Alex Smith's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Alex Smith.

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

2003: Liberty Bowl Victory

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

2004: Heisman Trophy Finalist

In 2004, Alex Smith and Reggie Bush, then teammates at Helix High School, were both finalists for the Heisman Trophy. This was the first time a high school had two finalists at the same ceremony.

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.

2005: Reggie Bush Wins the Heisman Trophy

Reggie Bush, former teammate of Alex Smith, won the Heisman Trophy award in 2005.

2010: Named 11th-Smartest Athlete in Sports

In 2010, Alex Smith was chosen as the 11th-smartest athlete in sports by Sporting News.

2011: Led 49ers to a 13-3 record and first-round bye

In 2011, Alex Smith helped lead the 49ers to a 13–3 record in the regular season, which included five come-from-behind victories. The 49ers earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. This marked Smith's first playoff appearance after 7 seasons with the 49ers.

2011: Led 49ers to Division Title and Playoff Win

In 2011, Alex Smith led the San Francisco 49ers to their first division title and playoff win since 2002. The team also made their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1997.

2011: Statistical Improvements and Team Ranking

In 2011, the 49ers achieved their highest win total since 1997 but were ranked 29th in the NFL for total passing yardage. Despite this, Smith had his first season with over 3,000 passing yards and set personal single-season bests in pass attempts (445), completions (273), completion percentage (61.3%), passing yards (3,144), average per pass (7.1 yards), passer rating (90.7), rushing attempts (52), rushing yards (179), and total touchdowns (19). He also threw a league-low 5 interceptions.

2012: Losing Starting Job

In 2012, after recovering from a concussion, Alex Smith was medically cleared to play, but coach Jim Harbaugh chose to continue starting Colin Kaepernick, leading to Smith losing his starting quarterback job despite his high passer rating and completion percentage. However, Smith was named to the USA Today All Joe Team for the second year in a row, and was also named the captain of the team.

December 15, 2013: Perfect Passer Rating

On December 15, 2013, Alex Smith earned his first and only perfect passer rating while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. He completed 17 of 20 passes for 287 yards and 5 touchdowns in a victory over the Oakland Raiders.

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.

2015: Chiefs' First Playoff Victory Since 1993

In 2015, Alex Smith guided the Kansas City Chiefs to their first playoff victory since 1993.

2015: Pro Bowl Election and Playoff Victory

In 2015, Alex Smith was elected to the Pro Bowl as an alternate, but declined the offer. He led the Chiefs to the playoffs, defeating the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. He was later named team MVP alongside Eric Berry. At the end of the season, Sports Illustrated named Smith the best-looking quarterback in the NFL.

2016: Comeback Victory and Career Highs

In 2016, Alex Smith led a fourth quarter comeback over the San Diego Chargers. He posted a career-high passing yards with 3,502 and a career-high 328 completions despite missing one game. He also ran for a career-high five touchdowns.

2016: Ranked 81st on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2016, Alex Smith was recognized as the 81st best player by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players.

2017: Career Highs and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2017, Alex Smith finished the regular season with career highs of 4,042 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. He was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl, eventually replacing the injured Philip Rivers. Smith also contributed to the development of Patrick Mahomes.

2017: Received Pro Bowl Selection and Led League in Passer Rating

In 2017, Alex Smith received a Pro Bowl selection with the Kansas City Chiefs and also led the league in passer rating.

2017: Ranked 81st on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2017, Alex Smith was ranked 81st by his fellow players for the second consecutive year on the NFL Top 100 Players.

July 2020: Cleared to Resume Football Activities

In July 2020, Alex Smith was cleared by his doctors to resume football activities after recovering from a severe leg injury.

August 16, 2020: Activated from PUP List

On August 16, 2020, Alex Smith was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, marking a significant step in his return to football.

2020: Return to Football and Comeback Player of the Year

In 2020, Alex Smith completed a remarkable rehabilitation, returning to the Washington team, leading them to a division title, and earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors.

2020: Return to NFL after Injury

In 2020, Alex Smith made his first game appearance since his injury against the Los Angeles Rams. He threw for 325 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions in a game against the New York Giants and led Washington to an upset victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also had his first win since the injury in a 20–9 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.