Smith's inspiring performance that season earned him NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors and his return from injury is cited as among the greatest in league history. Not only that, he went 5-1 as the starter and led Washington to a surprise division title in a down NFC East. Although most expected him to never play football again, he would not be denied and underwent a lengthy two-year rehabilitation process and returned in 2020.Īfter serving as the third-string quarterback under Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen, Smith completed his incredible redemption story and returned midway through the 2020 season. The life-threatening injury to Smith's right leg almost resulted in amputation. It is a thankless role, and one that requires him to not only prepare the defense as a scout-team quarterback, but also have a grasp of the offensive game plan each week. Smith struggled with consistency and injuries until 2011 when he led the 49ers to their first division title and playoff win since 2002, along with their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1997. After spending time as the starter for the Niners and Kansas City Chiefs, he signed for the now-Washington Commanders in 2018 and led them to a 6-4 record before suffering one of the most devastating injuries in memory. Foles is the primary backup for the Chiefs, always just one play away from having to go into the game under center. He was selected first overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft.

1 overall pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2005, Alex Smith played 16 seasons in the NFL at quarterback.

Chiefs backup qb 2005