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Alex Smith announced his retirement from the NFL in April 2021. The former quarterback played in the league for three different teams across 16 seasons.
Smith decided to call it quits on his own terms after a devastating leg injury sustained in 2018 threatened to make that decision for him. He was playing with the Washington Commanders when he suffered a compound leg fracture in a game against the Houston Texans.
The injury led to him developing sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication from an infection, and he had to wear a brace to combat his drop foot.
However, Smith underwent 17 surgeries and a grueling rehabilitation process before making a stunning return for the Commanders in 2020. He led the team to a 5-1 record, helping Washington clinch the NFC East title.
Smith was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2020. However, he decided to hang up his cleats just a few months after his comeback.
While speaking to reporters about his retirement, the former signal-caller said:
"I wanted to do my due diligence even though I was leaning towards retirement. I wanted to marinate in it a little bit. I wanted to see what was out there, and I'm happy I did."
Smith's return from injury is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.
Alex Smith's NFL stats and career
Alex Smith was the first overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft. He struggled with consistency and injuries until 2011 when he led the team to the divisional title.
He was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 and helped them to four consecutive playoff runs, with two consecutive divisional titles (2016 and 2017).
Smith then joined the Washington Commanders in 2018 and suffered a gruesome leg injury in his first year. However, he returned to action in 2020 before announcing his retirement in the 2021 off-season.
Smith racked up a winning 101-72-1 overall record as a starting quarterback. He finished his NFL career with 35,650 passing yards, throwing for 199 touchdowns and 109 interceptions.
He also earned three Pro Bowl honors during his stint with the Chiefs.
