E.J. Smith, the son of legendary NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, has marked a significant achievement in his sporting career by signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 25. The 23-year-old running back previously showcased his talents while playing for both the Texas A&M Aggies and the Stanford Cardinal.
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As the draft officially came to a close with the seventh round, E.J. celebrated the news on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt video of the moment he received the call from the Chiefs. His excitement was palpable, and he expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey.
“Excited to officially sign with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent. Nothing is given—everything is earned. I’m ready to work, learn, and prove myself every single day,” he stated in his post. These words reflect his determination and readiness to embrace the challenges ahead in his new role within the team.
In his message, E.J. acknowledged the various individuals who have encouraged and inspired him along the way. He said, “Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who believed in me and pushed me to this moment. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge prepared me for this next step.” His gratitude was evident as he concluded with, “Grateful is an understatement. All glory to God for this opportunity.”
The video showed E.J. beaming as he spoke with Chiefs management, who congratulated him by saying, “Celebrate with the family, you’re a Chief.” In response, he humbly expressed his appreciation, reinforcing his eagerness to start this new chapter of his career.
Among the congratulatory messages flooding his Instagram post were heartfelt notes from family members. His sister, Skylar Smith, joyfully remarked, “Ready to wear my red and gold hehe❤️💛,” referring to the Chiefs’ iconic colours. Meanwhile, their mother, Patty Smith, shared the video on her account, excitedly expressing her joy: “These are the moments that make a Momma want to run around the church 10X shouting HALLELUJAH!!!! THANK YOU LORD!!!!”
E.J.’s signing is not just a personal victory; it also continues the football legacy established by his father. Emmitt Smith, regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, enjoyed a stellar 15-season career, winning three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and setting numerous records before his retirement in 2004. His achievements extend beyond the football field, as he also won the coveted “Mirror Ball Trophy” on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in its second season.
The 2026 NFL Draft commenced on Thursday, April 23, where aspiring players hoped to secure their spots within teams across the league. The draft culminated in a festive atmosphere, with Pittsburgh serving as the host city this year. The event saw an all-time attendance record, with over 805,000 fans attending across the three-day festivities.
Among those selected during the draft, Fernando Mendoza, a former quarterback from the Indiana Hoosiers and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, was the first overall pick, chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders. The overall excitement of the draft was evident, as each pick brought a mix of joy and anticipation for players and their families.
As E.J. Smith embarks on this new journey with the Chiefs, his family, and fans alike are eager to witness his progress. With a supportive legacy behind him and a determination to forge his own path, he aims to make a name for himself in the NFL. The narrative of E.J. Smith is just beginning, and as he steps into “The Kingdom,” the football world will undoubtedly be watching closely.