In the wake of the 2026 NFL Draft, one of the more intriguing post-draft storylines has emerged from the decision of E.J. Smith, the son of Hall of Fame legend Emmitt Smith, to begin his professional journey with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite going undrafted, Smith wasted little time in finding an opportunity at the next level, announcing via Instagram that he would be signing with Kansas City, a move that immediately sparked interest given both his pedigree and the team he selected.

The decision came shortly after Smith participated in “Dallas Day,” a local prospect showcase hosted by the Dallas Cowboys, where many believed he could land due to his strong ties to the franchise and the city.

However, rather than following the expected path toward Dallas, Smith opted for a different route, choosing to join one of the NFL’s most successful organizations in recent years, signaling a desire to carve out his own identity away from his father’s legacy.

Smith’s collegiate career was marked by both flashes of promise and periods of adversity, beginning with four seasons at Stanford Cardinal before transferring to Texas A&M Aggies for his final two years.

Across his time in college football, Smith accumulated 207 rushing attempts for 969 yards and nine touchdowns, while also contributing as a receiver with 470 yards and a touchdown through the air, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat back.

During his most recent season with Texas A&M, Smith recorded 44 carries for 205 yards and four rushing touchdowns, along with four receptions for 18 yards, operating primarily in a supporting role within the Aggies’ offensive rotation.

In the 2024 season, his opportunities were similarly limited, as he totaled 207 rushing yards while playing behind more prominent backs such as Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens, which ultimately impacted his draft stock.

His most productive stretch came earlier in his career at Stanford, where he briefly emerged as a starting running back and averaged an impressive 103 rushing yards and 31.5 receiving yards per game before a season-ending injury halted his momentum.

That injury not only disrupted what could have been a breakout campaign but also resulted in a second redshirt season, adding another layer of challenge to Smith’s development as a collegiate athlete.

Even so, during his tenure at Texas A&M, Smith maintained a solid average of 4.7 yards per carry and continued to contribute when called upon, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable depth option.

Now entering the NFL, Smith faces a steep uphill battle to secure a roster spot with the Chiefs, a team that has consistently rotated running backs and emphasized competition within the position group.

Under head coach Andy Reid, Kansas City has adopted a flexible backfield approach since 2019, often relying on multiple contributors rather than a single featured back.

The competition has only intensified following the recent addition of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who joined the team on a multi-year deal and is expected to play a significant role in the offense moving forward.

In addition, the Chiefs further bolstered their depth by selecting Emmett Johnson in the draft, while also retaining players such as Emari Demercado and ShunDerrick Powell, creating a crowded and highly competitive running back room.

Within this environment, Smith’s challenge will be to distinguish himself not only through his rushing ability but also through special teams contributions, pass protection, and overall football intelligence.

For an undrafted player, these intangible qualities often prove to be the deciding factors in earning a place on the final 53-man roster, particularly on a contending team like Kansas City.

At the same time, Smith’s lineage inevitably brings added attention, as comparisons to his father—widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history—are unavoidable.

Yet, those close to Smith have consistently emphasized his determination to build his own path, relying on work ethic and perseverance rather than reputation alone to succeed at the professional level.

His choice to sign with Kansas City instead of pursuing a more familiar landing spot in Dallas may ultimately reflect that mindset, signaling a willingness to embrace challenges in pursuit of long-term growth.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Smith performs in a competitive setting, where every snap and rep will carry significant weight in determining his future.

While the odds may be stacked against him, stories of undrafted players rising through the ranks are far from uncommon in the NFL, and Smith now has the opportunity to add his name to that list.

Whether he ultimately secures a roster spot or not, his journey to this point—and the decision to step out of his father’s shadow—has already made him one of the more compelling underdog narratives of the 2026 offseason.