Three decades ago, Emmitt Smith etched his name in the annals of NFL history with a season that remains unparalleled, not just in football but across the professional sports landscape. The Dallas Cowboys running back clinched the NFL MVP award, secured a Super Bowl championship, and took home the Super Bowl MVP honors, achievements that have immortalized him in the hearts of fans and sports historians alike. To commemorate this extraordinary year, eBay and Notable Live have teamed up to host an anniversary auction, offering fans and collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of sports history.
The auction, set to open this Friday, is a tribute to Smith’s illustrious football journey, spanning his early days as a standout athlete at Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, through his record-breaking college career at the University of Florida, to his legendary tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Each item in the auction has been carefully selected to showcase significant milestones from Smith’s career, allowing fans to own memorabilia directly linked to some of the most memorable moments in NFL history.
Among the treasure trove of items available for bidding are:
1. The helmet Smith donned during his high school football career, symbolizing his early potential and passion for the game.
2. The jersey Smith wore in his final game at the University of Florida, representing the end of his collegiate dominance and the beginning of his professional legacy.
3. The football carried by Smith in Super Bowl XXVIII, leading to his MVP honors, a tangible piece of his Super Bowl success.
4. Another touchdown football from Super Bowl XXX, further cementing his status as a Super Bowl legend.
5. The game-used football from the moment Smith became the only player in NFL history to surpass 18,000 rushing yards, a testament to his endurance and skill.
6. The cleats Smith wore as he broke Walter Payton’s record for the most 100-yard rushing games, marking his place in history.
7. A game ball from Smith’s 237-yard game against the Eagles on October 31, 1993, setting a single-game rushing record for the Cowboys.
8. Smith’s uniform from his eighth and final Pro Bowl appearance, celebrating his career-long excellence.
9. Various awards Smith earned throughout his career, highlighting his numerous achievements and contributions to the game.
This auction is not just a celebration of Smith’s 30th anniversary of a seminal year but also a reflection of his journey from a high school sensation to an NFL legend. Over the past couple of years, Smith has been sharing pieces of his career through auctions, but this event, timed to coincide with Super Bowl LVIII, is particularly special. It offers a comprehensive look at his remarkable career through memorabilia that fans can now own.
Mike Antonucci, co-founder and CEO of Notable Live, expressed his enthusiasm for the auction, stating, “We are excited to celebrate Emmitt’s career milestones by offering one-of-a-kind items to fans, exclusively on eBay.” This sentiment is echoed by Smith himself, who said, “I am proud of my accomplishments both as a football player and in my career as a businessman. I am excited to share my personal collection with my fans through this exclusive event with eBay.”
The auction promises to be a highlight for sports collectors and fans alike, providing a rare chance to acquire authentic memorabilia directly from one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. As bidding opens in the Notable Live eBay store, enthusiasts will have the opportunity to secure their own piece of football history, commemorating the legacy of Emmitt Smith and celebrating the sport’s enduring appeal.
