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Alex Smith was acquired via trade in 2018 from the Kansas City Chiefs to replace Kirk Cousins who had just signed a big free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings. He lead the Redskins to a division-best 6-3 record heading into a Week 11 game against the Houston Texans. Everything changed for him and the Redskins when Kareem Jackson and J.J. Watt came crashing into the backfield. Smith suffered a spiral fracture and everyone immediately knew it was a serious injury. He was taken straight from the field to the operating room.
Smith’s injury was so severe that he spent weeks in the hospital while also dealing with infections. There are reports that he had 17 surgeries during the fight to save his leg, and his life. He also became septic twice, and there were serious concerns that his life was in danger
“Very much lucky to be alive. Very lucky to still have my leg.”
— Outside The Lines (@OTLonESPN) February 1, 2020
Alex Smith tells @JeremySchaap how his 2018 injury almost cost him everything. pic.twitter.com/z4DQIH1EgY
ESPN has been working with Mr. and Mrs. Smith to chronicle his recovery, and his goal to return to playing in the NFL for their E60 Project 11 documentary. They received total access to his rehabilitation process, and got them to open up about the entire ordeal, and Alex Smith’s drive to not only walk again, but to become a professional athlete again. People have varied opinions about Alex Smith as an NFL QB, but you can’t dismiss his drive and commitment to the game that he loves. This is must watch TV for any NFL fan.
The documentary debuts on Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN(Subscribe to ESPN+ here)
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) April 28, 2020
The @E60 on Alex Smith's journey to recovery premieres on @espn Friday at 7:30. pic.twitter.com/rplceBsg1t
That moment Alex Smith held a football for the first time after his life changing injury.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) April 29, 2020
A look at @e60’s #Project11 pic.twitter.com/aqm8QuWeYr
This week, @E60 documents #NFL QB Alex Smith's courageous recovery from a gruesome leg injury suffered while playing for the @Redskins in 2018
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) April 28, 2020
'Project 11' includes unprecedented access, new interviews & more
Friday | 7:30 p ET | ESPN, ESPN Apphttps://t.co/cIyUW6LKsF pic.twitter.com/fh5iGRoJpF
In less than a week, Alex Smith went from starting at QB for the Redskins to fighting for his life.#Project11 airs this Friday at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. (via @E60) pic.twitter.com/O5JsrPyWgA
— ESPN (@espn) April 30, 2020
When @Redskins QB Alex Smith broke his leg in 2018, no one thought it would take 17 surgeries to fix. Here’s a look at #Project11 pic.twitter.com/lwcj1l0fV6
— E60 (@E60) April 28, 2020