History of Geno Smith in Timeline
Geno Smith is an American professional football quarterback. He played college football for West Virginia University, where he broke passing records and won awards. Drafted by the New York Jets in 2013, he currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
October 10, 1990: Birth of Geno Smith
Geno Smith was born on October 10, 1990.
2000: Tom Brady's Orange Bowl Record
Tom Brady set the Orange Bowl passing record in 2000.
2007: High School Success and Elite 11 Camp
As a junior in high school in 2007, Geno Smith excelled as a quarterback, passing for 2,200 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. His performance earned him second-team all-state and all-county honors. He was also invited to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp.
2007: Brian Brohm's Big East Passing Record
Brian Brohm set the Big East single-season passing record in 2007.
2007: Record-Breaking Performance Against UNLV (2007)
Geno Smith had a standout performance against UNLV in 2007, throwing for 220 yards and contributing to West Virginia's 49-10 victory, marking the most points scored by WVU since 2007 against Connecticut.
2007: Victory over Cincinnati and Big East Offensive Player of the Week Honors
Geno Smith led West Virginia to a 37-10 win over Cincinnati in 2007, ending a two-game losing streak. This victory marked the Mountaineers' first win against Cincinnati since 2007. His performance earned him his second Big East Offensive Player of the Week award.
2007: Tying a Big East Record for 300-Yard Games
In 2007, Geno Smith tied a Big East record by achieving his seventh 300-yard passing game of the season, matching the record set by Brian Brohm of Louisville in 2007.
2009: Start of College Football Career at West Virginia University
Geno Smith began his college football career at West Virginia University, playing for the West Virginia Mountaineers in 2009.
2010: First Season as Starting Quarterback at West Virginia
In 2010, Geno Smith became the starting quarterback for the West Virginia Mountaineers. He led the team to a season-opening shutout victory against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.
2010: Victories over Pittsburgh and Rutgers, and Champs Sports Bowl Appearance
In 2010, Geno Smith led West Virginia to victories against Pittsburgh and Rutgers. The team concluded the season with a loss to North Carolina State in the Champs Sports Bowl.
September 24, 2011: Record-Breaking Performance Against LSU
On September 24, 2011, during a game against the #2 ranked LSU Tigers, Geno Smith set school records at West Virginia for completions (38), attempts (65), and passing yards (463) in a single game.
2012: Record-Breaking Performance in the Orange Bowl
In the 2012 Orange Bowl, Geno Smith led West Virginia to a resounding victory against the Clemson Tigers, tying three individual bowl records: most touchdown passes (six), most touchdowns overall (seven), and total points (42). He also surpassed Tom Brady's Orange Bowl passing record of 396 yards set in 2000 and became the Big East single-season passing leader, breaking Brian Brohm's 2007 record.
2012: End of College Football Career at West Virginia University
Geno Smith finished his college football career at West Virginia University in 2012.
May 22, 2013: Signing with Roc Nation Sports
On May 22, 2013, Geno Smith signed with Roc Nation Sports, with Kimberley Miale as his agent. This move followed his decision to part ways with his previous agency, Select Sports Group.
July 22, 2013: Signing with the New York Jets
On July 22, 2013, Geno Smith signed a four-year, $5 million contract with the New York Jets.
August 9, 2013: NFL Debut and Ankle Injury
Geno Smith made his NFL debut in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions on August 9, 2013. He left the game due to an ankle injury but returned to practice shortly after.
2013: Entering the NFL Draft
Geno Smith declared for the 2013 NFL Draft after a successful college career.
2013: Drafted by the New York Jets
Geno Smith was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft.
October 3, 2014: Fined for Profanity Towards Fans
On October 3, 2014, Geno Smith was fined $12,000 by the NFL for yelling profanity at fans during a game against the Detroit Lions.
2014: Perfect Passer Rating Game
Geno Smith achieved a perfect passer rating in the 2014 regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins, leading the Jets to a 37-24 victory. This was his first perfect game and the sixth in Jets history, making it the only perfect passer rating game of the 2014 season.
