Former Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith was named 2020 NFL comeback player of the year after one of the most improbable and epic comebacks in sports history.
On Monday, the now-retired Smith received another award when he was named the 2021 George Halas Award winner. The George Halas Award is given annually to any player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.
The Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) votes on the award.
Smith won the award over other finalists, which included Indianapolis linebacker Darius Leonard, Washington coach Ron Rivera and New England running back James White.
Smith is 53rd winner of the award and is the third Washington player ever to win the award. Billy Kilmer won the award in 1976, and Pat Fischer won the award in 1978.
George Halas is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and won 324 career games and six NFL championships during his 40 seasons as coach. Halas was also the founder and owner of the Chicago Bears.
Alex Smith announced his retirement from the NFL in April.