Emmitt Smith speaks to Southlake community

Emmitt Smith works with organization to donate money to nonprofits.

Smith, an NFL Hall of Famer and Cowboys Ring of Honor member, touched down in Southlake on Feb. 17 to work with PenFed Credit Union to donate money to charity.

Smith presented checks of $5,000 to nonprofit organizations Toys for Tots and Homes for Our Troops. The donation was part of PenFed’s Promise Card Challenge.

“We all are dealt challenges,” he said. “To who much is given, much is required.”

Smith met with fans, signed autographs and answered a few questions, including that if he was in charge of the Cowboys, he would pay both DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant.

PenFed made the donation as part of the Promise Card Challenge sweepstakes.

Smith said he was happy to be part of the donation and spoke about the importance of supporting this nation’s troops.

“Often athletes get looked upon as heroes,” he said. “Thanks to our military.”

— Dustin L. Dangli

This story was originally published March 3, 2015 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Emmitt Smith speaks to Southlake community."