Childhood and Education Journey of Alex Smith in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 11, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Alex Smith. A timeline of key moments.

Alexander Douglas "Alex" Smith is a retired American professional football quarterback. He played college football at the University of Utah, where he achieved All-American status and won the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. Smith was the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, selected by the San Francisco 49ers. He played in the NFL for 16 seasons.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 7, 1984: Alex Smith's Birth

On May 7, 1984, Alexander Douglas Smith, later known as NFL quarterback Alex Smith, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Injury Parallel to Joe Theismann

In 1985, Joe Theismann suffered a career-ending leg fracture in a game 33 years before Alex Smith's injury in 2018. The game ended with the same 23–21 final score as the one in which Theismann was injured.

1989: 49ers throwback jerseys

On November 5, 2006, the 49ers wore the throwback jerseys of the 1989 team in the game in which Alex Smith met Joe Montana.

2003: Liberty Bowl Victory

In 2003, Alex Smith led the Utah Utes to victory in the Liberty Bowl.

2004: Heisman Trophy and Mountain West Conference Honors

In 2004, Alex Smith finished fourth in voting for the Heisman Trophy and was selected as the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year while playing for the Utah Utes.

2005: Fiesta Bowl Victory

In 2005, Alex Smith led the Utah Utes to victory in the Fiesta Bowl.

2005: Fiesta Bowl Win and NFL Draft

In 2005, Alex Smith won the Fiesta Bowl as a senior while playing college football for the Utah Utes. He was also selected first overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 NFL draft.

November 5, 2006: Met Joe Montana for the First Time

On November 5, 2006, Alex Smith met Joe Montana for the first time during a game against the Minnesota Vikings, where the 49ers wore throwback jerseys of the 1989 team.

2007: Founded Alex Smith Foundation and Guardian Scholars Program

In 2007, Alex Smith founded the Alex Smith Foundation and the Alex Smith Guardian Scholars Program to help foster teens attend college. He started the program with $500,000.

2009: Married Elizabeth Barry

In 2009, Alex Smith married Elizabeth Barry, who was a former Oakland Raiders cheerleader. They later had two sons and a daughter together.

2014: Awarded Honorary Doctorate from University of Utah

In 2014, Alex Smith received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Utah and delivered the commencement speech for the graduating class.

November 18, 2018: Severe Leg Injury

On November 18, 2018, during a game against the Houston Texans, Alex Smith suffered a spiral and compound fracture to his tibia and fibula in his right leg after being sacked. The injury drew parallels to Joe Theismann's career-ending leg fracture.

2018: Uncle John L. Smith's Retirement

In 2018, Alex Smith's uncle, John L. Smith, retired from his position as a college football head coach.

May 2020: Project 11 Documentary

In May 2020, ESPN aired a documentary called 'Project 11' that followed Alex Smith's recovery from his severe leg injury.

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2021: Launched 'Just Live' Clothing Collection

In 2021, Alex Smith started a clothing collection called 'Just Live', with all proceeds donated to the Center for the Intrepid, where he underwent much of his rehabilitation.