NFL HOFer Emmitt Smith reveals why he was close to leaving Cowboys dynasty for Dolphins
During the 1993 NFL season, former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith almost left the team early on in his career to join the Miami Dolphins.
Smith and the team were having contract disputes as the Cowboys offered him a deal to make him the highest-paid running back in the league, but Smith wanted quarterback money.
After starting the season 0-2, Smith sat out but then agreed to the deal that the Cowboys offered him, and he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory while winning the league MVP.
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Smith phoned the Miami Dolphins and head coach Don Shula, as he was interested in joining their team.
Smith recalled the process on "The Pivot Podcast on YouTube" featuring Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor:
“I get a free restricted free agency. I got 30 days to negotiate with 20-some-odd teams to come on and then and not one gave me a contract, gave me an offer.
"I pick up the phone and call Don Shula myself and told him I wanted to come to Miami and play for Miami because I knew Dan Marino didn't have a running game. And I want to go crazy and I want to go back. I want to help you, help Dan and whatever get a championship bring back to the state of Florida, right? He said well, 'I don't know if I can make that offer.'"
Smith agreed to a deal with the Cowboys and played all but two years of his 15-year career with the Cowboys.
Emmitt Smith went on to have one of the greatest careers ever following the 1993 season
Smith won his first Super Bowl with the Cowboys in 1992. The next season, he wanted to be paid quarterback money and was in jeopardy of not being a Cowboy anymore.
After re-joining the Cowboys upon signing his extension, Smith won league MVP that same season and helped Dallas repeat as Super Bowl champions.
Two seasons later, Smith recorded 25 rushing touchdowns and 1,773 yards, helping the team win their third Super Bowl in the decade.
Emmitt Smith finished his career as the all-time leader in rushing attempts (4,409), yards (18,355) and touchdowns (164). Smith was an eight-time Pro Bowler who earned six All-Pro selections while becoming a member of the Hall of Fame in 2010.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Emmitt Smith, The Pivot Podcast, and H/T Sportskeeda.