Alex Smith To Join 'NFL Countdown' As Analyst

Former quarterback Alex Smith will reportedly join ESPN as an NFL analyst. Smith is slated to appear in their prime time lineup for Monday Night NFL Countdown, as well as other ESPN programs. Smith was last seen on the field with the Washington Football Team in 2020. He was let go in March 2021 and announced his retirement a month later.

According to the New York Post report, FOX and CBS were also interested in signing Smith to be an on-air analyst.

Smith garnered favor with NFL fans as a veteran quarterback for a number of successful seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Football Team, and for his incredible story in the latter end of his career.

During the 2018-2019, Smith faced a daunting obstacle after he suffered multiple compound fractures in his right leg during a game against the Houston Texans. He nearly lost his leg, until surgery was able to salvage it and place Smith on a path to recovery.

Smith returned to action in Week 5 of the 2020 season. As viewers winced with every on-field appearance from Smith, the quarterback played with a cavalier attitude, almost unaware of his devastating injury. Smith toughened out his season with Washington, faced lingering injuries in his right leg but then led a comeback win against Pittsburgh in Week 13. That and a near-400 passing yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 10 helped Smith win the 2020-2021 AP Comeback Player of the Year award.

Drafted in 2005, Smith became intimately familiar with the league in the 2000s and 2010s, and he is now in position to share more about his time in the NFL through his new role at ESPN.

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