One of the more disappointing decisions made on Wednesday’s Early Signing Day was Gators Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith’s son E.J. Smith’s choice of Stanford University over his father’s alma mater.

The talented tailback had been considering five major programs: Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M, Ohio State and Stanford. The younger Smith ultimately selected to become a Cardinal, which came as a bit of a shock to many in Gator Nation.

The decision was broadcasted on ESPN, and after the announcement was made, the elder Smith was asked about how he felt about his son’s choice. Grabbing the Florida cap off the table and placing it on his head, Smith’s opening response was both thoughtful and amusing.

“I can wear the (Gators) hat, he doesn’t have to wear the hat. You know? His daddy wore this, that doesn’t mean my son has to wear this. At the end of the day, my son has his own journey. And it is his journey, not my journey. And for him to do the things that is (sic) best for him is what we teach all of our children.”

The whole segment of Emmitt’s answer can be watched in the tweet below, and the entire press conference can be seen in the link above.