Emmitt's son, E.J. Smith, faces Cowboys and Texans workouts, proving his NFL worth beyond his legendary name. His journey from legacy to potential is underway.
The name "Smith" and the number "22" are stitched into the very fabric of Texas football history. So, when Texas A&M running back E.J. Smith announced this week that he has upcoming workouts with the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans, the sports world didn't just take a note—it took a trip down memory lane.
“Texas A&M RB EJ Smith said he has a workout with the Cowboys next week and the #Texans in two weeks,” The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren reported on X.
E.J. is, of course, the son of Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and a man who helped define the Cowboys' 90s dynasty. But as E.J. prepares for these critical "Dallas Day" and Houston evaluations, the narrative surrounding him is shifting from a story of sentiment to one of professional survival.
The Weight of the Name
For years, E.J. Smith has carried a burden most prospects can’t imagine. Every carry, every cut, and every touchdown is inevitably compared to the Hall of Fame standard set by his father. However, his collegiate journey—four years at Stanford followed by two at Texas A&M—has been defined more by resilience than by record-breaking stats.
After a career-ending injury derailed a promising breakout at Stanford in 2022, Smith has spent the last two seasons in College Station carving out a role in a crowded Aggie backfield. His 2025 campaign, while not "Heisman-level," showed flashes of the efficiency NFL scouts may find "workable" with 4.7 yards per carry and a career-high 4 rushing touchdowns.
Despite his famous family connection, Smith is coming off some minimal collegiate career numbers. He finished with 969 yards and 9 touchdowns on 207 carries. He racked up 470 yards and 1 TD on 71 receptions in his six seasons managed between A&M and Stanford.
A Tale of Two Workouts
The two scheduled workouts present two very different opportunities:
- The Cowboys (Next Week): This is the "Full Circle" moment. Working out at "Dallas Day" is a homecoming for the Jesuit College Prep alum. With the Cowboys recently re-signing Javonte Williams but still seeking reliable depth and versatile pass-catchers out of the backfield, E.J.’s skillset as a third-down option is a legitimate fit.
- The Texans (Two Weeks): This represents the "New Chapter." Houston GM Nick Caserio was personally on hand for the Aggies' Pro Day, and the Texans are clearly looking to bolster their roster with high-IQ, versatile players.For the Texans, Smith isn't a legacy; he’s a 211-pound back with 20 bench press reps and a 4.59-second 40-yard dash who can contribute on special teams.
Camp Body or Hidden Gem?
Critics will point to his limited production—just under 1,000 rushing yards over six collegiate seasons, as a sign that he may struggle to stick on an NFL roster. But the modern NFL doesn't always require a bell-cow back.
In a league where undrafted free agents (UDFAs) frequently emerge as key contributors, E.J. Smith’s value lies in his versatility. He finished his college career with nearly 500 receiving yards, proving he can be a safety valve for a quarterback. Whether he lands in the star-studded history of Dallas or joins the rising "H-Town Made" culture in Houston, E.J. Smith is finally getting the chance to let his play do the talking, rather than his jersey number.
The shadow of Emmitt will always be there, but next week, E.J. starts sprinting toward a light of his own.