In the 2018 to 2019 NFL season, Quarterback Alex Smith had led the, at the time, Washington Redskins to a six and three record. However, during a week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans, Smith dropped back to pass on a third down and nine yards to go and was sacked. This was no everyday tackle that Smith had experienced. In the process of going to the ground, Smith’s right leg awkwardly twisted, causing him to break both his tibia and fibula. As Smith lay on the ground surrounded by both teammates and opposing players, he knew that his season was over.

Smith spent many months in and out of the hospital, as well as received 17 surgeries to repair his leg and save both his leg and life from flesh-eating bacteria (which entered his leg and began to spread throughout his body). Smith’s leg was treated as a military injury and not a simple sport injury due to the severity of his situation. Throughout talks of amputation and even the possibility of death, Smith underwent muscle transfer surgeries to repair his deteriorating leg. When the treatments were finished, a brace was put on and massive screws were drilled into his leg.

The road to recovery was sure to be difficult. He was determined to be able to walk again and, even greater than that, play football again. Many doctors and family members around Smith throughout the process were astounded by his positive attitude and optimism. Through his determination, Smith was eventually cleared by his doctors to play football again.

637 days after initially suffering his injury, Smith was activated by the Washington Football Team and began to practice in preparation for the 2020 season. Smith was listed as the third string Quarterback on the depth chart behind second year quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, as well as new free agent signing, Kyle Allen. After a slow start to the season, Haskins was benched by the new coach, Ron Rivera for Kyle Allen, which made Smith the new backup. In a week five game versus the Los Angeles Rams, Allen received a hard hit to the head and shoulder area, and was listed as out for the rest of the game. 

It was finally time for Smith to make his return after almost two years of recovery. With his wife and kids in the stands, Smith got behind center once again. At home, viewers  watched the game and held their breath every time he dropped back to pass in fear of his noticeably distorted leg. On one specific play, Smith caught the snap and stood in the pocket, until six-foot, 1,284-pound, all-pro-defensive end, Aaron Donald, leaped onto Smith’s back and sacked him. Anyone and everyone watching the game had their breath taken away when Smith stood up immediately after being hit. This play was proof that Smith could play football again.

Ever since the loss to the Rams, Smith has been the starting Quarterback of the Washington Football Team and has led them to an astonishing five and three record since he has taken over. Smith and the amazing defense are the first team to beat the formerly undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in a week 13 Monday evening game at Pittsburgh. Smith (age 36) has thrown for roughly 1,500 yards and helped lead the Football Team to the number one seed in the NFC East, which gives them a spot in the playoffs. Hopefully, Smith will continue his success and inspiring story throughout the rest of the season and into the playoffs. Currently, Smith is the undisputed favorite to win the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award.