It was January 30, 1994, and things were heating up in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. The Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills were lined up under the bright lights, each eyeing the Super Bowl XXVIII title. The pressure was more on Dallas, as they were defending their crown. By halftime, the Bills were leading 13–6, and the tension was thick. Enter Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith, the man who could dance through defenses like it was a Sunday stroll.

Emmitt stormed out in the second half and ran straight through Buffalo’s defense. He rushed for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns that night. Dallas pulled away 30–13, sealing their second consecutive Super Bowl win. Thanks to the MVP of that game, Emmitt Smith, who put the team on his back and led them to victory. And now, pulling you back from the nostalgic trip, the legendary RB turned 56 on Thursday.

So, as Emmitt turned another year older, his ex-wife Patricia Southall had a special message for him. On Thursday, she took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post featuring a photo with Emmitt and their son, E.J. Smith. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWINS!!!!🎂🥰🎉🎉” she wrote in the caption. Interestingly, the Cowboys legend shares his birthday with his eldest son, Emmitt James Smith IV, better known as E.J. Smith.

Emmitt also took to Instagram to send a heartfelt birthday shout-out to his son. Sharing a few pictures of EJ, the former RB wrote, “Happy Birthday to my oldest son @therealejsmith (and me 😉). I love you son, continue to follow God and blaze your own trail. To many more. “ EJ, 22, just like his dad, is making his own mark in football. He started his college career at Stanford as a backup running back and became their starting RB in 2022. In 2023, EJ transferred to Texas A&M to continue his journey on the gridiron.

Mom Patricia’s special wish to son EJ Smith

After wishing Emmitt, Patricia Southall also posted a special birthday message for their son, EJ. “Celebrating my Grown Baby Boy!!! ☺️ Happy Happy Birthday to YOU!!!! @therealejsmith Your Momma loves YOU soooo much!!!!!” she wrote, sharing a sweet picture with him. Emmitt and Patricia welcomed EJ in 2000, two years after their marriage.

Before tying the knot with Patricia, Emmitt dated Hope Wilson, with whom he has a daughter, Rheagen Smith. The three-time Super Bowl champion also shares two more children, Skylar and Elijah, with Patricia. Emmitt is also a stepfather to Patricia Southall’s daughter, Jasmine Page Lawrence, from her previous marriage to actor Martin Lawrence.

While the Smiths tend to keep their children and personal lives away from the tabloids, Patricia often shares birthday shout-outs with her Instagram followers. Last year in November, she posted a heartfelt message for Rheagen on her birthday, writing, “Happy Birthday Pumpkin!!! I’m so proud to be your Mommy Pat!! You are brilliant and beautiful!!!! I Love You sooo much!!!!“

Whether it’s a cheeky wink from Emmitt or Patricia’s all-caps birthday love, one thing’s certain: this family doesn’t just pass down football genes, they pass down flair. And with EJ now stepping into his own spotlight, who knows? The Smith legacy might just be gearing up for another prime-time run.