It's becoming hard to envision any NFL player being more deserving of the Comeback Player of the Year award than Washington quarterback Alex Smith. What he endured since that horrific leg injury on November 18, 2018, seems like too much for most to overcome.
Smith's journey was chronicled during an ESPN documentary in May entitled Project 11. It gave everyone an inside look at what the quarterback had to endure in his recovery and shared just how bad the injury was. Smith wasn't just fighting for his playing career. He was fighting for his life.
After a life-threatening infection, several surgeries, and a lengthy rehab, Smith is back in the NFL. He will face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, which would be a bit of a homecoming had the team not been forced to move from the Bay Area to Arizona due to Santa Clara County COVID-19 restrictions. Smith started his career with the Niners, who drafted the quarterback No. 1 overall in 2005.
The fact that Smith is playing football at all is miraculous. He has started the last four games for Washington this season.
"On, in my mind, (I have) as much respect as you can have for anyone," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday. "I don't know Alex, but I heard about it, which was amazing. I did see the episode everyone saw. For him to go through what he went through and to still want to come back, it's definitely not a money thing. The guy does alright in that area. It's not something he had to do.
"It shows why he has been successful in everything he's done. Showed why he had a great college career, showed why he was a top pick in the draft, it showed why he's helped out three different teams now and for him to come back and just want to come back after going through that, it shows there's a lot of special things inside that guy."
Linebacker Fred Warner was asked if he sees any hesitation or caution in Smith's play that would indicate that the quarterback had endured such a devastating injury and lengthy recovery.
"No. Honestly, I think I see the exact opposite, really," Warner responded. "I see a lot of decisiveness in where he wants to get the ball. He has that veteran presence that you see, and if you haven't seen the documentary of his adversities he's overcome, it's truly amazing what he's been able to do.
"I've got a lot of respect for him and the type of person he is, the type of player he is, and I'm sure he's a great leader for them. That's why you've seen so much success. I think it starts with him. And he's going to present some challenges to us, and we've got to make sure we're studying him hard, and (are) ready to go."
Nick Mullens respects Smith both on and off the field. The 49ers quarterback shared that he admires Smith's efficiency as a passer.
"He's doing a great job of leading that team, and he's playing very efficient," Mullens said. "That's what I'm striving to do every day. And so yeah, he's a great player, a great career. And obviously, you admire his toughness. I mean, his story's incredible, and his resiliency is incredible. So, a lot of respect for him as a quarterback."
