LOCALS IN THE NFL
Images Of Former Utah QB Alex Smith’s Devastating 2018 Injury Released Prior to E:60 Docuseries
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – ESPN teased its upcoming “Project 11” docuseries and released images of former Utah and current Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith’s career-altering injury from 2018.
The images of Smith’s devastating injury and recovery process were shared days before the docuseries’ scheduled air date.
Due to the graphic nature of the injury, we aren’t including images within this story. Click here if you are interested in seeing an image of Smith’s leg days after his injury.
Warning: Viewer discretion is advised.
The much-anticipated episode of E:60 featuring Smith’s recovery from the leg injury is set to air Friday, May 1, 2020.
This week, @E60 documents #NFL QB Alex Smith's courageous recovery from a gruesome leg injury suffered while playing for the @Redskins in 2018
'Project 11' includes unprecedented access, new interviews & more
Friday | 7:30 p ET | ESPN, ESPN Apphttps://t.co/cIyUW6LKsF pic.twitter.com/fh5iGRoJpF
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) April 28, 2020
Alex Smith’s 2018 Injury & Rehab
The former Utah quarterback suffered a broken fibula and tibia during Washington’s game against the Houston Texans on November 18, 2018.
In addition to repairing his broken fibula and tibia, Smith had multiple procedures to remove tissue after he developed an infection.
Smith said that he’s had 17 surgeries since the injury.
On the first night of the NFL draft 15 years ago, QB Alex Smith was the first overall pick. Little did he know how close he would come to losing his life while playing the game he loves.
His story – his journey back – airs next Friday, May 1, 7:30 pm ET, @E60 on @espn. pic.twitter.com/gezjCxZ6yA— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) April 26, 2020
Despite the brutal injury and tough recovery process, Smith said that his goal is to get back on the football field and continue his NFL career.
“Without a doubt,” Smith told reporters on Monday, December 30, one day after the Redskins’ 2019 season finale. “I still have dreams of getting back to where I was and getting back out there. This has been obviously a crazy ride with a lot of unforeseen turns, but without a doubt, that’s still my goal.”
Alex Smith says “without a doubt” his plan is to return to the football field pic.twitter.com/rsJnASp0wf
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 30, 2019
Smith said that he is still rehabbing from the brutal injury that he suffered more than a year ago.
“Progressing. That’s probably the best way to put that at this point,” Smith said of his recovery. “Still progressing, which I’m thankful for. Haven’t hit a wall yet and still moving forward.”
Alex Smith’s Football Career
Smith has played in the NFL since 2005. He was drafted out of Utah by the San Francisco 49ers with the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
He’s been a member of the Niners, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins.
In 2018, his first season with the Redskins, Smith passed for 2,180 yards with a 62.5 completion percentage. He threw 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 10 games before going out with the injury.
Through 166 career games, Smith has completed 62.4 percent of his throws for 34,068 yards, 193 touchdowns, and 101 interceptions.
ESPN's @E60 documents NFL QB Alex Smith’s courageous recovery from the gruesome leg injury he suffered in 2018.
From @Stephania_ESPN & producer @Dberg414, #Project11 incl unprecedented access, interviews, and never-seen video/photos. 📺Fri -730p ET, ESPNhttps://t.co/yK9lXsXZl7 pic.twitter.com/i4jBzej4tQ
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) April 28, 2020
The “Project 11” docuseries will air on Friday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN and the ESPN App.
