Alex Smith

Alex Smith wasa three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who saved his most inspirational act for last. After a devastating leg injury that required 17 surgeries, Smith found a way back to the field with the Washington Football Team in 2020. He helped them win the NFC East Division title and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year before retiring after the season. Smith already was prepared to battle adversity based on the challenges he overcame in his career.

The San Francisco 49ers originally selected Smith with the first overall pick in 2005, but he struggled to find his footing in the NFL. Due to injuries and going through six offensive coordinators in six years, Smith did not truly break out until 2011. That season, he threw for 3,144 yards, 17 touchdowns, and led the Niners to the NFC West title.Smith was off to an even stronger 2012, but suffered a concussion and was replaced for the rest of the season by Colin Kaepernick. Despite the demotion, Smith would bounce back yet again, this time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith set career highs in yards and touchdowns in 2013, made his first Pro Bowl, and helped the Chiefs to the playoffs. He originally gained football acclaim at the University of Utah under Urban Meyer.Smith was 21-1 in his career for the Utes and won Mountain West Player of the Year while leading the school to victory in the Fiesta Bowl his junior season.