History of Geno Smith in Timeline

Eugene Cyril "Geno" Smith III is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL. Prior to his professional career, Smith excelled at West Virginia University, where he broke numerous passing records and led the Mountaineers to several bowl games. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft after an outstanding college career.

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Full Timeline

October 10, 1990: Geno Smith's Birth

On October 10, 1990, Eugene Cyril "Geno" Smith III was born. He is now an American professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Tom Brady's Orange Bowl Record

In the 2000 Orange Bowl, Tom Brady set an Orange Bowl record of 396 passing yards. In the 2012 Orange Bowl, Geno Smith broke that record, achieving 401 passing yards.

2007: Brian Brohm's Big East Record

In 2007, Brian Brohm of the Louisville Cardinals set a Big East record with his seventh 300-yard game of the season. On November 12, Geno Smith tied that record with 372 passing yards against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

2007: WVU Win over Connecticut

In 2007, West Virginia scored the most points since playing Connecticut, in a 49-10 win over UNLV, where Geno Smith threw for 220 yards and ran for 19 yards.

2007: Named All-Broward County

In 2007, as a junior at Miramar High School, Geno Smith was named second-team all-Broward County as an athlete.

2007: Mountaineers Beat Cincinnati

In 2007, the Mountaineers beat Cincinnati for the first time since that year. Geno Smith tied his record for touchdowns in a game in a 37-10 win over Cincinnati, resulting in his second Big East Offensive Player of the Week award.

2009: Attended West Virginia University

In 2009, Geno Smith began attending West Virginia University, where he played for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team.

2010: End of 2010 Season

Geno Smith finished the 2010 season with 196 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception in a 23–7 loss to North Carolina State in the Champs Sports Bowl.

2010: First Start as Quarterback

In 2010, Geno Smith became the starting quarterback for West Virginia. He made his first start in the season opener against Coastal Carolina, completing 20 of 27 passes for 216 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in a 31–0 victory.

September 24, 2011: School Records Set

On September 24, 2011, Geno Smith set school records for completions (38), attempts (65), and passing yards (463) in a game against the #2 LSU Tigers, although West Virginia lost 47-21.

2012: Played for West Virginia Mountaineers

From 2009 to 2012, Geno Smith played for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team at West Virginia University.

2012: Orange Bowl Performance

In the 2012 Orange Bowl, Geno Smith tied three individual bowl records: most touchdown passes (six), most touchdowns overall (seven), and total points (42).

May 22, 2013: Signed with Roc Nation Sports

On May 22, 2013, Geno Smith signed with Roc Nation Sports, with Kimberley Miale serving as his representative.

July 22, 2013: Signed with the New York Jets

On July 22, 2013, Geno Smith signed a four-year, $5 million contract with the New York Jets, including approximately $690,000 in workout bonuses.

August 9, 2013: Professional Debut

On August 9, 2013, Geno Smith made his professional debut in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions. He completed 6 of 7 passes for 47 yards, but left the game due to an ankle injury.

2013: Enters NFL Draft

After the 2012 season, Geno Smith officially announced his decision to enter the 2013 NFL draft.

2013: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2013, Geno Smith was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the NFL draft after playing college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers.

October 3, 2014: Fined for Profanity

On October 3, 2014, Geno Smith was fined $12,000 for yelling profanity at fans while walking to the locker room during halftime in Week 4.

2014: Named Starter for 2014 Season

Geno Smith was named the starting quarterback to begin the 2014 season. He passed for 221 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the opening victory against the Raiders. He ended the season with a perfect passer rating in the finale against the Dolphins.

2014: Perfect Passer Rating Game

In the regular-season finale of 2014 against the Dolphins, Geno Smith achieved a career-high 358 passing yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and a perfect passer rating, leading the Jets to a 37–24 victory.

July 2015: Marriage to Hayley Eastham

In July 2015, Geno Smith married his college girlfriend, Hayley Eastham.

August 11, 2015: Altercation and Injury

On August 11, 2015, Geno Smith was involved in an altercation with defensive end IK Enemkpali over an alleged unpaid debt, resulting in Smith suffering a fractured jaw.

2015: Appearance Against the Raiders

In 2015, during a Week 8 loss to the Raiders, Geno Smith entered the game in relief of Ryan Fitzpatrick, completing 27 of 42 passes for 265 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. It was his only appearance that year.

October 26, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve

On October 26, 2016, Geno Smith was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL during a Week 7 game against the Ravens, prematurely ending his season.

2016: Previous Seahawks Passing Record

In 2016, Russell Wilson set the Seahawks' single-season passing record which Geno Smith surpassed in a later season.

March 28, 2017: Signed with the Giants

On March 28, 2017, Geno Smith signed with the New York Giants.

November 28, 2017: Named Starter for the Giants

On November 28, 2017, the Giants named Geno Smith the starter, ending Eli Manning's starting streak. Smith became the first black quarterback to start for the Giants.

2017: First Touchdown Since 2017

In 2021, Geno Smith made his first appearance of the season during Week 5 after Russell Wilson was injured. Smith finished the game with 131 passing yards, with his first touchdown pass since 2017.

April 1, 2018: Signed with the Los Angeles Chargers

On April 1, 2018, Geno Smith signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

2018: Chargers Debut

In 2018, Geno Smith made his Chargers debut, completing one pass for eight yards in a victory over the Cleveland Browns. He appeared in five games in relief roles throughout the season.

May 15, 2019: Signed with the Seattle Seahawks

On May 15, 2019, Geno Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks.

July 17, 2019: Birth of Son, Seven Santana Smith

On July 17, 2019, Geno Smith's son, Seven Santana Smith, was born. He was named in honor of his jersey number.

Others born on this day/year

August 31, 2019: Re-signed with the Seahawks

On August 31, 2019, Geno Smith was released by the Seahawks but re-signed the next day, earning the backup quarterback position.

May 20, 2020: Re-signed with the Seahawks

On May 20, 2020, Geno Smith re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He played in Week 14 against his former team, the Jets.

April 22, 2021: Re-signed with the Seahawks for a Third Season

On April 22, 2021, Geno Smith re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks for a third season.

2021: Finished 2021 Season

Geno Smith finished the 2021 season with 702 passing yards, five touchdowns, and an interception in four games and three starts.

April 19, 2022: Re-signed with the Seahawks

On April 19, 2022, the Seahawks re-signed Geno Smith, though the contract faced initial disapproval by the NFL before resolution.

August 26, 2022: Named Starting Quarterback

On August 26, 2022, Geno Smith was announced as the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Broncos, after competing against Drew Lock for the spot.

December 21, 2022: Selected to Pro Bowl

On December 21, 2022, Geno Smith was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

2022: Broke Seahawks Single-Season Passing Record

In 2022, Geno Smith finished the year with 4,283 passing yards, breaking his own Seahawks single-season record. He also broke Seahawks records for single-season passing attempts and completions, and earned $6 million worth of incentives.

2022: Career Resurgence with the Seahawks

In 2022, Geno Smith had a career resurgence as the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback, earning his first Pro Bowl selection, leading the league in completion percentage, and winning the Comeback Player of the Year award.

March 14, 2023: Re-signed with Seahawks

On March 14, 2023, Geno Smith re-signed with the Seahawks on a three-year, $75 million deal.

2023: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2023, Geno Smith was ranked 77th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2024: Seahawks Victory over 49ers

In Week 11 of the 2024 season, Geno Smith led the Seahawks to a 20-17 victory over the 49ers with a late touchdown run.

March 13, 2025: Traded to Raiders

On March 13, 2025, Geno Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for the 92nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, reuniting him with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.