Emmitt Smith
#1 Leading Rusher in NFL History, 3 Time Super Bowl Champion, Dancing with the Stars Champion
Biography
A respected entrepreneur, a sought-after speaker, bestselling author and one of the most valuable personal brands in the sports-entertainment field — these are just a few of the ways to describe Emmitt Smith. As President & CEO of Emmitt Smith Enterprises, Inc., Smith leads a team of talented individuals who oversee the company’s many ventures — including Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, the company’s four core businesses (E Smith Realty Partners, E Smith Legacy, E Smith Capital Partners and EJ Smith Construction), as well as mobile authentication company, Prova Group, Inc.. Smith’s vision for his companies is best summed up in Emmitt Smith Enterprises core purpose statement, “Building Bridges to Open Doors.” That means quite literally whether the company is building bridges via its construction arm — already recognized as one of the leading African-American owned bridge builders in Texas — or opening doors for the less fortunate through its many philanthropic endeavors, Emmitt Smith Enterprises has a passion for making a difference. Smith first rose to prominence via an illustrious football career, which included three Super Bowl championships as a member of the Dallas Cowboys and the honor of being the only player to have won a Super Bowl MVP, NFL MVP and NFL Rushing Crown in the same season. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010, Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, having amassed 18,355 yards during his 15 seasons. Smith’s charm and charisma, which made him one of the sports world’s most popular personalities during his playing career, quickly translated to the world of entertainment following his retirement. In 2006, Smith’s cross-over appeal became even more apparent when he, along with dance partner Cheryl Burke, was crowned winner of the hit ABC reality show Dancing with the Stars. In 2012, Emmitt and Cheryl returned to the dance floor for the first ever All-Stars season of Dancing with the Stars, advancing to the semifinals during the highest level of competition in the show’s history. As well known for his character and integrity as he is for his athletic ability, Smith continues to give back to the community and support higher education via Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, an organization that annually awards college scholarships and provides enrichment opportunities to underserved youth. Smith continues to share his personal and professional stories with organizations across the country. He has been a member of the President's Health and Fitness Council, and has been recognized by numerous organizations for his leadership and public service. He also authored the 2011 book, Game On: Find Your Purpose — Pursue Your Dreams, which chronicles his story from humble beginnings growing up in Pensacola, Fla. to his rise in the business world. Smith is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Recreation. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is married and the father of five children.
Speech Topics
Adapting to Change and Overcoming Obstacles
Goal Setting and Achieving Success
Importance of Team and Community
Game On: A Championship Vision
Emmitt takes the audience through his life and career, weaving compelling stories with valuable lessons and inspirational messages. He talks about adapting to change and overcoming obstacles, achieving goals and maintaining success, and leadership and teamwork – while highlighting his journey as a football player, businessman, and even “Dancing with the Stars” champion.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Emmitt Smith's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Emmitt Smith's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Emmitt Smith's speaking fee?
The typical range for Emmitt Smith's speaking fee is $40,000–$75,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Emmitt Smith to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Emmitt Smith for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Emmitt Smith's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Emmitt Smith through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Emmitt Smith
Sugar Ray Leonard
Legendary sports icon, Olympic champion and Hall of Famer, philanthropist, bestselling author, television personality, ringside analyst and longtime face of Skechers’ popular Relaxed Fit collections, Sugar Ray Leonard has established a legacy that epitomizes boxing and invokes the reverence of a champion. Sugar Ray Leonard’s raw and uplifting memoir reveals in intimate detail for the first time the complex human who waged his own personal battle with depression, rage, addiction and greed, that lay behind the champion.
Fee Range: Inquire
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Darren Woodson
•Three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection •An NFL analyst who appears on NFL Live, SportsCenter, and other ESPN platforms throughout the year •As an entrepreneur in tech, e-commerce and real estate, Darren brings lessons of the gridiron and the corner office to audiences with his signature high energy and knowledge to create a culture of excellence in your team and your business
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Herm Edwards
Affectionately known as the Energizer Bunny of the NFL, coach Herman Edwards is a perpetual motion machine, a breath of fresh air who uses his boundless energy and talent for combining hard work with good fun. Former ESPN analyst, NFL head coach (New York Jets '01-'05 and Kansas City Chiefs '06-'08) and player, Herm Edwards became head coach at Arizona State University in 2017. Whether it is his faith, family, or football team, Herm Edwards exudes passion in all areas of his life. Edwards has a diverse background in professional leadership, and is one of the most recognized voices in sports today. Herman is a strong proponent of being a positive role model and is one of the NFL’s most active participants in off-the-field outreach programs. In his book,You Play to Win the Game, Edwards shares the wisdom and insight he counts on to motivate and sustain himself, his team, and the thousands he has inspired.
Fee Range: $25,000–$35,000
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