Catch 22: Legendary Emmitt Smith Spends a Few Flawless Moments with Panini America

It’s not every day that you get to spend some quality time with the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Clearly, last Thursday was no ordinary day. I jumped at the chance to accompany Panini America Football Acquisitions Manager Joe White on a quick trip to Emmitt Smith’s business office so that the Dallas Cowboys legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer could lend his indelible penmanship to some cornerstone cards coming to 2014 Flawless Football.

The first thing you notice about Smith, even now, is the trademark rock studding his left ear. The next thing you notice is that he still looks like he could play for the Cowboys — as soon as tonight. These days, though, the man with 18,355 rushing yards and 175 total touchdowns is devoting his considerable talents to the commercial real estate arena. During Thursday’s conversation-heavy two-hour signing session, Smith discussed the impressive 2014 edition of the Dallas Cowboys and the major role consistent excellence played in his decorated career.

It’s that same consistent excellence that punctuates Smith’s impeccable autograph, easily one of the most ornate, decorative and powerful signatures in all of football. It’s less an autograph and more a work of hand-crafted art. For undeniable proof, check out our gallery below that showcases some of the to-die-for cards Smith signed for Friday’s release of 2014 Flawless Football.

But first, we offer exclusive video of the impromptu interview we did with Smith during last week’s signing. Check out the must-see interview now . . .

Now, to the jaw-droppers . . .