Florida announces Hall of Fame RB as honorary Mr. Two Bits for Texas A&M game
Emmitt Smith has long had Sept. 14, 2024, circled on his calendar. The Florida legend will now be returning to The Swamp as more than just a proud father.
Smith will be a bit conflicted when the Gators take on the Texas A&M Aggies. E.J. Smith, Emmitt’s son, joined Texas A&M via the transfer portal after spending the past 4 seasons at Stanford. While Emmitt will cheer on his son, he’ll also lead UF fans in his alma mater’s famous pregame cheer.
Florida announced on Tuesday that Emmitt Smith will be the honorary Mr. Two Bits for Saturday’s showdown in The Swamp.
“It’s always a great time being back at ‘The Swamp’ and this time is extra special watching my son take on my alma mater. It’s truly a full circle moment and I’m blessed to witness it,” Smith told Chris Harry of the Florida team website. “I can still hear George Edmondson hyping up the crowd back when I was a player. You better believe I’m going to give it my all now that it’s my turn to give it a go. I’m ready to have a blast while keeping this tradition alive. “
Smith is one of the most celebrated Gator Greats in Florida history. A UF standout from 1987-89, Smith owns the most decorated NFL career of any former Gator.
A superstar from the Dallas Cowboys’ heyday, Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher in yards and touchdowns. Smith came up short of 1,000 yards as a rookie (937). Then, from 1991 to 2001, he established himself as a rushing machine with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Retiring after playing for Arizona in 2003 and ’04, Smith finished with 18,355 yards and 164 rushing touchdowns in 226 regular-season games.
Smith was named first-team All-Pro four consecutive seasons (1992-95). The 4-time NFL rushing leader was also an 8-time Pro Bowl selection. Smith collected 3 Super Bowl rings with the Cowboys (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX). For the 1993 season, he won the regular-season MVP title and was named the Super Bowl XXVIII MVP.
A 1989 Unanimous All-American at Florida and 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Smith was part of Florida’s initial Ring of Honor class in 2006, along with Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Jack Youngblood.
Florida and Texas A&M are set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will air on ABC.
Our honorary Two-Bits for the Texas A&M game is Gator and NFL Great, Emmitt Smith!
✍️: https://t.co/9nQJfm1A9y#GoGators | #GatorMade pic.twitter.com/y1uALn7jFB
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 10, 2024
Doesn’t get any better than Emmitt back in the Swamp!
Agreed! He was so much fun to watch.
So loved and appreciated by Gator Nation!
I love Emmitt and am happy he’s been chosen as honorary 2 bits, but am I the only Gator that thinks this is a bit awkward for Emmitt and his son? Would a different game be a better choice for him to be honored?
I suppose Emmitt would have not accepted the invitation if he felt uncomfortable with it, but I still think it’s a strange time to honor him.
Love it! Was such a privilege to be on campus when two of our GOATS were on campus, first Emmitt then SOS, in rapid succession . Man were we spoiled back then. Go gators!