Cowboys legend launching NASCAR team with former college football player as his driver
Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith dazzled fans for years on the field, cementing himself as one of the top running backs to ever place in the NFL.
Now, the Hall of Famer who still holds multiple records in the history of the league is taking his need for speed to the race track.
Just one day following the unprecedented NASCAR race held in the LA Coliseum on Sunday, Smith made an announcement that he’s entering the racing world in 2022 alongside former NAVY football player Jessie Iwuji.
Iwuji contributed primarily as a special teams player but saw action at free safety during his collegiate football career from 2006-2009. Though their football paths have been much different, the Dallas Cowboys star and former solider both have a competitive spirit.
The former midshipmen then spent even years of active service in the Navy before becoming a reservist, and has previously competed part-time in five Xfinity Series races and 15 Truck Series races.
The two met in 2020 when Smith’s company Notable.Live sponsored Iwuji’s car in the Xfinity Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.
While athletes are known to engage in competitive activities after their playing careers, Smith has nothing to prove after his iconic football career. The former Florida Gators ball-carrier was pivotal in helping the Dallas Cowboys secure Super Bowl wins and his list of accomplishments and records is eye-popping.
The newest NASCAR duo — who both are Afircan American — hope to continue the trend of diversifying a sport that was dominated by white men and attracted a largely white fan base for most of its history.
Bubba Wallace has made massive strides in changing the vision for the future, and Smith follows other African American iconic athletes like Michael Jordan and Floyd Mayweather who have recently joined the NASCAR world.
In a statement, Smith noted his respect for his new driver for serving in the NAVY, while also expressing excitement about having the chance to help Iwuji chase his dream, just like the NFL legend did in his career.
“It was vital to align to a manufacturer that not only provided us with the very best in technology but also believed in supporting Jesse, believed in the great men and woman that defend our country, believed in diversity, and believed in everything that our team stands for. Jesse Iwuji Motorsports is thrilled to have Chevy play a vital role in our mission to drive diversity, equity and inclusion in racing and join in the development of Jesse as he chases his dream.”
In 15 NFL seasons — which seems almost impossible for a running back in the league– the Dallas Cowboys running back ended his career with a bevy of honors. He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s, and ultimately finished his 226-game career by playing two final seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He retired with a career total of 18,355 yards and a NFL record 164 rushing touchdowns. He also added 515 receptions for 3,224 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Smith now follows in the footsteps of the coach that was once his archenemy in the NFC East, Joe Gibbs, who pivoted from a legendary NFL career in Washington to becoming a force in the NASCAR world.
On Smith’s official page on the Pro Football Hall of Fame website, there is one quote singled out in large bold letters that came from his enshrinement speech.
“It never ends,” the Dallas Cowboys icon said about competing in football. “If you play the game for one Super Bowl or two Super Bowls then be satisfied, you are playing for the wrong reason. No matter how much you win, you always want to win more.”
The NASCAR world better take notice.