Smith's recovery from the injury was chronicled during an ESPN documentary that aired last offseason, entitled Project 11. It provided an inside look at the quarterback's journey, and what he had to endure as he fought for his life, and later, a return to football. Infections, several surgeries, and a lengthy and challenging rehab stood between Smith and the game he loves.
While many questioned whether Smith would play football again, he proved doubters wrong and stepped back onto the football field against the Los Angeles Rams on October 11, 2020, and then started six games this past season.
Smith finished the season passing for 1,582 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions. He was 5-1 as a starter.
On Saturday, the former No. 1 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, who had a stop in Kansas City before landing in Washington, was named the AP Comeback Player of the Year.
Heading into the 49ers' Week 14 contest against Washington, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about Smith's success.
"I mean, because Alex, he's a very good quarterback," Shanahan told reporters. "He always has been. He knows where to go with the ball, which, to me, is one of the biggest things for any quarterback. You read coverages and stuff, and there's always a spot, there's a hole in it, and you want to get the ball there, and Alex is efficient at doing that as anybody."
Washington ended up beating San Francisco 23-15, but Smith left the game early due to a calf strain.
While Shanahan has never personally spoken with Smith, he has just as much respect for Smith as everyone else in the NFL.
"I did see the [documentary] everyone saw," Shanahan said. "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."
Smith's resolve even inspired one star player who will play tomorrow in Super Bowl LV.
"Hey, I'm so f--king proud of you, bro," Tampa Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady told Smith after a playoff matchup. "You're f--king unbelievable, you know that? You're an inspiration to all of us. You're unbelievable. Always here if you need me."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers named as fit for 3 receiver trades and NFC West pass rusher
With major trades happening across the NFC and the San Francisco 49ers looking to build on their 6-1 start, general manager John Lynch may not be done making moves. The 49ers reunited with DeForest Buckner this week, sending the Indianapolis Colts a 2027 fourth-round draft... -
49ers Bye-Week Report Delivers One-Sentence Takes on Every Player
Even with the DeForest Buckner acquisition and trade speculation running rampant, the San Francisco 49ers have officially reached their bye week. Week 7 against Atlanta featured plenty of competition and intensity, but ultimately ended in frustration as four turnovers doomed... -
49ers announce roster moves ahead of Sunday's game with Raiders, activate Demarcus Robinson
On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster moves ahead of Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders: Activated WR Demarcus Robinson from the injured reserve list Elevated WR KhaDarel Hodge from the team's practice squad (standard elevation) Placed... -
49ers' John Lynch explains why Jauan Jennings trade fell through
On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reports that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings had turned down an opportunity to return to the San Francisco 49ers via trade. However, Shanahan's explanation suggested the situation was less about Jennings rejecting...