Pancakes and Emmitt Smith: How the former Cowboy is teaming up with IHOP for Father’s Day

So where is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, going to spend Father’s Day?

“Probably IHOP,” the former Cowboys running back said.

Well, he is.

Smith has partnered with the International House of Pancakes to start up a loyalty program where customers earn PanCoins, a crypto pancake that lives in the IHOP mobile app and on the website. It’s a first for the famed restaurant known for serving breakfast. Guests who sign up for an account receive free pancakes on their birthday and can earn other rewards.

For Smith, spending time with his kids, EJ, Skylar, Elijah and Rheagen, is important to him because of the relationship Smith had with his father.

“My dad is struggling with his health, right now,” Smith said. “So everyday you can spend with him and with your own kids is important. Father’s Day is a great way for families to celebrate with their loved ones and of course earn double the PanCoins.”

Smith isn’t the only former or current NFL player who cherishes fatherhood.

Newly signed Cowboys wide receiver James Washington became a new dad last week.

“Just being a role model for your son or your daughter, setting the best example and showing them the way of life and how to be successful in their own kind of way,” said Washington, whose newborn daughter is named Tatum. “It’s a different type of love for you daughter, man. It’s different.”

Veteran left tackle Tyron Smith has two kids and calls them “your little yous.”

“There’s not a greater feeling,” he said. “It’s just watching them grow up and come into their own. It’s a blessing to see your kids grow up, an incredible feeling.”

So when Emmitt Smith says he’s planning on visiting IHOP for Father’s Day on Sunday, believe him not so much because of the promotion but because he wants to spend time with his children.

“Yes, I’ve gone to many IHOPs,” he said. “My son EJ and I just went to one recently and so yes, not only do I eat at IHOP, I enjoy the pancakes and the scrambled eggs with cheese and the sausage links.”

Twitter: @calvinwatkins

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