Six years ago, ex-quarterback Alex Smith suffered a horrifying leg injury while playing for the Washington Redskins. Just recently, the former San Francisco 49ers star posted photos of his repaired leg, leading fans to react to this update.
In 2018, Smith suffered a devastating leg injury while playing for the Redskins. He sustained a spiral and compound fracture to his tibia and fibula in his right leg, which resulted in a life-threatening condition called necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis.
Smith underwent 17 surgeries during his recovery process and wore an external fixation device for nearly a year. Many doubted he would ever play football again. However, he made an incredible comeback and was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list to start the 2020 season.
Despite not beginning the season as the team’s starter, Smith ended up starting six games for Washington, winning five of them. He made his return to the field on October 11th and went on to have a standout performance the following month, completing a career-high 38 of 55 passes for 390 yards.
Smith’s remarkable comeback earned him the 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. After the season, he decided to retire from the NFL, capping off a 16-year career that included three Pro Bowl selections and over 35,000 passing yards.
Fans React After San Francisco 49ers’ Alex Smith Posts Repaired Leg Photos
Years after he sustained that gruesome injury, Smith is now retired from playing in the NFL. In a post shared by Dov Kleiman on X, the former 49ers quarterback shared a photo of his leg, which prompted fans to react to it.
Alex Smith’s leg 6 years after he shattered his tibia and fibula. pic.twitter.com/khtpNkZzJC
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 4, 2024
“They should rename the comeback player award the Alex Smith Comeback Player of the Year,” Corey Seager Stan said.
“After he shattered his tibia and fibula and got an infection after the surgery which caused them to operate again. The E60 Presents episode ESPN did on him was good,” Lindsay tweeted.
“He’s lucky to be even walking by the looks of it. Blessings to A Smith,” Eli Racks shared.
“I’ll never say anything bad about Alex Smith ever again,” King of Kings posted.
“HE PLAYED ON THAT?” Mr. SRT reacted.
“The fact he played after that isn’t appreciated enough. What a warrior!” Next Pro Scouting expressed.
Smith’s career was nearly derailed after that devastating leg injury. Plastic surgeons performed complex reconstructive surgery, using muscle, fascia, fat, and skin from his thigh to rebuild his shin.
Despite facing infection and the risk of amputation, Smith’s determination and the surgeons’ expertise allowed him to not only save his leg but return to the NFL, where he was named Comeback Player of the Year. Smith’s inspiring journey showcased the transformative power of plastic surgery, a feat most appreciated by fans.
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