SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 237

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to
pay tribute to Emmitt James Smith III and to recognize
February 26, 2003, as Emmitt Smith Day at the State Capitol;
and

	WHEREAS, Emmitt Smith is one of the all-time, great running 
backs in National Football League history; his accomplishments 
include four season rushing titles, three Super Bowl titles, and 
1993 league and Super Bowl XXVIII Most Valuable Player awards; 
and

	WHEREAS, In the past season, he claimed the National 
Football League's all-time rushing record with 17,162 yards and 
is the first player in league history to rush for over 1,000 yards 
in 11 consecutive seasons; and

	WHEREAS, The former National Collegiate Athletic 
Association All-American holds 58 school records at the 
University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor's degree
in 1996 by completing his course work during off-seasons; and

	WHEREAS, Emmitt is respected by citizens across our
state and nation, not only for his outstanding skills as an 
athlete, but also for his exceptional generosity and community 
leadership; he devotes much of his time supporting such 
charitable organizations as the Open Doors Foundation, 
established to help motivate and empower youths, and the 
Make-A-Wish Foundation; he is a member of the President's Council 
on Physical Fitness and Sports, and he was recently bestowed the 
Children's Medical Center/Athlete Role Model Award; and

	WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Emmitt lives in Addison with 
his wife, Pat, their two daughters, Jasmin and Rheagen, and their 
son, Emmitt James Smith IV, who was born on his Dad's 33rd 
birthday; and

	WHEREAS, As an athlete, Emmitt has made a tremendous mark 
in the annals of professional football; as a philanthropist, he 
has made an even deeper impression on the lives of thousands of 
youths and their families through his generous contributions and 
the time and effort he puts into serving his community, both on 
the local level and the national level; and

	WHEREAS, On the field, he is an athletic champion, devoted 
to the game; off the field, he is an inspirational volunteer, 
dedicated to making a difference in the lives of his fellowman; 
now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend Emmitt James Smith III for
his outstanding achievements and declare February 26, 2003, 
Emmitt Smith Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
Emmitt Smith as an expression of highest esteem from the
Texas Senate.


       
       West
       

       
       
       
Armbrister
       Fraser
       Ogden
       
Averitt
       Gallegos
       Ratliff
       
Barrientos
       Harris
       Shapiro
       
Bivins
       Hinojosa
       Shapleigh
       
Brimer
       Jackson
       Staples
       
Carona
       Janek
       Van de Putte
       
Deuell
       Lindsay
       Wentworth
       
Duncan
       Lucio
       Whitmire
       
Ellis
       Madla
       Williams
       
Estes
       Nelson
       Zaffirini
       

                                                                              


Dewhurst, President of the Senate




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 26, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate