Alex Smith had been through a lot since his horrific leg injury on November 18, 2018. There was so much doubt that the former No. 1 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers would ever play football again after a life-threatening infection, several surgeries, and a lengthy rehab that followed.
Through the lens of an E:60 documentary, "Project 11," football fans received a glimpse of what Smith endured as he worked back from a gruesome compound fracture of his right leg.
The quarterback isn't just lucky to have his leg; he is fortunate to be alive.
Smith was with his third NFL team at the time of the injury and was five years removed from his time in the Bay Area. It was his first season with Washington, and maybe—just maybe—it won't be his last in the NFL.
Stephanie Bell of ESPN reports that Smith, who remains under contract with Washington, has been cleared for full football activity.
I had a conversation with Alex Smith today and, well, I hope you'll read this:
Washington QB Alex Smith cleared for full football activity after broken leg https://t.co/Lpn9zH27Cg
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) July 24, 2020
"Washington quarterback Alex Smith, who suffered a devastating tibia and fibula fracture in 2018, has received clearance from his surgical team to return to full football activity," writes Bell.
That's fantastic news for fans who are hoping to see Smith defy the odds and continue living his dream.
Bell reports that Smith is undergoing the same COVID-19 testing that NFL players across the league are going through. He expects to report to Washington's facility on Monday for a team physical.
"Once there, the team is expected to determine the next steps for Smith's eventual participation in training camp," adds Bell.
Smith has been with his family in Hawaii, training for his football return.
Today Alex Smith turns 36.
This morning his wife, Elizabeth, shared a video of him training as he hopes to one day return to the NFL 🙌
(via @lizbsmith11) pic.twitter.com/SbuCYQYXxY
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 7, 2020
"Everyone was in agreement that my bone was in a really good place," Smith told ESPN. "I had healed a lot. They said that given the combination of the rod and where I was with the healing process, I had zero limitations and could even resume some football activities.
"To hear them say that from a life standpoint, they wouldn't restrict me from doing anything -- I could go skiing or snowboarding tomorrow if I wanted -- then on top of that, to get the green light that I could practice, get contact, that I had healed up, that much was pretty wild to hear. I didn't know if I would ever hear those words."