Is Alex Smith Still Playing Professional Football
Alex Smith is not currently playing professional football. He officially announced his retirement from the NFL on March 13, 2021, after 16 seasons in the league. His last game was the Wild Card Round of the 2020 NFL Playoffs on January 5, 2020, where he played for the Washington Football Team. Since then, he has not signed with any team or appeared in any regular-season or postseason games. His retirement is considered permanent, and he has transitioned entirely to a post-playing career.
The question "does alex smith still play football" is answered definitively by his retirement announcement and subsequent activities. He has not returned to the field as a player in any capacity, including preseason games, training camps, or league events. His last on-field action was a pass completion in the 2020 Wild Card game. The NFL record books list him as a retired quarterback, and his player profile reflects his inactive status. He now focuses on business, media, and mentorship roles outside of active competition.
Alex Smith's Career Timeline and Key Achievements
Draft, Early Career, and Injury Recovery
Alex Smith was selected as the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He played for the 49ers from 2005 to 2012, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2012. His career faced a major setback in 2018 when he suffered a severe right leg injury during a game for the Washington Redskins. The injury required multiple surgeries and a long rehabilitation process. His return to the NFL in 2020 with the Washington Football Team was widely covered as a remarkable comeback story.
Smith's career statistics include 3,314 completions, 38,134 passing yards, and 196 touchdown passes over his 16-year career. He led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game in the 2011 season. His comeback in 2020 earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award from the Pro Football Writers of America. He played his final season with a 7-6 record as a starter for Washington. His career is documented in league records and detailed on his official NFL player page.
Alex Smith's Current Activities and Post-Retirement Role
Broadcasting and Business Ventures
After retiring, Alex Smith moved into broadcasting and media. He has appeared as a football analyst and guest on various sports networks and podcasts. He also focuses on his business ventures and philanthropic efforts through the Alex Smith Foundation, which supports youth education and health initiatives. His post-football life includes public speaking and mentorship roles for young quarterbacks. He is not involved in any current NFL team's roster or coaching staff as of the latest available information.
The foundation and his media work represent his primary focus now. He has not indicated any plans to return to the NFL as a player, coach, or front-office executive. His legacy is often discussed in relation to his resilience and longevity in the league. For more details on his career stats and retirement, you can refer to the official NFL website and his player profile page.