Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith said he heard many people ask why he wanted to make this comeback.
Nearly two years away from a compound leg fracture that required multiple surgeries following a life-threatening infection, Smith is a day away from hitting the practice field in full pads.
“In the NFL world, I’m an old boy,” Smith said Monday during a team broadcast of why he was pushing to return. “I’m a dinosaur. But in the larger aspect of life I’m 36 years old. I have three small children. I have the rest of my life for me. Oddly enough, I do this myself for them, as crazy as it sounds. I know if I can get out and play quarterback, I can do something else in life. “
Smith suffered a compound fracture during a November 2018 game against the Houston Texans, causing him to break his tibia and fibula. He underwent 17 surgeries after contracting the infection.
Since the operations, Smith had undergone severe rehabilitation to strengthen his leg.
Smith was activated from the physical inability to perform list Sunday, clearing his return to full contact exercises. Washington’s first practice in full pads is set for Tuesday.
“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to put that jersey on the last two days and go out and try to do it,” Smith continued. “For me, it takes on that challenge. I do not think it’s something I can walk away and sleep at night. If I did, I do not think I could look my children in the eye and talk to them about it. to give everything and by pushing things through. We all face adversity in life. It comes in different forms. Did I want to talk about it or about it? “
On August 4, head coach Ron Rivera said he was so impressed with Smith’s progress that he can “imagine” Smith in a quarterback league with second-year passer and upcoming starter Dwayne Haskins.
“However this comes out, I’ll be better off for it,” Smith said. “I keep making profits. I’m getting better, even in these last few weeks. That keeps me excited so I can keep pushing. At some point I’ll figure out what my limitations are, but I’ve found them still. “
