SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Elizabeth Smith, the wife of former Utah Utes and current Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith, shared photos on social media of her husband’s brace, now shaped into a replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The NFL quarterback required the external fixator brace after suffering a season-ending leg injury in November 2018.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is presented annually to the Super Bowl-winning NFL team.

After missing the entire 2019 season, Smith has started multiple games for Washington this season and is expected to start at quarterback in Week 17.

“Waiting for this game and I’m a nervous wreck. I look up at our bookshelves as a reminder of where we have been and the hard work to get to this moment. No matter the outcome, Alex has already won. He has beat the largest challenge life has thrown our way. I am incredibly proud and will be cheering loud. Let’s go Washington!” Elizabeth Smith posted on Instagram. “Special thanks to @coldhardart for transforming a symbol of hard times to a trophy of triumph we can proudly put on our shelves.”

 

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A post shared by Elizabeth Smith (@lizbsmith11)

Washington is scheduled to finish the 2020 regular season on the road against the Eagles on Sunday, January 3.

Smith hasn’t played since suffering a calf strain in Week 14.

Washington has dropped two consecutive games with Smith inactive and unable to play.

Washington is planning to start QB Alex Smith on Sunday night vs the #Eagles, sources say. He came out of the practice week with his calf feeling fine and should be good to go for the win-and-in game. The team will still check him Sunday morning to be sure.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2021

After starting the game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 13, Smith exited the game and did not play in the second half after suffering a leg injury.

Alex Smith, Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson are questionable for Week 17. https://t.co/BtHg6DIbDG

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) January 1, 2021

Alex Smith’s Injury History

In November 2018, Smith suffered a brutal season-ending injury to his right leg, the same leg injured against the Niners.

The injury resulted in more than a dozen surgeries and an infection that jeopardized not only his limb but his life.

Smith’s comeback reached another level this season as he made Washington’s active roster to begin the season.

Alex Smith in 2020

On October 11, Washington quarterback Kyle Allen went out of a game due to an injury, and Smith was inserted into the game. It was his first time playing in an NFL game in two seasons.

A couple of weeks later, Allen suffered a season-ending injury.

Washingon head coach Ron Rivera named Smith the team’s starting quarterback.

Alex Smith got his first win since suffering his devastating leg injury two years ago.

Forever inspiring 👏 pic.twitter.com/soFXlbZimK

— ESPN (@espn) November 22, 2020

Smith’s play helped Washington to a 4-1 record in the games he started, including four straight victories.

From an injury that nearly ended his career to beating the undefeated Steelers.

What a journey for Alex Smith 👏 (h/t @JJWatt) pic.twitter.com/JIjcHXOC7o

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2020

This season, Smith has thrown for 1,420 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 66.4 percent completion rate.

The team currently owns a 6-9 record this season and sits in first place in the NFC East.

Washington’s game against Philadelphia will kick-off on Sunday, January 2 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on KSL TV.