Alex Smith’s family exhibits continual strength through trials

Alex Smith and his family continue to exhibit tremendous strength and character in the face of trials even after his retirement.

There are some burdens that Alex Smith was supposed to bear—the ones that come with any high draft pick or leader of a sports franchise. These are the ones that he was prepared for ahead of time, the ones he knew very well that he was walking into. While he was a quarterback in the National Football League, Smith handled the twists and turns of a life in professional sports with strength and integrity.

Beyond that, however, Smith has unfortunately found himself tested again and again in other ways—surprising hurdles that have presented themselves either to him or his family—which have forced him to continue to exhibit courage under fire and character in the face of tragedy. The latest problem facing the Smith family is the most unfair of all—and yet here we continue to see Smith and his family serving as faith-filled examples of hope in the face of uncertainty.

If you missed the most recent announcement dm the former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback revealed his youngest child and only daughter, Sloane, underwent emergency surgery for a brain tumor no one knew she even had.

"“On May 10th, Sloane was rushed to the ER with stroke-like symptoms. She had an MRI and the doctors quickly informed us she had a large brain tumor and needed an emergency craniotomy.”"

Smith goes on to detail the 10-hour surgery and the emotions surrounding it. He informs his fans and followers of a few positive notes: that the doctors got 100 percent of the tumor and that Sloane is back to herself. Unfortunately, Smith also admits that the treatment going forward is unknown given the rarity of the disease.

For those who have watched Smith over the years, this latest bit of news is the ultimate slap in the face of a family who have showcased meaningful leadership and a strong civic presence wherever they’ve gone. Never mind the ways in which Smith was disrespected as a former top draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers. Forget about the horrific knee injury that robbed him of the last stage(s) of his career in Washington. This is another level entirely.

From the moment he first took over the helm as the Chiefs starting quarterback, he was a model of stability and professionalism. When told he would eventually turn the keys over to Patrick Mahomes as the Chiefs starting QB, Smith never once complained publicly and instead allowed his performance to do the talking for him. By year’s end, Mahomes was more than ready for the role and Smith was honored as an exemplary teammate and leader.

When forced out by a complex fracture of his leg, made even worse by infection in the hospital, Smith displayed the sort of determination and grit that teams dream of having in a leader. Fans never once saw a “woe is me” demeanor. Instead, Smith asked for fan support and prayers and stayed positive while going through painful rehabilitation.

Nothing here is fair, especially this latest chapter involving his daughter, but the gift we’re given once again is a chance to witness a family persevering together. As Smith says, “We know it’s not over and we have a journey ahead of us, but without all of you we could not have gotten this far.” Yet in watching his family get to this point, their journey informs our journey, letting us know that it’s possible to face our own demons, to find ourselves heartened against our own enemies, to make the best of our own days.

Much has been written about Smith’s excellence on the field and the sustained era of success he helped usher in, but it’s always been Smith as a three-dimensional person that was the best part of having him as a part of Chiefs Kingdom. The Smiths were and continue to be a model family—not for the ways in which they’re blessed but for the true colors revealed over time in the face of adversity.

Now we can only hope and pray along with the Smiths for a continued positive outcome for Sloane in her long-term health.