"Who Do You Think You Are?" is a unique type of reality show that digs deep into the family roots of celebrities, helping them discover where they came from. The show takes viewers into the intimate and revealing lives of stars such as Matthew Broderick, Lisa Kudrow, Spike Lee, Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields and Emmitt Smith.  

Each episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?," produced by Kudrow, tells the story of this great nation's struggles and the people who had to overcome hurdles so their families could live freely. NBC takes the viewers on an emotional ride alongside the stars who uncover scandalous facts about their relatives. 

Former Dallas Cowboys player Emmitt Smith told us about his experience on the show as he uncovered a few shocking secrets about his family heritage.

Emmitt admitted it had been a while since his last family reunion, so when the opportunity to discover his past presented itself, he thought it would be a great way to connect back to his family heritage. When asked what he thought his fans would get out if his episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?" he said the audience would truly get a sense of the hurt and pain that he was able to feel especially when you start thinking about loved ones who were mistreated during the darkest times of American history.

During the episode, Emmitt was shocked when he was taken back to Mecklenburg County, Virginia and uncovered some critical information in County Deed Book Number 22, the same number he made famous in the NFL. Emmitt was also taken back to Burnt Corn, Alabama, where he found the unmarked site of his great great grandfather's grave, on the outskirts of a white cemetery. He said he had an emotional connection at that moment like his ancestor was crying out saying, "I once was lost but now I am found," and Emmitt felt like he was on a journey to find those people and release their souls so they can go and rest in peace completely.

When asked what the audience will be most surprised about during his episode, Emmitt answered that they will be surprised to see how emotional of a person he really is. He thinks that most people probably have never seen an athlete that is supposed to be a 'gladiator type athlete' truly get emotional. He said the show gave his family an opportunity to have a conversation about parents, grandparents, great grandparents and the evolution of a family. It also gave his kids the chance to understand who their relatives were and try to stay in contact with them.

NBC opens up a whole other door in the reality show world with "Who Do You Think You Are?" and Emmitt believes the show is a feel good show in a world where so much negative stuff is happening.  He also believes the audience will get a chance to see some celebrities in a different light. Emmitt appeared on another popular reality show three years ago and took home the championship trophy on Dancing With the Stars, which he admitted is still in his family room in good condition. He will once again steal your heart on "Who Do You Think You Are?"  airing on March 12. 

Story by Erin Demchak

Starpulse contributing writer