Going undrafted in the NFL Draft can feel like the dream slipping away, but for E.J. Smith, it quickly turned into a second chance. The son of Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith has officially landed an NFL opportunity after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
While many expected the Texas A&M running back to possibly follow his father’s path to Dallas, E.J. chose a different road, one that now gives him a chance to prove himself in one of the league’s strongest organizations.
E.J. Smith went unselected during the 2026 NFL Draft, despite carrying one of the most recognizable names in football. The 23-year-old running back played four seasons at Stanford before transferring to Texas A&M University for his final two years, where he worked to rebuild momentum after injuries and limited opportunities. Across his college career, he recorded 969 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, along with 470 receiving yards and one receiving score.
Shortly after the draft ended, Smith announced on Instagram that he would be signing with Kansas City rather than joining the Dallas Cowboys, the franchise where his father became an NFL icon.
“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.”
The decision stood out because many assumed Dallas would be the natural landing spot. Smith even participated in Dallas Day, the Cowboys’ local prospect workout before the draft, which fueled speculation that a hometown reunion could happen. But instead of following family history, he chose to create his own path.
That choice may actually offer a stronger opportunity. Under head coach Andy Reid and alongside stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs remain one of the league’s most competitive franchises. Kansas City’s running back room is crowded, but strong training camp performances can quickly change depth charts for undrafted players.
Smith now enters rookie camp with something every undrafted player needs: urgency. His father may be the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, but E.J.’s journey will be judged entirely on what he does next. The legacy opens doors, but it does not guarantee a roster spot.
For many players, going undrafted is seen as rejection. For Smith, it may simply be a different beginning.
E.J. Smith did not hear his name called during draft weekend, but his NFL story is still alive. By signing with the Chiefs, he gets a real shot to earn his place, not as Emmitt Smith’s son, but as a player trying to build his own name. In Kansas City, that opportunity might be worth more than a draft pick.
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