NFL fans were surprised to see the extent of former quarterback Alex Smith’s leg injuries.
The former Kansas City Chiefs QB retired from football in 2021 after sixteen seasons in the league.
3
3
Smith suffered a fracture to his right tibia and fibula during a game against the Houston Texans in November 2018.
The 40-year-old developed necrotizing fasciitis and required 17 surgeries over a grueling 9-month period.
Smith was not expected to return to playing football, but he somehow did, despite doctors initially fearing his leg would have to be amputated.
The former Utah star was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from a gruesome injury to play in the 2020 season.
He helped lead the Washington Commanders to the postseason upon his return to action in what would be his final year in the NFL.
Smith is now a retired enthusiastic cyclist and last year cycled 200 miles across Massachusetts for the Pan-Mass Challenge, according to the Boston Herald.
He uploaded a photo from a walk on Sunday, showing an accidental tan line.
“Probably should have put on sunscreen,” he captioned the photo shared with his 88,000 Instagram followers.
Most read in American football
And NFL fans were surprised to see how the surgeries left marks on his right leg.
“Crazy he came back and played after that,” one fan wrote on X in response to the snap.
“They should rename the comeback player award Alex Smith Comeback Player of the Year,” said another.
“Wow, that’s horrible, can he walk?” gasped a third.
“To think he made the playoffs even with this injury,” added a fourth.
Smith was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2005.
Watch the NFL live this season
*If you click a link in this box, we may earn affiliate income.
With this season’s schedule now revealed, eager NFL fans are looking to secure tickets to their favorite games.
You can start buying tickets for some games on several websites now:
Before purchasing tickets from resale sites, check the prices as they are third-party sellers and, more importantly, the cost may vary depending on demand. You can pay more than an official ticket, but you can also get good last-minute deals.
But if you can’t make it in person, don’t worry, there’s still time to set up your stream before the season starts.
You can also stay up to date with the latest NFL coverage right here at The US Sun.
He spent seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Chiefs in 2013.
Smith has made three Pro Bowls and in 2017 was the NFL’s passer rating leader.
After his move to Washington and a long rehabilitation, he was cleared by doctors to resume football activities in July 2020.
Smith had a 5–1 record during his play the following season and helped the Commanders reach the playoffs.
He threw for 162 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in a 20-14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles as Washington clinched the NFC East in a tense season finale.
It would be his last NFL game, with Smith kept out of the playoffs due to persistent leg problems.
After retirement, Smith joined ESPN as an analyst.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
