Alexander Douglas Smith is a former American football quarterback who played in the NFL for 16 seasons. He played college football at Utah, where he received first-team All-American honors and won the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. Following his collegiate success, he was selected first overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft.
During his first season with Washington, Alex suffered a life-threatening injury to his right leg that nearly resulted in amputation. Although expected to never play again, he overcame his injuries and completed a lengthy rehabilitation process that allowed him to play in 2020. He became Washington’s starter midway through the season, leading the team to a division title and earning him NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Smith retired during the 2021 off-season after he was released by Washington. His return from injury is cited as among the greatest in NFL history.