Alex Smith

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Lore & Background

Smith played college football for the Utah Utes, earning first-team All-American honors and winning MW Offensive Player of the Year in 2004. He 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. Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs the following offseason and 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 during 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. He retired during the 2021 offseason after being released. Smith's return from injury is considered one of the greatest comeback stories in NFL history. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.

In Their Own Story

The text lists Alex Smith (footballer, born 1940) as a Scottish footballer who played for Rangers but offers no details about specific matches, goals scored, assists made, or memorable moments in his career. There are no recorded quotes, descriptions of playing conditions, or accounts of turning points involving this player in the source.

Reader's Guide

Smith was born on May 7, 1984, in Bremerton, Washington. He grew up in La Mesa, California. His father, Douglas D. Smith, was an executive director at Helix High School, which Smith attended. As a starter for the Helix Highlanders during his junior and senior years, Smith led the team to a 25–1 record, including two San Diego CIF section championships. He was named to the first-team all-conference and all-county squads in the San Diego CIF system. Smith also earned the conference offensive player of the year twice, and twice won the team MVP for Helix. During his time at Helix, Smith set a school record by throwing for six touchdowns in one game, and recorded the second-highest completion percentage in San Diego CIF history. While at Helix, he was teammates with future NFL star Reggie Bush. Smith and Bush were finalists for the 2004 Heisman Trophy, making it the first time a high school had two finalists at the same ceremony. Bush went on to win the 2005 award. Smith was president of his senior class in high school, earned college credits through a program at San Diego State University, and took a dozen Advanced Placement tests. Smith attended the University of Utah and played for the Utah Utes, wearing number 11. He finished fourth in voting for the 2004 Heisman Trophy and was selected as the 2004 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year. Smith posted a 21–1 record as a starter in college, while leading a high-powered spread offense under head coach Urban Meyer. He led the Utes to victories in the 2003 Liberty Bowl and the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. Smith earned a bachelor's degree in economics in two years and began work on a master's degree before being drafted. At the NFL Combine, Smith recorded a 4.7 time in the 40-yard dash, and had a 32-inch vertical leap. He also scored 40 out of 50 on the Wonderlic test. The San Francisco 49ers, who held the first overall pick, had hired a head coach with a strong personality in Mike Nolan. Nolan also evaluated California quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but did not believe that Rodgers' attitude could co-exist with him. Smith was the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, selected by the 49ers. In July 2005, Smith signed a six-year, $49.5 million contract with $24 million guaranteed. Dealing with an injury and being taken in and out of the lineup by head coach Mike Nolan, Smith played in nine games as a rookie, throwing for

Did You Know?

• Smith was president of his senior class in high school.
• Smith earned a bachelor's degree in economics in two years.
• Smith scored 40 out of 50 on the Wonderlic test at the NFL Combine.
• Smith met Joe Montana for the first time on November 5, 2006.
• Smith's return from injury is considered one of the greatest comeback stories in NFL history.