Former Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith has announced his retirement from the NFL, posting a retirement video on Instagram.
A former No. 1 overall draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005, Smith first joined the Chiefs in 2013 via trade. In his first season as a starter, he led the Chiefs to a winning record for the first time since 2010. He spent a total of five seasons with the team, bringing it back to a respectable level of play, leading the team to their first playoff win since the 1990s.
Smith started 76 games and compiled a 50-26 record during his career in Kansas City. He finished his time with over 1500 completions for over 17,000 yards with 102 touchdowns and 33 interceptions. Smith played in the Pro Bowl each of the last two years, leading the NFL in passer rating (104.7) during the 2017 season.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CN2j9LohMi4/
Perhaps the most important achievement of Smith’s career with the Chiefs was the mentorship he provided to current Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. Smith provided a foundation for the future at the QB position in Kansas City and for that, fans will always be eternally grateful.
Ahead of the 2018 season, the Chiefs traded Smith to the Washington Football Team, receiving DB Kendall Fuller in return. Smith would start 10 games before suffering a serious leg injury against the Houston Texans during the 2018 NFL season, prompting a miraculous comeback during which he’d earn 2020 Comeback Player of the Year honors.
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