2014: Starting Quarterback for the Jets
Geno Smith was named the starting quarterback for the New York Jets in the 2014 season.
August 11, 2015: Altercation and Injury
On August 11, 2015, Geno Smith was involved in an altercation with teammate IK Enemkpali resulting in a fractured jaw. Enemkpali was released by the Jets and Smith was sidelined for several weeks.
2015: Brief Appearance in 2015
Geno Smith only played in one game in 2015, stepping in for an injured Ryan Fitzpatrick during a Week 8 loss to the Raiders.
October 26, 2016: Season-Ending Injury
Geno Smith's 2016 season was cut short when he tore his ACL in Week 7 against the Ravens. He was placed on injured reserve on October 26, 2016.
2016: Breaking Records, Clinching Playoffs
During the 2022 NFL season, Geno Smith led the Seahawks to a playoff berth, marking his first playoff appearance. In a game against the Rams, he surpassed Russell Wilson's single-season passing record for the Seahawks, which was set in 2016.
March 28, 2017: Signing with the Giants
On March 28, 2017, Geno Smith signed with the New York Giants.
November 28, 2017: First Black Starting Quarterback for the Giants
On November 28, 2017, Geno Smith made history as the first black quarterback to start for the Giants, ending Eli Manning's 210-game starting streak. This also marked the first time every NFL team had started a black player at quarterback.
2017: Return from Injury, First Touchdown Since 2017
In 2021, Geno Smith made his first appearance for the Seahawks in Week 5, after Russell Wilson's injury, and threw his first touchdown since 2017. He was later named the starter after Wilson was placed on injured reserve.
April 1, 2018: Signing with the Chargers
Geno Smith joined the Los Angeles Chargers on April 1, 2018, signing a one-year contract.
2018: Limited Appearances for the Chargers
Geno Smith played in five games for the Chargers in 2018, primarily serving in a backup role.
May 15, 2019: Joining the Seahawks
Geno Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 15, 2019.
August 31, 2019: Competing for Backup Role
Geno Smith was released by the Seahawks on August 31, 2019, but was re-signed the next day, securing the backup quarterback position.
May 20, 2020: Re-signing with Seattle
Geno Smith re-signed with the Seahawks on May 20, 2020, and made a brief appearance in a Week 14 game against his former team, the Jets.
April 22, 2021: Third Season with Seahawks
Geno Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks for a third consecutive year on April 22, 2021.
2021: Solid Performance as Starter
In the 2021 NFL season, Geno Smith started four games for the Seattle Seahawks, demonstrating his capabilities with 702 passing yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He also contributed on the ground with nine carries, 42 yards, and a rushing touchdown.
April 19, 2022: Re-signing and Contract Resolution
Geno Smith's contract renewal with the Seahawks on April 19, 2022 faced a temporary setback when the NFL disapproved the initial agreement. However, the issue was resolved, and the contract was eventually approved.
August 26, 2022: Named Starting Quarterback
Geno Smith was named the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback for the 2022 season opener against the Denver Broncos.
December 21, 2022: First Pro Bowl Selection
Geno Smith's performance in the 2022 NFL season earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
2022: Career Resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks
In 2022, Geno Smith experienced a career resurgence as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, earning his first Pro Bowl selection, securing his first winning record and playoff berth as a starter, leading the league in completion percentage, and winning the Comeback Player of the Year award.
March 14, 2023: Re-signing with the Seahawks
On March 14, 2023, Geno Smith secured a three-year, $75 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, solidifying his position as the team's starting quarterback.
2023: Adopting a Pescatarian Diet
Geno Smith shared in 2023 that he had adopted a pescatarian diet for health reasons, abstaining from chicken and beef for the majority of the year.
2023: First Playoff Start, NFL Top 100 Recognition
In 2023, Geno Smith made his first career playoff start in the Wild Card Round against the San Francisco 49ers. His performance throughout the season earned him recognition from his peers, ranking 77th on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2024: Family Connection in Football
Geno Smith has a familial connection in the world of football; his cousin, Jeremiah Smith, is a highly touted wide receiver prospect in the class of 2024.