NFL Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboys icon Emmitt Smith has hinted he may consider stepping into one of the most powerful roles in professional football — leading the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
The 56-year-old, who spent 13 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Cowboys before finishing his career with the Arizona Cardinals, told Front Office Sports he would “take under consideration” the possibility of becoming the next NFLPA executive director.
The position has been under a cloud of uncertainty in recent months. Former director Lloyd Howell Jr. resigned in July following a series of controversies, including accusations of conflict of interest and withholding key parts of an arbitration ruling from players. His replacement, J.C. Tretter, a former player and the union’s chief strategy officer, also stepped down soon after, leaving labor executive David White to serve in the interim.
Smith, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, expressed concern about how players manage their business interests in comparison to team owners. “Oftentimes, it’s like anything else you see in the U.S.—divide and conquer,” he said. “You keep people divided, then you can always manipulate one side. And the side that’s always getting manipulated is the talent side, not the ownership side.”
Other names reportedly in contention for the leadership role include former quarterback Matt Schaub and former cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Smith’s potential candidacy comes with significant stature. He remains the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing yards (18,355), rushing touchdowns (164), and rushing attempts (4,409). His career highlights include winning the 1993 MVP, the rushing title, and the Super Bowl MVP, all in the same season, while leading the Cowboys to championship glory. Alongside Jerry Rice, Smith is also one of only two non-kickers in NFL history to score more than 1,000 career points.
Should he accept, Smith’s entry into the race for NFLPA leadership could bring both credibility and fresh vision at a time when player unity and representation are more crucial than ever.
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