Texas' E.J. Smith, son of Emmitt Smith, lands with Chiefs as undrafted free agent

AUSTIN, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 28: EJ Smith #22 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores a fourth quarter touchdown against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Like father, like son: E.J. Smith, the former Aggies running back, is following his father's path to play in the NFL.

No team picked up Smith during last week's 2026 NFL draft. Instead, the undrafted running back signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

On April 5, Smith attended an invite-only workout for the Dallas Cowboys. You might have heard of his father, Emmitt Smith.

Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher (18,355 yards) and rushing touchdown leader (164), was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990s.

E.J. Smith starred in high school at Jesuit in Dallas, then went to Stanford and ended his career at Texas A&M. He finished the 2025 season with 44 carries, 205 yards, 4 TD; 4 catches, 18 yards.

Smith shared the news on his Instagram.

“Excited to officially sign with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent,” Smith wrote. “Nothing is given. Everything is earned. I’m ready to work, learn, and prove myself every single day. 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. Grateful is an understatement. All glory to God for this opportunity. Let’s get it Chiefs Kingdom.”