Alex Smith, the former Utah quarterback who led the Utes to a perfect season and Fiesta Bowl win and went on to become the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick, announced his NFL retirement on Monday.
The 16-year NFL career had it all, as the former No. 1 Draft pick was nearly forced to retire from football years ago after suffering a gruesome leg injury. Smith didn’t let it get him down as he returned to the league and made in improbable comeback.
Smith, who played in eight games this past season, including six starts, went 5-1 during that time. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback even passed for 390 yards in a game against the Lions. For his comeback and performance this past season, Smith received the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award.
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During his 16-year career, Smith played for the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Football Team.
The former Utah quarterback said in his announcement that although he had “plenty of snaps left,” he was looking forward to spending more time with his family and “can’t wait to see what else is possible.”
Here’s how his teammates, coaches and fans reacted to the news:
QB Alex Smith announces retirement after 16-year career. pic.twitter.com/wbjDJ6LjUJ
— NFL (@NFL) April 19, 2021
Proud is an understatement.
Congratulations to Alex Smith on his retirement. A true 🐐 #ProUtes pic.twitter.com/WxmShMUMwU
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) April 19, 2021
Blessed to start this @NFL journey with Alex Smith #QB1 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 Wishing you and the fam all the best‼️ #FootballisFamily pic.twitter.com/JJtJLxbF8t
— Frank Gore (@frankgore) April 19, 2021
Heck of a career pre-injury,
Legendary status post.Absolutely incredible comeback, a picture of determination, perseverance and sheer will.
Thanks for the inspiration and best wishes on the next chapter! https://t.co/AMhbUPYqLV
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) April 19, 2021
Alex Smith. An Inspiration. A legend. THE King. Congrats on retirement, #11! Thank you for letting us be a part of your incredible career 👑 pic.twitter.com/XdnDtoA1yE
— The MUSS (@TheMUSS) April 19, 2021
An inspiration to all 🙌
Never forget when Alex Smith took the field for the first time after his injury.
(via @WashingtonNFL) pic.twitter.com/WL4WQYApqU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 19, 2021
Congratulations, Alex Smith.
You are an inspiration.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 19, 2021
I am drawn to lessons in resilience, fortitude, uncommon commitment and sacrifice. Never can get enough of them. Learn from all of them. Inspired by every one of them. That is Alex Smith to me and for me.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) April 19, 2021
Quarterback Alex Smith is retiring. What a remarkable career and journey. So much respect. Fittingly finishes his career as the Comeback Player of the Year.🙌🏈
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) April 19, 2021
This video of Alex Smith’s family celebrating his comeback will always be the best. (via @nfl, @lizbsmith11) pic.twitter.com/yVGaGQVxEw
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) April 19, 2021
Nothing but respect, Alex Smith. ✊ pic.twitter.com/z11QmLzDHy
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 19, 2021
"You will always be part of the #49ers family."
A message from @JedYork on Alex Smith's retirement. pic.twitter.com/HuNOFEhUIt
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 19, 2021
Patrick Mahomes on Alex Smith's retirement: "A tremendous guy. With the injury that he had, to lead his team to the playoffs, just shows you the player he is. I'm just grateful for the time I had with him. He really helped me develop into the quarterback I am today."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) April 19, 2021
Andy Reid on Alex Smith's retirement: "He's a heck of a person. He had a great career. Everywhere he went, he made them better. If he gets into coaching, I'll get 1st dibs on him. He's a guy you'd love to have on your staff. A special person & one of my all time favorites."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) April 19, 2021
Andy Reid & @PatrickMahomes on Alex Smith’s retirement. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/y7nled50Uc
— NFL (@NFL) April 19, 2021
The legend.
Congratulations on an incredible and unbelievably inspiring career, Alex. We are so proud you’re a Ute and are looking forward to seeing what you do next! #GoUtes #ProUtes https://t.co/7UT8TcgVMF
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) April 19, 2021
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