Alex Smith, who hasn't played since a gruesome leg injury two years ago, entered Sunday's Washington Football Team game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Smith came in after starting QB Kyle Allen was hurt on a third-down run.
On Nov. 18, 2018, against the Houston Texans, Smith broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg. The injury required 17 surgeries to repair and Smith had to deal with an infection that doctors feared might lead to amputation.
For more, watch E:60 Presents: 'Project 11' and read as his wife describes Smith's recovery.
When he entered the game, Smith got a standing ovation from his family, which was in attendance in Washington. Social media responded, in awe of Smith's return.
What a journey for Alex Smith 👏 pic.twitter.com/rD6Kgl2TfA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 11, 2020
Nearly two years after a life-threatening leg injury, Alex Smith has returned to the field.
— ESPN (@espn) October 11, 2020
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/kBrDyHAvBT
Alex Smith's family giving him a standing ovation as he takes the field for the first time is nearly two years is everything 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/HYecOJBloN
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 11, 2020
Alex Smith you're a beast!
— Eric Hosmer (@TheRealHos305) October 11, 2020
Alex Smith passed his first test. Wearing an Aaron Donald jansport.
— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) October 11, 2020
Alex Smith just played football in the NFL again.... absolutely INSANE
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 11, 2020
I'm watching Alex Smith play like i'm a concerned mother. 😰
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) October 11, 2020
Alex smith is about to get some points on the board and I'm going to celebrate like he was my teammate.
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) October 11, 2020
Alex Smith completes his first pass attempt. Seriously - I don't care what happens the rest of the season. He should be come back player of the year and they should name the award after him.
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) October 11, 2020
ALEX SMITH 🙌🏽🙌🏽
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) October 11, 2020
693 days later. Welcome back Alex Smith 👏 pic.twitter.com/pNV2KVhm2s
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) October 11, 2020
ALEX SMITH WELCOME BACK BUBBA
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) October 11, 2020
