The Thunderbirds announced today NFL all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carli Lloyd are among the first list of celebrities to commit to play in the popular Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open presented by Taylor Morrison on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course.

“Anticipation is building for the Annexus Pro-Am, a true crowd-pleaser each year. Our hopes are high as we gear up to feature an array of world-class celebrities and athletes,” said 2024 Tournament Chairman George Thimsen. “As we are getting closer to tournament week, we’re thrilled to give you a peek into what the star-studded Pro-Am lineup will look like.”

Smith’s 15-year career NFL career spanned 13 years with the Dallas Cowboys and two years with the Arizona Cardinals.  He retired in 2004 as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher (18,335 yards), a record that still holds today.  Smith achieved significant milestones throughout his career, including winning three Super Bowls with the Cowboys, eight Pro Bowl selections and was honored as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1993. Additionally, in 2019 Smith was selected to the NFL 100 All-Time Team, a prestigious list honoring the best players of the NFL’s first 100 years. He has participated in the Annexus Pro-Am five times, with appearances in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023.  He also won the WHOOP Shot at Glory in 2016.

A distinguished soccer player, Lloyd boasts a decorated sports career with two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, two FIFA Women’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, and dual FIFA Player of the Year titles in 2015 and 2016. As a four-time Olympian (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021), Lloyd is celebrated for her outstanding contribution to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, where she secured a hat-trick within the first 16 minutes, propelling the United States to a resounding 5-2 victory over Japan. With 316 appearances for the U.S. national team, Lloyd sits second overall in International appearances, and she ranks third in goals (134) and sixth in assists (64)  for the team. Throughout her illustrious career, she spent nine seasons in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) ending her career with NY/NJ Gotham FC where she is now a minority investor. Her upcoming appearance in “The People’s Open” marks Lloyd’s second-straight appearance.