Emmitt Smith, renowned as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, recently reminisced about his college football days and revealed an intriguing alternate path he could have taken.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer, who boasts an unmatched career with the most rushing yards in NFL history, reflected on his earlier years as a college football player at Florida before making a surprising revelation about his potential college choice.
During his time at Florida, from 1987 to 1989, Smith left an indelible mark, racking up an impressive 3,928 yards and 36 touchdowns on 700 carries.
However, a recent appearance on SEC This Morning unveiled a fascinating ‘what if’ scenario that had the potential to alter the trajectory of his collegiate career.
“It wouldn’t have been at Florida State, I can promise you that,” Smith disclosed. “Nah, it would’ve been at the University of Auburn, probably.”
“When I was coming out, Bo Jackson had just won the Heisman a couple of years before that. And Auburn and Pat Dye had committed to me, ‘Here’s the campaign. Here’s what we’re going to do to get you the Heisman. Because we want you to have the Heisman.'”
.@EmmittSmith22 said if he hadn't gone to Florida, he would've gone to Auburn 👀 pic.twitter.com/X1302K8POy
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 16, 2023
Smith’s comments shed light on the keen interest that Auburn had in him. aiming to replicate the success that Bo Jackson.
Elaborating on the allure of Auburn, Smith shared, “Auburn took pride in running the football. They were on grass, so that was one motivating factor for me, as well, but Auburn would’ve been the school.”
Despite the potential alternate path, Smith’s decision to join the Florida Gators evidently did not hinder his eventual success, as he went on to carve out a remarkable career in the NFL.
Where do you rank Smith among the best running backs of all-time?