Three decades ago, Emmitt Smith made history in the NFL with a season that still remains unmatched in the world of professional sports. As the Dallas Cowboys running back, Smith secured the NFL MVP award, led his team to a Super Bowl championship, and was honored with the Super Bowl MVP title, cementing his place as a legend in the hearts of fans and sports historians. To commemorate this exceptional year, eBay and Notable Live have joined forces to host an anniversary auction, offering fans and collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of sports history.
Opening this Friday, the auction serves as a tribute to Smith’s illustrious football journey, spanning from his standout years at Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, to his record-breaking college career at the University of Florida, and finally his legendary tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Each item up for bidding has been carefully chosen to showcase significant milestones from Smith’s career, allowing fans the chance to own memorabilia directly linked to some of the most memorable moments in NFL history.
The treasure trove of items available for bidding includes:
1. The helmet worn by Smith during his high school football career, symbolizing his early potential and dedication to the game.
2. The jersey worn by Smith in his final game at the University of Florida, signifying the end of his dominance in college 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, solidifying 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 worn by Smith when 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 incredible 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 consistent excellence throughout his career.
9. Various awards earned by Smith, highlighting his numerous achievements and contributions to the game.
This auction not only celebrates Smith’s 30th anniversary of a monumental year but also reflects his journey from a high school sensation to an NFL icon. While Smith has shared pieces of his career through auctions in recent years, this particular event, timed to coincide with Super Bowl LVIII, holds special significance. It offers fans a comprehensive look at his remarkable career through memorabilia they can now own.
Mike Antonucci, co-founder and CEO of Notable Live, expressed his excitement for the auction, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate Emmitt’s career milestones by offering one-of-a-kind items to fans, exclusively on eBay.” Smith himself shared his pride in both his accomplishments as a football player and in his career as a businessman, stating, “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 opportunity 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 chance to secure their own piece of football history, commemorating the enduring legacy of Emmitt Smith and celebrating the timeless allure of the sport.