My Comeback Player of the Year
My Comeback Player of the Year
By: Alejandra Puente
“It’s not about the game. It’s about what happened and getting back on your feet, dusting yourself off no matter what the obstacle is,” said Elizabeth Smith, wife of the current Washington Washington Football Team quarterback, Alex Smith. After being told he would most likely have to amputate his leg, Smith fought his way back to being a starter once again. Smith is one of my nominees for comeback player of the year, and here’s why.
On November 18th, 2018, Alex Smith had a severe leg injury that would jeopardize his entire life. Smith suffered a compound fracture consisting of a tibia and fibula fracture from his ankle up to the knee. Doctors were ready to operate as soon as he came in, but they were not prepared for the infection that came along with him.
Days after Smith’s initial successful surgery, doctors found a flesh-eating infection. They believed that the bacteria came from the field when his wound was open. When his blood pressure started to drop, and his fever spiked, his infection developed into sepsis, threatening his life. Smith then had eight surgeries in 10 days to remove all infected tissue. Afterward, his wife described his leg as just all bone. Doctors had to take some of his right thigh to build his lower left leg, where all the surgeries took place.
In between those surgeries, doctors advised Smith and his family that they might have to end up amputating his leg. His family understood, but the quarterback kept insisting they save his leg. Smith kept fighting and doing everything doctors asked him to so that he could progress. Three plates, 28 screws and pins, and 17 surgeries later, Smith was cleared for physical therapy.
Smith had to exclusively ask permission from the U.S pentagon to access a U.S military facility for his physical therapy. His injury was too severe and needed specific attention and care. That facility was exclusively for military members injured from war. Physical therapists around Smith said his type of injury was typical to them, but his dedication, hard work, and success were not. They were awed in the way he always came into the facility ready to work and get better. There Smith threw his first-ever pass during a visit on February 10th, 2019, since his accident on November 18th, 2018.
On October 11th, 2020, the Washington Football team played against the LA Rams during week five, where starting quarterback Kyle Allen took a hit and left with an arm injury. With Smith active on the roster, he was up next as backup. Replacing Kyle Allen was Alex Smith’s first game since November of 2018.
With his family’s presence and the support of his coach, Ron Rivera, he threw his first professional pass for 6 yards. Smith then also experienced his first sack on his third play and five others throughout the game. In an exclusive interview with 60 Minutes, he reveals that the first hit felt good because it gave him a sense of security that he is okay to come back.
This game would be the first loss of just 3, falling short to the Rams 30-10. The quarterback would lead his team to become the first to beat the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in Pennsylvania. Next, he would defeat the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas that would lead to the NFC East title. The Washington Football Team went on to win their ticket into the postseason against Tom Brady. Despite their loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he ultimately did the unpredicted this season.
Smith’s season ended short because of a strained right calf muscle from back in December. When asking him about his future with football, he is still undecided. According to ESPN, when the quarterback was asked about the time ahead, he said he had a lot of fun this past season being back on the field and locker room. However, Smith has decided to take some time to think about his career in the NFL and discuss it with his wife.
Whether you are a football fan or not, Alex Smith overcame tremendous odds and reached his goals. He not only serves as a great player but is an example for anybody who had nothing but odds against them. Smith’s story inspires others, including myself, to keep going despite my challenges. Yes, I am a woman and a woman of color, but that will not stop me from getting to where I want to be. Alex Smith came back from a life-threatening injury, and even after he was told they were most likely going to amputate his leg, he never lost faith. He is my comeback player of the year because of his resilience and the admirable path he has made for himself. He motivates others and me to keep working hard, never lose faith, and always look forward no matter how hard it gets. Smith’s story is more than just football. It is a demonstration that there will always be a way to get to where you want to be despite what happens.