[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING EMMITT SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the living legend of 
Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher. I was among the 
legions of Dallas Cowboys fans who were saddened to see Emmitt leave 
the Cowboys after thirteen seasons with America's Team. I would like to 
take this opportunity to honor this future Hall-of-Famer for both his 
professional success and for his tireless community service efforts. 
Emmitt served as the Cowboy's representative to the United Way from 
1994-1995 and is the founder of Emmitt Smith Charities, providing 
educational scholarships to his hometown of Pensacola, Florida,
  While Emmitt is only 5'10'' tall, his giving heart is the size of 
Texas. I was only too happy to be able to watch Emmitt rush for his NFL 
record of 17,162 yards. When Emmitt was drafted by the Cowboys in the 
first round of the 1990 NFL Draft, he had left the University of 
Florida as a junior without his college degree, Today, many pro 
athletes leave college early without a degree, or don't even go to 
college and leave high school straight for professional sports. To his 
credit, Emmitt went back to the University of Florida and received his 
Bachelor's degree in 1996.
  I will miss not being able to see #22 suit up for the silver and 
blue. However, I wish Emmitt Smith all the best, and sincerely thank 
him for all that he has done on the field, and off the field for the 
greater Dallas community.

                          ____________________