Two years ago, Alex Smith’s return to football would have been unthinkable. But on Sunday, he accomplished just that … the unthinkable.
Back in November of 2018, the Washington quarterback suffered a devastating compound fracture of his right leg. He needed emergency surgery but would develop an infection that threatened not just Smith’s leg but also his life. It would take 17 surgeries and a grueling rehabilitation process, but Smith remained determined to return to the field.
That moment came in Sunday’s Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Just ahead of the two minute warning in the first half, Smith entered an NFL game for the first time since that injury.
Alex Smith has entered the game. #WashingtonFootball
📺: #LARvsWAS on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/BGCKhfX8uY pic.twitter.com/7EaAz0DsbT— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2020
Of course, the coronavirus pandemic took away what would have been an unbelievable reception from the crowd, but the moment remained astounding nonetheless.
His family was in attendance to see him complete his first pass.
Alex Smith completes his first pass with his family in attendance. #WashingtonFootball
📺: #LARvsWAS on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/BGCKhfX8uY pic.twitter.com/CevNBQXQTS— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2020
Welcome back, Alex.
