Alex Smith should bring excellent perspective as TV analyst

While it’s not the move that some members of Chiefs Kingdom wanted to see Alex Smith make on the other side of his playing career, it’s nice to know that we’ll be able to watch his talents in some capacity with the news that the former Kansas City quarterback has accepted a role as a television analyst.

Andrew Marchand of the New York Post broke the news on Wednesday that Alex Smith has accepted a position with ESPN to join the network as a football analyst across multiple shows, although Marchand at least had the specifics that Smith would appear on Monday Night NFL Countdown.

Marchand also reported that ESPN and Smith are both approaching things on a trial basis; that is, if it seems like a win-win situation, then we’ll see more of Smith as time goes on.

Alex Smith should be very good at his new job despite a lack of experience.

Smith’s switch to television comes after his decision to retire from the game earlier this year. Coming on the heels of an incredible comeback from a horrific leg injury, Smith had a 5-1 record in 6 starts for the Washington Football Team in a courageous return to the field.

Chiefs fans were hoping to see turn the page to a coaching career following his retirement announcement, but he should fare very well as a game analyst for ESPN. Smith can speak from a deep well of experience as a player from a number of angles and given his deep connections in the game, he should have plenty of insightful anecdotes and important perspectives to share.

Remember that very few athletes can know the pressures of being the overall top pick in a draft class. Very few can also speak to the ensuing battles to bounce back from being called a bust only to then enjoy sustained success. He’s earned Pro Bowl honors and battled significant season-ending injuries. He also has a wealth of experiencing having been in the league from 2005 to 2020 with five different playoff runs.

In addition, Smith will come with keen insight into the NFL’s most successful team at present given his time with Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. Yet before that, he will also have contacts and insider info from his years with San Francisco as well as Washington.

Smith has always been a strong leader and friendly personality and he will make an excellent addition to any broadcast team as ESPN begins to learn how to best utilize their newest signing.