Former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith is known as an NFL legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history. But in 2020, he was in the limelight for a much different reason: his divorce from the 1993 Miss USA runner-up, Patricia Southall.

Southall recently opened up about the emotional turmoil she went through during her separation from the Cowboys legend. On the Pursue You podcast, she apologized to her exes.

“I will say this: I want love again. I have not lost hope in love. I want to apologize to my exes because I didn't do the healing," Southall said.

It was a rough time for Smith. Just a few months after celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2020, Southall decided to file for divorce. Now, six years later, Southall reflected on the experience and took responsibility for her role in the relationships failing.

"As far as taking responsibility for myself, it was not going into those situations, even whole,” Southall said on the Pursue You podcast on July 21.

Patricia Southall was earlier married to comedian Martin Lawrence, with whom she has a daughter. They separated in 1997. With former Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, she has two sons and a daughter.

But Southall’s admission on the podcast went beyond just an apology to her former partners.

Patricia Southall’s view of ‘fear’ has helped her heal

During the same podcast, Patricia Southall also spoke about how her personal struggles affected her relationship with Smith.

“It was easier for me to slide into other people's identities, especially with their strong identities. So, I definitely take responsibility. And I know going forward, that's why this season, in this time, that we going to have is about my healing," Southall said during the podcast.

She also discussed how fear shaped relationships and could make or break bonds. While posting a clip from the podcast on Instagram, she posted a caption describing the way she believes fear can affect people.

“We don’t talk enough about how fear can quietly shape the way we love, trust, and show up in relationships. Not always in obvious ways. Sometimes in subtle ones - through walls, self-protection, and the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe,”  Southall wrote.

Southall is now focused on personal growth and running her women's organization, Treasure You. Along with hosting her podcast, Pursue You, she is also an author based in Dallas, Texas.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Arundhoti Palit

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit