Westpointe Heritage in Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Emmitt Smith Playing Field
| | Dixon Amity Peace Trail | |
Emmitt Smith's journey from high school football star to one of the greatest running backs in NFL history is a testament to talent, perseverance, and determination. Born in 1969 in Pensacola, he made a name for himself at Escambia High School, earning national recognition. His success led him to the University of Florida, where he shattered school and conference records. In 1990, the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the first round of the NFL Draft. Over a 15-season career, he became the league's all-time leading rusher, secured three Super Bowl championships, and earned numerous awards, including NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP. Smith's story from his modest upbringing to the NFL is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and excellence.
Erected by Pensacola Bay Area Impact 100.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1969.
Location. 30° 25.505′ N, 87° 14.095′ W. Marker is in Pensacola, Florida, in Escambia County. It is in Westpointe Heritage. It can be reached from the intersection of West Brainerd Street and North I Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is on the Dixon Amity Peace Trail, near the west end of the Dixon School of Arts & Sciences campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1201 North H Street, Pensacola FL 32501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Satchmo's Sound Wall (a few steps from this marker); Dolores Huerta Harmony Stream (a few steps from this marker); A. A. Dixon Discovery Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); Simone's Balance Heaven (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tabei Summit Wall (within
shouting distance of this marker); Basquiat's Artful Journey (within shouting distance of this marker); The HeLa Legacy Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Maya's Wings of Wisdom (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pensacola.
Also see . . . Emmitt James Smith III (Born May 15, 1969) (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Smith grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and became the second-leading rusher in American high school football history while playing for Escambia High School. Smith played three years of college football for the Florida Gators, setting several school rushing records. After being named a unanimous All-American in 1989, Smith chose to forgo his senior year of eligibility and play professionally.(Submitted on May 5, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)The Cowboys selected Smith in the first round of the 1990 NFL draft with the 17th overall pick. During his long professional career, he rushed for 18,355 yards, breaking the record formerly held by Walter Payton. He also holds the record for career rushing touchdowns with 164. Smith is the only running back to ever win a Super Bowl championship, the NFL Most Valuable Player award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award all in the same season (1993). Since retirement, Smith has been named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame first team All-1990s and the NFL 100 All Time team.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 5, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.

