Dallas Cowboys "America's Team"

Rob Phillips - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer

OXNARD, Calif. - Emmitt Smith carved out a Hall-of-Fame career with the Dallas Cowboys because of his ability to run, block and catch.

Dancing was never part of his job description. Until now.

The NFL's all-time leading rusher paid a visit to the River Ridge Complex here Wednesday to watch practice and talk about his upcoming appearance on the third season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars, set to premiere Sept. 12.

"You're stepping into a different arena," Smith said of his new venture. "The arena of entertainment."

Joined by his dancing partner, season two champion Cheryl Burke, Smith heard chants of "Emmitt, Emmitt" as he made his way through the crowd and onto the practice field.

Smith is one of 11 celebrities, including talk-show host Jerry Springer and MSNBC's Tucker Carlson, who will compete with a professional dance partner in choreographed Latin and ballroom routines. Former NFL receiver Jerry Rice joined the show last year, and Smith said he asked the fellow future Hall-of-Famer for advice.

"He had a great experience doing it and he thought that I would have the same experience that he had," Smith said of his conversation with Rice. "He knew it was going to take a lot of work and I knew that. So, here I am."

Smith retired in 2005 after 15 years in the NFL, the first 13 with Dallas. The former league and Super Bowl MVP won four rushing titles and helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowls.

Smith watched the Cowboys' preseason opener against Seattle and said he's excited Terrell Owens signed with Dallas. But he doesn't miss the game he so greatly impacted.

"I'm enjoying my life, enjoying the business that I'm working in," Smith said. "Having a great time with family and just learning new trades and new opportunities that are coming my way. Life is good. I cannot complain."

One of those new opportunities happens to be the dance floor

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