This is how the crowd of 700 people welcomed hall of fame, running back, turned businessman and entrepreneur, Emmitt Smith.
He visited the Edinburg campus last Thursday as part of Student Activities Distinguished Speakers Series, a program that invites speakers from around the world to provide guidance to the community.
“I’m here tonight, just to try and inspire each and every one of you to your own level of greatness.”
Smith says he knew he wanted to play for the Dallas Cowboys since he was seven years old.
“One day I was sitting on the floor, and my father and some of his friends were watching this football game. And I’ll never forget it, I was laying on the floor I could see their excitement in their face, and I turned do my father and I said ‘one day am going to play football, and I’m going to play for the Dallas Cowboys’.”
Smith says he exposed himself to intimidating experiences and does not allow himself to be comfortable.
“You are risking your life right now, every time you get in the car…If you don’t know what’s around the corner why not just live life to the fullest and not be afraid to go get it.”
Exercise Science Junior, Jesus Castillo said he felt uplifted by the inspirational speech.
“The way he would talk about how he would approach certain challenges. As if it was like, he wouldn’t see as like a negative view. He would see it as something ‘I have an opportunity to get passed’.”
Smith told Student Media in a pool interview that his advice to students is to always seek wisdom.
To submit who you want to see on the Distinguished Speakers Series, email Student Activities at utrgv.edu.
Reporter: Samantha Garza
