NFL superstar Emmitt Smith as keynote: in addition to his many football feats, he devotes much of his time to youth development.

Superstar. Running back. Dallas Cowboys. Future Hall of Famer.

These are just a few of the words you could use to describe Emmitt Smith. However, you would only be telling half the story. You would also have to include these:

Humanitarian. Recreation degree. Youth development.

Smith is not only one of the best football players the National Football League (NFL) has ever seen, he's also a college graduate with a recreation degree who cares about this country's youth. He's dedicated to changing the lives of young America through initiatives that help children realize their potential.

One of those initiatives that he helped create is the not-for-profit organization, Open Doors Foundation. The group provides financial assistance and opportunities for youth to succeed. The organization stresses that with racial, geographical, economic or gender barriers in place, youth are sometimes left without hope--Open Doors works to restore that hope through different experiences.

The foundation supports youth through helping to fund other nonprofits that share the same mission, such as Academies of Excellence. Open Doors supports Academies, which provides assistance to students ages 11-15, to help them realize their full "star" potential. Through the use of mentoring, internships and interactive exchanges, the Academies of Excellence provides a real life experience and perpetuates self-expression, leadership and excellence. Program focus is in the areas of sports, entertainment and enterprise.

Other than his own organization, Smith works with Make-A-Wish Foundation, Salvation Army and Ronald McDonald House. He also serves as a role model in recreation--he is a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, where he serves as inspiration for a more active lifestyle. He recently received the Children's Medical Center/Athlete Role Model Award; and in 2002, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation presented Smith with the prestigious Chairman's Award for his achievements on and off the field.

He managed to accomplish all this while excelling as a premier NFL running back. Becoming the Dallas Cowboys' first-round draft pick in 1990, Smith began what will surely be a hall of fame career. "All I know is that every time I saw film of him, he was running 50, 60, 70, 80 yards for a touchdown," says Coach Jimmy Johnson on why he was picked. "That looked pretty good to me."

In his rookie season, he rushed for 1,563 yards, becoming the youngest player ever to break the 1,500-yard mark in a season. He was also named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He continued to shatter expectations when in 1994, he played with a separated shoulder and led the Cowboys to victory over the New York Giants rushing for 168 yards. That same year, the Cowboys went to the Super Bowl, where Smith was named MVP for his performance.

Smith dominated the game through the 1990s, and in 2002 surpassed Walter Payton's record as the all-time NFL leading rusher. He's the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons, and is the career-rushing touchdowns leader with 155. He won three Super Bowl titles, and was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times. Although he ended his football career as an Arizona Cardinal in 2005, he signed a one-year contract to officially retire as a Dallas Cowboy, where he had played previously for 13 years.

Smith's dedication off the field is just as admirable. After leaving the University of Florida early to enter the NFL draft, his mother made him promise that one day he would finish college to get his degree. True to his word, he returned to the university every off-season to take classes, and received a degree in Public Recreation in 1996. In addition, he's sponsoring 17 at-risk kids' college education.

His experiences in recreation, in football and in life will no doubt make for a moving keynote address (sponsored by NRPA National Partners) at NRPA's Congress. Smith will speak during the Opening Session on Wednesday, Oct. 18.