Introduction
Emmitt Smith wife is Patricia “Pat” Annette Southall, an American author, philanthropist, and former beauty queen born on December 17, 1970, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and a Pro Football Hall of Famer who spent most of his career with the Dallas Cowboys. While Smith built his legacy on the football field, the question of emmitt smith wife often comes up because Patricia has carved out her own impressive path as a businesswoman and motivational speaker.
This article covers everything worth knowing about Patricia Southall, including her early life, career, how she met Emmitt Smith, their wedding, their children, and her presence on social media. Whether you’re a football fan or just curious about the woman behind one of the NFL’s biggest stars, here’s the full story.
Table of Contents
Who Is Patricia Southall?
Patricia “Pat” Annette Southall was born on December 17, 1970, in Chesapeake, Virginia, making her an American by nationality. She grew up alongside her twin sister, Pam, raised by parents Henry and Mildred Southall in a close-knit, faith-centered household. Patricia attended Western Branch High School before heading to James Madison University, where she studied journalism.
During her college years, Pat was active on campus, taking part in student government and earning recognition as Miss Madison before her pageant career truly took off. In 1993, she won the Miss Virginia USA title, becoming the first African American woman to hold that crown. The following year, she represented Virginia at the Miss USA pageant and finished as first runner-up, narrowly missing the national title.
Long before she became known as Emmitt Smith’s wife, Patricia was already a notable public figure thanks to her pageant success and journalism background. Her education and early achievements laid the foundation for the entrepreneurial and philanthropic work she would later become known for, well beyond her connection to football or celebrity marriages.
Patricia Southall’s Career & Professional Life
Patricia Southall has built a career across several fields, including media, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. After her pageant years, she explored acting and television, picking up small screen credits and serving as a guest host on entertainment programs. Her journalism degree also gave her a foundation in media work, which she leaned on throughout her public career.
Patricia is best known today as the founder and spokesperson of Treasure You, a nonprofit organization that supports women facing financial, emotional, or spiritual hardship. The cause is deeply personal to her, inspired in part by losing her mother to cancer. She also co-founded the Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities alongside her husband, focused on helping underserved youth access resources to reach their potential.
In 2016, Patricia released her memoir, “Second Chances,” in which she opened up about both the highs and the difficult chapters of her life, including her first marriage. She has since become a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing her story of resilience with audiences nationwide.
As of recent estimates, Patricia Southall’s net worth sits around $1 million, built through her speaking engagements, business ventures, and philanthropic work.
How Did Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall Meet?
Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall’s story began in the late 1990s. At the time, both had already experienced significant life events, including children from previous relationships; Patricia had recently ended her marriage to actor and comedian Martin Lawrence, and Emmitt was building his legendary career with the Dallas Cowboys.
The two crossed paths around 1998, and despite both juggling demanding public lives, a connection quickly formed. Their early relationship reportedly started long-distance, with the couple making the effort to stay close despite their busy schedules. As their bond deepened, it became clear to friends and family that the relationship was serious.
The engagement came at a meaningful moment: Emmitt proposed to Patricia at his 30th birthday celebration, surrounded by close family and friends. It was a fitting milestone, blending a personal celebration with the next big step in their relationship. After a few years of dating, the couple decided to take their commitment to the next level, setting the stage for one of the more high-profile sports marriages of the early 2000s.
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Marriage & Wedding Details
Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall got married on April 22, 2000, at First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. The wedding brought together friends, family, and members of the football world to celebrate the couple’s new chapter together. Given Emmitt’s stature as a Dallas Cowboys star, the wedding drew plenty of media attention at the time.
The ceremony reflected Patricia’s strong Christian faith, which has remained a defining part of her life and public work ever since. Following the wedding, the couple settled into life together in Texas, where Emmitt continued his record-breaking NFL career while Patricia balanced motherhood with her growing public profile. The marriage would go on to last two decades, making it one of the more enduring unions among NFL stars of that era.
Children & Family Life
Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall have three children together: son Emmitt James Smith IV, born May 15, 2002; daughter Skylar Smith, born October 15, 2003; and son Elijah Alexander James Smith, born September 22, 2010. Patricia is also stepmother to Rheagen Smith, Emmitt’s daughter from a previous relationship, and mother to daughter Jasmin Lawrence from her first marriage to Martin Lawrence.
The blended family has remained close over the years, with Emmitt and Patricia prioritizing their children even after their relationship changed. Their son, E.J. Smith, went on to pursue football himself, earning recognition as a college player. Despite their public profiles, the family has generally kept day-to-day life private, focusing public appearances on shared causes like the Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities rather than personal matters.
Patricia Southall on Social Media
Patricia Southall maintains an active presence on social media, where she shares updates about her speaking engagements, her nonprofit Treasure You, and glimpses of her personal journey. On Instagram, she posts under the handle @patrsmithty, where she has built a following of well over 100,000 people who engage with her motivational content, faith-based posts, and family moments.
Her content often centers on empowerment, resilience, and philanthropy rather than typical celebrity lifestyle posts. She also maintains a presence on other platforms, using her reach to promote her book, her charitable work, and appearances as a public speaker.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patricia “Pat” Annette Southall Smith |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1970 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Author, philanthropist, motivational speaker |
| Married to | Emmitt Smith |
| Marriage Year | 2000 |
| Children | 3 (with Emmitt Smith) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
FAQ Section
Q: What is Emmitt Smith’s wife’s name? A: Emmitt Smith’s wife is Patricia “Pat” Annette Southall, an author and philanthropist. The couple married in 2000 after dating for a few years.
Q: How old is Patricia Southall? A: Patricia Southall was born on December 17, 1970, making her in her mid-fifties. She was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Q: What does Patricia Southall do for a living? A: Patricia is an author, motivational speaker, and the founder of the nonprofit Treasure You. She also co-runs the Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities with her husband.
Q: When did Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall get married? A: Emmitt and Patricia married on April 22, 2000, at First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Their wedding brought together family, friends, and members of the NFL community.
Q: How many kids do Emmitt Smith and Patricia Southall have? A: Together, they have three children: Emmitt James Smith IV, Skylar Smith, and Elijah Alexander James Smith. Patricia is also stepmother to Emmitt’s daughter Rheagen.
Conclusion
Patricia Southall is far more than just a famous name attached to a football legend. From her pageant beginnings and journalism degree to her nonprofit work and motivational speaking career, she has built an identity entirely her own. As emmitt smith wife, Patricia has shared in two decades of family milestones, charitable work, and public life alongside one of the NFL’s greatest players. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and dedication to both family and community, making her journey just as compelling as her husband’s record-breaking football career.
