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.
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“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 Phoenix Open 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 fourth in goals and fifth in assists for the team. Throughout her illustrious career, she has played for various National Women’s Soccer League teams, including the New Jersey Wildcats, the Chicago Red Stars, and the Houston Aces. Her upcoming appearance in “The People’s Open” marks Lloyd’s second-straight appearance.
The 2024 WM Phoenix Open will take place Feb. 5-11 at TPC Scottsdale. “The People’s Open” was named Tournament of the Year at the 2023 PGA TOUR annual meetings, garnering the award for the fifth time to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf. The 2024 edition will mark the 89th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 15th with WM as title sponsor. For more information visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.
The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members who have helped the tournament eclipse $190 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932 (through the 2023 tournament). For more information on The Thunderbirds or the 2024 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.
