Alex Smith's Inspirational return to the Football Field

October 11th, 2020 is a date that should be remembered for years to come. That is the date that Washington quarterback Alex Smith took the field again for the first time since 2018. Smith's family was in attendance for one of the most memorable moments in their lives. Smith had a gruesome leg injury back in 2018 and there was concern that he may play football again or ever walk. There were even life threatening moments because of infection in the leg.. 17 surgeries later, they were able to save his life as well as his leg. He spent the next two years rehabbing his leg but kept his spirits high. Despite missing the last two season, the team never cut Smith off the team with the hopes of him being able to make a comeback.

Pre injury, Smith was playing really good football especially for the Kansas City Chiefs. He made three pro bowls in just five seasons with the team and had a 50-26 record with the team with 4 playoff appearances. Since 2011, he has never had a losing record as a starter and had won at least ten games as a starter in four seasons.

In 2018, Smith was traded to Washington. He played ten games for the team that year and had a 6-4 record before suffering the injury. Since being named the starter, Smith has gone 3-1 this season with the one loss being on a game-winning field goal as time expired. Smith was able to lead the team to a huge Thanksgiving win against the Cowboys 41-16 and even that wasn't the biggest win of the year. The biggest win of the year came on Monday when they went on the road and beat the previously unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers 23-17 in might have been the biggest upset of the entire NFL season. Smith went 31 for 46 for 296 yards and one touchdown.

This was an inspirational performance by Smith that even peers like Texans defensive end JJ Watt wanted to let it be heard. Watt said " What Alex Smith has done is unbelievable. Comeback Player of the Year even before taking a snap. But playing winning football after everything he’s been through is even more incredible."

During the season, Smith has thrown for 1,363 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. The numbers might not be the out of this world but the fact that he is even playing in the league a huge accomplishment on its own. He is defying all odds right now and that alone should warrant him getting the Comeback Player of the Year award this season. With four games to go, Washington will have a chance to clinch the NFC East title for the first time since 2015 and fitting would it be for Smith to be the quarterback to lead them there. What happens after this season is still up in the air but Smith will always be remembered for what he did this season playoffs or no playoffs.