Emmitt Smith Hints at ‘Last Dance’-Style Documentary on 1990s Dallas Cowboys

The Last Dance documentary was a big hit with viewers and the rest of the sports-starved world. It also has proven to be inspirational for other teams and the players who feel like they have a compelling story to tell. Emmitt Smith said the Dallas Cowboys and their Super Bowl title run in the 1990s is worthy of a documentary and hinted that one might already be in the works. 

Kobe Bryant provided all-access to camera crew during final season

RELATED: Kobe Bryant Rare Behind-The-Scenes Footage in Final Season to Become Next ‘Last Dance’ Documentary

In April, numerous reports came out that revealed Kobe Bryant hired his own camera crew during the 2015-16 season that had unprecedented access to document his final season. Cameras were allowed in the locker room, training room, around the practice facility, and the team’s charter plane.

John Black, who directed the Lakers’ PR department for 27 years, told ESPN the Lakers staff went above and beyond in allowing the crew to film Bryant.

“They had unprecedented and, by far, greater access than anyone else ever. We certainly allowed them to do everything we could within what the league would allow, and sometimes, with a wink and look-the-other-way, allowed them even more.”

Since Bryant’s death, a documentary seems even more compelling to reveal a behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Emmitt Smith draws comparisons between Bulls and Cowboys

RELATED: How Many Super Bowls Did Troy Aikman Win With the Dallas Cowboys?

In an interview with Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan, Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith said he had watched every episode of The Last Dance featuring Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls like everyone else. He said watching it has brought back so many memories, and he can’t help but compare his Cowboys team with the Bulls as both clubs were at their peak during the same time in the 1990s.

The NFL’s all-time leading rusher said he could particularly relate to the stress Jordan and his Bulls teammates endured to stay on top for so many years. 

“When we went back to back, people don’t realize the number of games you played throughout the course of a season. We played more games than any other teams except for the Buffalo Bills, during that time. You are having a shortened offseason because you play all the way into February when the other folks are home in December. They are resting almost six weeks prior to you getting rested. Mentally it takes a toll because of the energy and focus that is required to be at that level.”

Emmitt Smith

Smith had one interesting observation about Jordan when it came to motivation. “MJ was his own (head coach) Jimmy Johnson. He didn’t need anybody to motivate him. He found ways to motivate himself.”

What would a Dallas Cowboys documentary look like? 

When Smith was questioned about The Last Dance, and whether or not the Cowboys had considered producing a similar documentary, Smith had an interesting response. 

“Who says it’s not already in the works? You never know. Trust me,” Smith said with a laugh. “A lot of people are thinking about these scenarios and sports.”

If the Cowboys are producing a documentary from the Super Bowl-winning teams of the 1990s, it would have to start with the 1989 team that finished 1-15 during Troy Aikman’s rookie season. And it would include:

• The rise to the top of the NFL with Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Smith
• Super Bowl victories in 1993 and 1994
• The stunning departure of Jimmy Johnson
• The hiring of Barry Switzer 
• Super Bowl win in 1996

There’s no doubt the Cowboys, like the Bulls, endured a lot of behind-the-scenes obstacles during those seasons of their sustained success. Smith said as much in the interview.

“The Last Dance has brought back some memories in terms of the things that we had to go through to build our team to where it was at and the transitions and the challenges we faced in the 1990s as well.”

With an even larger fan base, you can bet a documentary on America’s Team, pandemic or not, would be must-see TV and draw huge ratings.