KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After playing just three short seasons in the NFL, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has accomplished more than most QB's do in an entire career. But he’s always first to give credit to those who guided him, like former Chiefs QB Alex Smith, who after a grueling 21 months of rehab, is finally cleared for football activity.
Smith led the chiefs from 2013-17 and mentored Mahomes during his rookie season.
“He’s someone that helped me out a ton in my career," Mahomes said, "and he’s always persevered, and I expect him to keep persevering as his career goes on.”
The Washington Football team officially activated Smith Sunday morning, taking the NFL vet off the physically unable to perform list.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid worked with Alex for five seasons in Kansas City, and said he couldn't be more thrilled for his former QB.
“How great is that?" Reid said. "I’m so happy for him. He’s dirty tough, and he loves playing the game and he didn’t want it to end the way that it ended.”
The former Chiefs starter fractured his tibia and fibula in November of 2018. After surgery, Smith’s leg became infected and doctors threatened amputation in order to save his life. But 17 successful surgeries, three months in a wheelchair and a documentary later, Smith is now in the running for QB 1 with the Washington Football team.
“I texted Alex before the season, before training camp got going." Mahomes said Sunday, "Him just being there and being able to get cleared by his doctors and now being able to get cleared by the Washington doctors... it just shows the grit that he has.”
Smith helped turn around the Chiefs franchise from a 2-14 record in 2012 to an 11-5 record his first year with the team. From there, he led KC to the playoffs in four out of five seasons he played for the Chiefs.
