As Alex Smith leaves his 14-year career in the NFL, he has had many memorable accomplishments in his career—from being the first pick in the 2005 NFL Draft with the San Francisco 49ers, to coming back from one of the most gruesome injuries in NFL history and helping lead the Washington Football Team to the playoffs this year. His greatest career moment could be considered his all-time duel in the 2012 NFC Divisional Round against Drew Brees to take the 49ers to the NFC Championship, or the fact that he even played this season after having his life possibly taken away from him.
Smith’s career had many different storylines and a great impact on the NFL and the K.C. Chiefs, especially head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Both leaders recently spoke glowingly of Smith and commented on his retirement in a press conference on Monday.
Reid came to the Chiefs in 2013, following his firing from the Philadelphia Eagles. HIs arrival was met with a trade for Smith, who was Reid’s starting quarterback for five years. In the press conference, Reid noted Smith’s character and his impact on the teams he has played for. “He’s just a heck of a person, had a great career, played so many years here with different teams and everywhere he went, he made them better.” Reid said. “He is really a special, special person. He’ll go down as one of my all-time favorites.”
Mahomes was drafted in 2017 to be Smith’s successor. It has previously been highlighted how a Smith was a good mentor for Mahomes and he spoke about that Monday. “I’m just grateful for the time that I had with him that really developed me to be the quarterback that I am today.”
Smith filled his time in the NFL with plenty of memorable moments, including many in his five years in Kansas City, and his presence helped lift the Chiefs from being among the more mediocre teams in the league to their current status as an elite organization.