Emmitt Smith Guest on Homecoming with Rick Reilly

Before he heads to Canton, Ohio, for his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame on August 7, former running back Emmitt Smith returned home to Pensacola, Fla., to take part in an episode of ESPN's original series Homecoming with Rick Reilly. Hosted by 11-time Sportswriter of the Year Rick Reilly, the show challenges that old adage, "You can't go home again."

In the episode, which airs Thursday, Aug. 5, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, Smith visits Escambia High School, where an energetic crowd of over 1,300 friends, family, fans and former coaches and teammates join him to celebrate his accomplishments. Michael Irvin, a surprise guest via satellite, speaks about the "greatest game by an athlete" he has ever seen, when Smith gained about 170 yards rushing and 60 yards receiving, all with a separated shoulder.
 
Excerpts from the show:
On the impact Walter Payton had on him: "He meant a lot to me because he set the mark so high; he was such a great man. And he spent time with me and taught me some of the things that I should know as a young athlete and as a young professional football player."

His advice to the high school football players: "You guys have a challenge up in front of you. Nothing in life is given to you for free. You're gonna have to earn every bit of it ... Don't rely upon anybody else to help you; you make your own way. You have the power to do it ... And at the end of the day, set your goals high and set your sights high. Because the doors of opportunity are open. You've just got to walk through it."