QB Alex Smith Returns to Football After Injury 2 Years Ago

 

693 days. Nearly two years since his last start, Alex Smith overcame the improbable, coming back to the NFL after his horrific injury. 

Why is a comeback story so great? To see someone fall and rise back up, push against every possible adverse situation, and make it back? Maybe it gives us that "feel-good" serotonin releasing emotion. Maybe it's because we, as humans, know what it's like to fall and want to see others come back and succeed. 

In 2018, QB Alex Smith had possibly one of the worst injuries/setback in sports, with a fractured leg, that was later infected by flesh eating bacteria after the first surgery. Smith's leg, and life, was in jeopardy. After 17 surgeries to repair and cut away the dead skin, he was finally released and cleared to start rehab. After muscle transplants from parts of his other leg, rehab proved difficult. 

Most people at that point would've given up, would've hung up the cleats and helmet and taken fatherhood as a full-time job. Not Alex Smith. He was not mentally ready to leave the game he loved all his life. 

Fans and some people around the NFL were a little skeptical about Smith's return to football, and questioned if he would ever be the same. At 36 years old, his body isn't the same as it was when he debuted in 2005. However, Smith proved them wrong, working his butt off to get back to full health. The Washington Football team surprised many by having Smith active in week four of this season. After Kyle Allen went down with a concussion, Smith completed what most thought impossible. 

He came back. 

Athletes from all sports sounded off on social media, even Joe Theismann, whom he and Smith now have a bond after sharing similar injuries. 

Smith only completed 9-17 passes for 37 yards, and was sacked 6 times while under center. Everybody in the stands, at watching at home holding their breath every time he was touched by Aaron Donald or another member of the LA Rams. Yet, Smith held sturdy. 

693 days. 17 surgeries. For Alex Smith, it was worth it all.