“Rest Easy”: Cowboys Legend Emmitt Smith’s Daughter in Mourning After Tragic Passing of Texas A&M Friend

If you flip to the rushing leaders in NFL history, Emmitt Smith‘s name is right there at the top, no surprise. His 18,355 yards still stand as the record. As one-third of “The Triplets” with Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, Smith helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in the ’90s. Though his playing days are long behind him, his bond with old teammates hasn’t faded one bit. He’s said in interviews that he still grabs lunch, makes calls, or sends a quick text just to stay in touch with his former teammates. That loyalty clearly runs in the family. Recently, his daughter Rheagen, holding back tears, shared how much her own friendships have meant.

Back in December 2022, Emmitt Smith proudly celebrated his daughter Rheagen’s academic milestone—a Master’s degree from Texas A&M. “Love you baby girl. Continue to make us proud,” the NFL’s all-time rushing leader wrote on Instagram. That same Aggie community that shaped her post-grad journey has now become the setting of profound loss. On Monday, Rheagen shared a deeply personal Instagram story—a throwback image of her close-knit college group. But her caption cut deep.

One of those pictured, Brian Williams, who played football for the Aggies, had tragically passed away. “These are literally my Texas A&M babies even in adulthood… to know one isn’t here with us anymore now that makes me sad and we were trying to plan a reunion for this year hurts to know we won’t get to see you. Rest Easy Brian,” she wrote. A crown emoji sat quietly over his head, honoring the young man gone too soon.

In August 2018, Texas A&M safety Brian Williams walked into his first fall camp carrying more than just a 4-star recruiting tag—he carried the pride of his hometown, the expectations of Aggieland, and the weight of a personal promise. Back in high school, Williams had told his parents he would not only play college football but also walk out with an engineering degree in hand.

By December 2023, that promise was fulfilled. And along the way, he became more than just a teammate—he became a brother to many, including Rheagen Smith. Theirs wasn’t the headline-grabbing friendship you’d find in ESPN documentaries. It was forged in dorm lounges, weekend hangouts, and the subtle grace of shared struggle and support—one that now ends in heartbreak.

In honoring Brian, Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith’s daughter, Rheagen, kept his spirit alive, reminding fans to cherish every moment with the people who matter most.

What happened to Brian Williams?

According to the reports, Brian Williams had just run a half marathon in Texas, but suffered a severe heat stroke. It ended up taking his life as he tragically passed away this past weekend. As Texas summers grow increasingly brutal, tragedies like Brian Williams’ death have sparked wider concerns about heat-related risks in football. One study found that high school football players are 11 times more likely to suffer heat illnesses than all other sports combined. At least 58 high school footballers have died from exertional heat stroke between 1992 and 2024.

According to The Dallas Morning News, more than half of all U.S. high school football deaths linked to heat since 2000 have occurred in Southern states, with Texas at the epicenter. The state has seen a disturbing uptick in exertional heat stroke cases—many unfolding during conditioning drills or practice sessions under extreme temperatures. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying the risk, turning what was once just summer training into a potentially fatal environment.

In high school, Brian Williams was a star, earning big honors and making a real name for himself. He was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country coming out of Bishop Dunne High School in Dallas—ranked among the Top 100 nationally in the Class of 2019. Once at Texas A&M, he suited up for 10 games in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons, notching a highlight moment with four tackles and a sack in the Aggies’ win over Mississippi State in 2020.

Besides, Emmitt Smith’s daughter Rheagen’s tribute, Williams’ brother, Rawleigh, shared a heartbreaking message. He said, “B you are my heart. The BEST version of us in every single way B. I don’t think I can make it without you but I’m going to try for our parents and our sister. I love you brother.” That is extremely heartbreaking!

Williams wasn’t just a great athlete, he was someone people looked up to for his kindness and character. His high school coach called him a model student and a genuinely good person. Losing someone like Brian Williams hits hard for families and friends like Emmitt Smith’s daughter, and his family.