With Smith still unsigned, the Cowboys started 0-2 before the two sides agreed to a deal that, at the time, made Smith the NFL's highest-paid running back. With his long-awaited contract in hand, Smith went out and won league and Super Bowl MVP honors as the Cowboys successfully defended their title.

Jerry Jones has cited the time when the Cowboys didn’t have Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith for two games amidst a contract negotiation and how the Cowboys still won the Super Bowl that year. He’s cited it often this camp as the Cowboys deal with star pass rusher Micah Parsons,

Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith discussed the organization’s ongoing extension discussions with defensive end Micah Parsons.