By: Cheryl Smith
November 22, 2006

Sitting in the movie theater waiting for the beginning of the preview screening of the soon-to-be-released movie “Dreamgirls,” it became even more apparent that the hit show, “Dancing with the Stars” had captured the hearts of millions of viewers.

Actually the heart-stealer appeared to be former Dallas Cowboys great, Emmitt J. Smith III, as the winner was announced and you could hear the cheers resonate throughout the theater.

No, the movie was not about to start. Emmitt Smith and his dance partner, Cheryl Burke, had just been named the champions.

Clearly many in the AMC Northpark Center theater, while waiting to see the much-anticipated “Dreamgirls,” still managed to stay connected via cellular phones, text messages and two-way pagers, because they wanted to know whether this year’s champion would be actor/talk show host Mario Lopez or the charismatic Mr. Smith.

The chants made it clear to everyone seated in the theater as “Go Emmitt” and “Emmitt won” was heard along with cheers and catcalls. For 10 weeks, Mr. Smith and several other celebrities, including television talk show host Jerry Springer, actress Vivica A. Fox and semi-finalist, actor Joey Lawrence competed for the coveted crown. The professional dance judges, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and former In Living Color Fly Girl, Carrie Ann Inaba would give their scores and combined with call-in and on-line votes, the weekly winners were chosen.

Considered a heavy favorite from the very beginning, Mr. Lopez dazzled the judges and the audiences with his partner, Karina Smirnoff. Talk of a budding romance between the two also caught the interest of viewers. Even more impressive, however, for viewers, was watching Mr. Smith master the various forms of dance in the competition, something they never witnessed on the gridiron.

Sure he was quick and displayed some dazzling moves on the field as he ran and maneuvered his way into the record books as the NFL’s career rushing touchdowns leader. But it was a different Emmitt Smith millions watched weekly, moving to the beat.

Interestingly another football player made a respectable showing in last year’s Dancing With the Stars, three-time Super Bowl champion, wide receiver Jerry Rice. Also, coincidentally, they are the only two non-kickers to score 1000 points in a career.

And in the final week, on the online sportsbook at pinnaclesports.com, Mr. Smith became the favorite to win.

The consummate family man, Mr. Smith also became the talk of the town as actor Will Smith shared his thoughts on the competition during a recent visit to Dallas; his former teammate Michael Irvin sat in the audience cheering the performance and former NBA great Larry Johnson praised the former athlete’s prowess on the dance floor.

“Emmitt has skills,” said Mr. Johnson, adding that he would leave the dancing to Mr. Smith. “He’s done great.”

Even comedian and activist Dick Gregory had something to say. “That brother is a class act,” he said, as he talked about Mr. Smith’s involvement in charitable events. “Not only is he a nice brother, he’s a good brother.”

As the weeks wound down to the final three, Mr. Smith still remained, and when the final two were standing, the competition rose to a higher level. Mr. Smith became the topic of discussion among groups who had no idea what position he played as one of the “greatest football players of all times.”

The judges didn’t make it easier, as in the last round they rated the Smith/Burke and Lopez/Smirnoff teams in a virtual tie - leaving it up to voters, who could call in five times from one phone number or vote online five times from one email address.

Mr. Smith danced the waltz, the cha cha, the tango and even freestyle, wearing elegant suits and colorful outfits accented by eye-catching shoes. Also sitting in the audience cheering on Mr. Smith during the performances were members of the Smith family, including his wife. With the ever-present winning smile, the Florida native and University of Florida alum displayed his moves to everything from Stevie Wonder and MC Hammer, to classical and Broadway tunes.

“He really worked hard and you saw it in his performances over the course of the competition,” said Eva Coleman after hearing the results. “I am so glad that he won. He worked hard and he earned it.”

Watching from her McKinney home, while praising Mr. Smith and Ms. Burke, Ms. Coleman also expressed displeasure over what she considered unsportsmanlike conduct from Ms. Smirnoff when the winner was announced. “She was an ungracious loser,” commented Ms. Coleman, as she elaborated on Ms. Smirnoff’s obvious disappointment.

Prior to and on the last voting day, appearing on several local and national radio programs, Mr. Smith talked about the hard work involved in preparing for the competition and he took the light-hearted ribbings on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the Steve Harvey Show and from Skip Murphy, Chris Arnold, Nanette Lee and Sam Putney of the Skip Murphy and Company Show.

Pointing out Judge Inaba’s reference to Mr. Smith as “twinkle toes,” Mr. Joyner also praised his friend’s performance.

“It is hard work,” Mr. Smith said during the show as he explained a work schedule that was even more grueling at times than preparing for the annual Thanksgiving Day contest or the Superbowl. “It took a lot of time away from my family.”

Praising his partner, who was also last year’s winning partner, Mr. Smith jokingly said, “at least we had the day off before the game.” “Cheryl did a real good job of bringing me along,” he told talk show host Ellen Degeneres, also adding that the enormous support from the Smith/Burke fan base catapulted them over the top. “We were relying on fan support.”

And Ms. Burke praised her partner’s work ethic, adding, “He knows how to shake!”

The same intensity seen on the gridiron against some of the most talented football players in the game during his heyday and the work ethic displayed during the dance competition is the same level that is shown in Mr. Smith’s commitment to charitable causes.

Attorney Royce West, who has represented Mr. Smith, also spoke of his friend’s character.

”Emmitt is the type of person who won’t stop until he is successful,” he said, adding that probably the only dancing the future Hall of Famer knew prior to the show, was doing the “Electric Slide.”

“With Emmitt, the same level of excitement and intensity that he brought to football and dancing, he brings that to charitable issues.” He and his wife, Pat, are both members of public service organizations and have taken up causes from battered and abused women and children, to providing educational support and guidance to youth.

One of Mr. Smith’s most significant endeavors is the Open Doors Foundation, which he founded along with businessman Werner Scott. Opening Doors is “committed to opening minds, unlocking hearts, and changing lives of ‘young America.’” Its mission is to “empower underserved young people to achieve.”

In addition to the St. Philip’s School and Community Center; the Education is Freedom Foundation, the National Urban League and Foundation for Excellence in Education are a few of the organizations that have received grants from the Open Doors Foundation.

But the philanthropic nature of the Smiths extends farther than providing money to causes. Many have benefited from their time and energies, as they work in various communities; doing everything from mentoring young females and speaking to students.

Mr. Smith also makes numerous appearances monthly, supporting other non-profit organizations, especially those benefiting youth.

Mr. West sums up the man, Mr. Smith: “Emmitt is not afraid to take on a challenge for fear of failure, and he usually succeeds!”