After Many Honors, Smith Graduates

The last time Emmitt Smith drew this kind of crowd at the University of Florida was at news conference six years ago to announce he was leaving school early to make himself available for the NFL draft.

Saturday was an even happier occasion: He graduated.

“I’m just as thrilled about this accomplishment as I am about any other accomplishment I have achieved over the past six years,” he said.

In what has been a troubling off-season for the Dallas Cowboys, one of their biggest stars shone brightly by making good on a promise to his mother that he would complete his degree in public recreation.

“I’m proud to say I’m one individual who went back and got mine,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how long it takes you. This is a great day for me, my family and for people across the country who have aspirations of doing something they want to accomplish.”