Emmitt and Patricia welcomed EJ in 2000, two years after their marriage, before separating in 2020. Before tying the knot with Patricia, Emmitt dated Hope Wilson, with whom he has a daughter, Rheagen Smith. The three-time Super Bowl champion also shares two more children, Skylar and Elijah, with Patricia. Emmitt is also a stepfather to Patricia Southall’s daughter, Jasmine Page Lawrence, from her previous marriage to actor Martin Lawrence.

Having said that, Pro Football Hall of Fame also commemorated the day on social media, sharing a picture of the 2010 inductee. “The Hall of Fame sends happy birthday wishes to Cowboys Legend Emmitt Smith! The Class of 2010 member turns 56 today. 🎉🎂 #HBD”. But what’s strange is neither of Smith’s teams—the veteran played for the Arizona Cardinals for the 2003 and 2004 seasons after a 15-year stint with the Cowboys—had any mention of the player.

Mom Patricia’s special wish to son EJ Smith

After wishing Emmitt, Patricia Southall also posted a special birthday message for their son, EJ. “Celebrating my Grown Baby Boy!!! ☺️ Happy Happy Birthday to YOU!!!! @therealejsmith Your Momma loves YOU soooo much!!!!!” she wrote, sharing a sweet picture with him.

While the Smiths tend to keep their children and personal lives away from the tabloids, Patricia often shares birthday shout-outs with her Instagram followers. Last year in November, she posted a heartfelt message for Rheagen on her birthday, writing, “Happy Birthday Pumpkin!!! I’m so proud to be your Mommy Pat!! You are brilliant and beautiful!!!! I Love You sooo much!!!!“

Whether it’s a cheeky wink from Emmitt or Patricia’s all-caps birthday love, one thing’s certain: this family doesn’t just pass down football genes, they pass down flair. And with EJ now stepping into his own spotlight, who knows? The Smith legacy might just be gearing up for another prime-time run.