Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith had himself a solid 16-year career after the San Francisco 49ers made him the No. 1 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
The former Utah star and Washington native earned three Pro Bowl appearances in stints with the 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and then-Washington Commanders.
Sure, Smith will continued to be known as the player San Francisco took over future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers in 2005. He’ll also be linked to Patrick Mahomes, who took over his job in Kansas City.
With all of that said, Smith’s ability to turn around his career after early struggles deserves our respect.
Unfortunately, Smith’s career was derailed in his first season with Washington back in 2018 when he suffered a devastating leg injury in a game against the Houston Texans.
Six years after the fact, and Smith shared a photo of the right leg. It’s absolutely gnarly.
Yeah, that’s not good. A leg should not look that way.
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Alex Smith Injury, Recovery And Return
After missing the entire 2019 season to injury, Smith returned in 2020. He ultimately earned the NFL Comebacker Player of the Year award in what would end up being his final season in the league.
The injury and ensuing infaction nearly cost Smith his life. Heck, there was a chance for a while that the leg would have to be amputated. That’s how serious it was.
“I could visually see the blood pumping out, so it was a good one. It was lucky to have it happen just before halftime. I’ve never had one gush like that,” Alex Smith said of his injury back in 2020.
Fast forward a few years, and Smith seems to be in a good place despite just how terrible his right leg looks.
The 40-year-old is happily married to Elizabeth Barry. The couple have two children — sons Hudson and Hayes, as well as a daughter named Sloane.
