Alex Smith

Alexander Douglas Smith (born May 7, 1984) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. He played college football for the Utah Utes, earning first-team All-American honors and winning the 2005 Fiesta Bowl as a senior. Smith was selected first overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 NFL draft.

Smith had a breakout season in 2011 when he led the 49ers to their first division title and playoff win since 2002 and their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1997. The following season, a concussion resulted in Smith losing his starting position to backup Colin Kaepernick. Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith guided them to four playoff runs between 2013 and 2017, their first consecutive division titles in franchise history, and their first playoff victory since 1993 in the 2015 season. Smith also received three Pro Bowl selections with the Chiefs and led the league in passer rating in 2017. He was traded to the Washington Redskins in 2018 to make way for second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but was credited with helping develop the future NFL MVP.

During his first season in Washington, Smith suffered a life-threatening injury to his right leg that nearly resulted in amputation. Although expected never to play again, Smith completed a lengthy rehabilitation process that allowed him to return in 2020. Smith became the starter midway through the season, leading the team to a division title and earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Smith retired during the 2021 offseason after being released. His return from injury is cited as among the greatest in NFL history.^[1]