NFL Players, Broadcasters, Others React To ‘Project 11’ Documentary About Alex Smith’s 2018 Injury

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – NFL players, sports broadcasters, and others shared their reactions after learning the details of former Utah Utes and current Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith’s 2018 leg injury that aired during the E:60 documentary, “Project 11.”

The documentary about Smith’s brutal injury was televised on ESPN on Friday, May 1.

Throughout the hour-long special, the quarterback revealed details of his injury, including whether to amputate the limb due to a flesh-eating bacteria that infected his leg.

During and after the documentary, former and current NFL players (including some of Smith’s teammates), as well as sports broadcasters and more, posted their reactions to the special on social media.

Social Media Reacts To Alex Smith Documentary

Former teammate of Alex Smith, current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, and Super Bowl LIV MVP Patrick Mahomes let everyone know how he spent his Friday night.

#Project11 💪🏽💪🏽

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) May 1, 2020

Utah football’s official Twitter account tweeted, “Alex Smith is an inspiration.”

Alex Smith is an inspiration. #Project11

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) May 2, 2020

The Utes’ defensive coordinator, Morgan Scalley, had his eyes glued to “Project 11.”

#Project11 👀

— Morgan Scalley (@SafetyPride) May 1, 2020

So did former Utah and NFL defensive back Eric Weddle.

#Project11

— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) May 1, 2020

Former Utah and Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson said, “Amazing what Alex Smith has been through. Always rooting for him.”

Amazing what Alex Smith has been through. Always rooting for him. #Project11

— Jamal Anderson (@jamthedirtybird) May 2, 2020

Former Utah and current Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick said that the documentary “is a must watch.”

#Project11 Is a must watch 🔥

— Tim Patrick (@Tpstreets) May 2, 2020

Former Chiefs teammate of Smith, Spencer Ware posted, “If you watching “Project 11″ that’s why you need to protect the QB.”

If you watching #Project11 Thats why you need to protect the QB . Running backs are last line of defense. #invest in your investments @NFL. Running backs that take pride in fighting for one another with or without the ball = UNLIMITED VALUE. #FoWhat #ItsWorth #Alexsmith💪🏾

— Spencer Ware (@spenceware11) May 2, 2020

Former NFL QB and current sports broadcaster, Matt Hasselbeck said that “Project 11” was “simply amazing.”

Simply amazing. 👏 #Project11

— Matt Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) May 2, 2020

Former Indianapolis Colts specialist and current broadcaster, Pat McAfee tweeted, “The fact that Alex Smith is walking and running again is INSANE.”

The fact that Alex Smith is walking and running again is INSANE

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 2, 2020

Former Redskins tight end Garrett Hudson posted that “Project 11” “gives great perspective on Alex Smith, one of the toughest competitors and leaders I got the pleasure of playing with.”

Everybody needs to tune in to “Project 11” on ESPN. Gives great perspective on Alex Smith, one of the toughest competitors and leaders I got the pleasure of playing with #Project11 pic.twitter.com/jkJl1fWh0x

— Garrett Hudson (@G_Hudson46) May 1, 2020

Seattle Seahawks receiver Cody Thompson shared that he has “so much respect and admiration for Alex Smith. His outlook, his situation, and determination to get back is incredible. Wish you all the best! God speed.”

So much respect and admiration for Alex Smith. His outlook his situation and determination to get back is incredible! Wish you all the best! God speed🙏🏼 #Project11

— Cody Thompson (@cthom1441) May 2, 2020

NFL long snapper Matt Overton said that “Project 11” made him an “even bigger Alex Smith fan.”

Even Bigger Alex Smith Fan

Incredible 🙏 #Project11

— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) May 2, 2020

Former Redskins linebacker London Fletcher simply stated, “Oh my goodness.”

Oh my goodness #Project11

— TheIronman (@LFletcher59) May 2, 2020

ESPN’s Steve Levy posted, “I imagine the majority of us are reacting with ‘I knew, but I didn’t know.'”

Kudos to the @E60 crew and @Stephania_ESPN for their excellent work on #Project11 – I imagine the majority of us are reacting with "I knew, but I didn't know"…

Alex Smith has many more fans tonight…

— Steve Levy (@espnSteveLevy) May 2, 2020

Former NFL safety and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick shared that “Alex Smith’s wife Elizabeth could not be more of a life partner and supporter than she obviously has been. I’m blown away by what they went through as a couple and now coming out the other side.”

Should have said this originally as well…Alex Smith’s wife Elizabeth could not be more of a life partner and supporter than she obviously has been. I’m blown away by what they went through as a couple and are now coming out the other side. Great job @E60 #Project11

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) May 2, 2020

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen also shared his thoughts on Smith’s wife, Elizabeth. “Alex Smith’s wife, Elizabeth, has been such a pillar and now we understand why she was so protective in the weeks and months after her husband mangled his leg,” posted Mortensen. “Horrifying. Humbling. Heroic.”

Alex Smith's wife, @lizbsmith11, has been such a pillar and now we understand why she was so protective in the weeks & months after her husband mangled his leg Nov. 18, 2018, thanks to this amazing E60 documentary by @Stephania_ESPN on #Project11. Horrifying. Humbling. Heroic. 🙏

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) May 2, 2020

ESPN broadcaster and the wife of former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder, Sam Ponder tweeted, “Just an unbelievable journey. Elizabeth Smith, y’all are so strong and inspiring. We take so much for granted. Health is such a gift.”

Wow I need to watch this Disney movie after that!! 😳😩 Just an unbelievable journey… @lizbsmith11 y’all are so strong and inspiring. We take so much for granted. Health is such a gift. ❤️ #Project11 amazing job @Stephania_ESPN

— Sam Ponder (@sam_ponder) May 2, 2020

Broadcaster Will Cain shared, “The E:60 Alex Smith story is incredible.”

The @E60 Alex Smith story is incredible. @Stephania_ESPN excellent work. #Project11

— Will Cain (@willcain) May 2, 2020