Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick by the team in 2005, officially announced his retirement from NFL today.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CN2j9LohMi4/?utm_source=ig_embed
The announcement has garnered a significant reaction from the media, who watched Smith not only overcome a devastating leg injury that nearly cost him his life, but also return to football this past season, earning him NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Here are a few of the reactions from Bay Area reporters who helped cover the team for at least a portion of Smith's eight seasons with the Niners.
Congratulations to Alex Smith on a great career and for the example he set for so many. One of the classiest individuals I've covered. All the best to you and your family.https://t.co/RsoHD9Jt63
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) April 19, 2021
Alex Smith is retiring. His peak 49ers' moment: The march to beat the Saints in January 2012. Here's video of the full drive at Candlestick:https://t.co/XgkbySezIT
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) April 19, 2021
Alex Smith has retired via a heartfelt video, 16 years after #49ers drafted him #1
I was with him in NY at draft, asking him in a corridor if he knew what he was in for with bad 49ers roster
Turns out, I didn't know what a remarkable career was in store for such classy guy pic.twitter.com/2EuGgV5l32
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 19, 2021
Alex Smith, 36, whose adversity with the #49ers was just a taste of what was to come, has retired. This 2013 story about his foundation that benefits foster teens offers a glimpse into part of his off-the-field legacy.https://t.co/RUAhKd7WF4
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) April 19, 2021
Here is a link to Alex Smith's appreciation farewell on IG https://t.co/swLyvE3KP7
And here is a copy of my 2005 draft-day story and sports page pic.twitter.com/sariIPVoJ6
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 19, 2021
I always thought Alex Smith was the Andy Dufresne of NFL QBs: He dealt with years of crap, persevered, never lost his dignity and now has come out clean on the other side. Congratulations, Alex Smith & family, on a truly remarkable career.https://t.co/tA8gY9dzJM
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) April 19, 2021
Personally, my favorite Smith memory is sitting in the stands at Candlestick Park with my wife, and watching the quarterback mount a game-winning drive ending with a pass to tight end Vernon Davis to beat the New Orleans Saints 36-32 in the 2011 NFC Divisional Round playoffs.
Smith retires at 36 years old.
"[A]fter 16 years of giving this game everything I've got, I can't wait to see what else is possible," the quarterback said in his Instagram video. "But first, I'm going to take a little time to enjoy a few of those walks with me, and my kids have no idea what's coming for them in the backyard."
And here is a reaction from NFL defensive end J.J. Watt.
Heck of a career pre-injury,
Legendary status post.Absolutely incredible comeback, a picture of determination, perseverance and sheer will.
Thanks for the inspiration and best wishes on the next chapter! https://t.co/AMhbUPYqLV
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) April 19, 2021