Photo from Google Images
Hollywood writers are scrambling right now to produce the Alex Smith movie. ESPN’s E60 did Project 11-The Alex Smith Story and it horrifyingly fantastic. It’s not for anyone with a weak stomach. E60 didn’t get to write an ending to his story.
The play that changed everything was on November 18, 2018 against the Texans in FedEx Field. After the ball was snapped, Kareem Jackson and J.J. Watt both tackled Smith to the ground where Smith’s leg buckled and broke. Ironically, it was 33-years to the day that Redskins quarterback, Joe Theismann broke his leg.
Smith went to the operating room immediately after X-rays showed there was bone sticking out from his skin. The surgery went well after multiple plates and screws were placed in his tibia and fibula. But then, there was an infection. The infection grew slow and then his fever went through the roof. His blood work showed bacteria was in his bloodstream and when the doctors unwrapped his leg, the images will have you dry heaving. However, the situation quickly changed from saving his leg to saving his life.
It took days to remove all of the infected tissue from Smith’s body. Most of the muscle in Smith’s leg was gone. The next step was to try to save his leg by using other parts of muscle and skin from his body.
It took 17, SEVENTEEN, total surgeries to fix his leg, save his leg and then save his life! It took 239 days after the injury, for the brace come off. Holding back tears, Smith said “I don’t feel like I’m a mushy person. It’s just a lot that so many people have put into this. I never thought this day would actually come.”
Now, fast forward to week 5. Dwayne Haskins was ruled inactive with a “stomach bug” and Kyle Allen was named the starter. Late in the second half with the rain coming down, Allen took a nasty hit and Allen was taken out of the game.
For the first time in two years, a 36-year old Alex Smith was active and coming in to play for the Washington Redskins Football Team. The camera showed his wife and his children in the stands. His kids were jumping and cheering for their dad while his wife was in tears. I’m not sure how any human watching with a soul wasn’t feeling the emotions too. In other words, name a better comeback in sports!
The second half in FedEx field was typical Washington football. The 30-10 loss to the Rams wasn’t a surprise. The offensive line is unwatchable, the play calling continues to make you cringe, and the defense can’t play four quarters when the offense is 2-13 on 3rd downs. Yes, Haskins is easy to blame and we all know it’s not ALL because of him. The difference is we just don’t like Haskin’s attitude. He makes it hard to root for him.
Finally, FINALLY, with Alex Smith active, we have something to root for again. Smith is a reminder that miracles do happen. It doesn’t matter how he played today, all that mattered is the fact that HE PLAYED! It doesn’t matter if the Washington Football Team loses every game for the rest of the season. What matters now is that we have a Comeback to root for.