Alex Smith sounds like a QB ready to play again in 2021 originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
After completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in sports history, going 5-1 as a starter and leading to Washington Football Team to their first NFC East title in five years, quarterback Alex Smith said earlier this month he was going to take some time before deciding his football future.
Smith has yet to make a decision, one way or another. But, in a recent interview on the Rachel Ray Show, the quarterback's comments about his future make it hard to believe that Smith is planning on retiring.
"For me, this year was such a crazy rush to be out there, practicing out there every single day, to be able to put on my cleats and helmet," Smith said.
"But for me, the crazy thing was how well my body responded to that," Smith continued. "I just feel like I continued to get stronger and stronger and better and better. I still feel like I'm kind of a kid right now headed into the offseason...I had such an amazing time playing. I felt so good out there. It was crazy after that first game how comfortable I felt back out on the field."
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Smith, who nearly lost his life just over two years ago, even plans to ski and snowboard (!!) this offseason, too.
"I'm excited for this offseason to see what I can go do — football and everything else," Smith said. "Skiing, snowboarding — I plan on doing as much as I can."
That doesn't sound like someone who is worried about their physical health (in a good way). To have that confidence in himself is even more incredible considering everything Smith has been through.
Smith's recent comments also fall in line with a recent interview he did with CBS '60 Minutes,' where he said playing this season proved to himself he can still play at a high level.
When Smith does ultimately make his decision, regardless of the choice, the Washington Football Team will be affected considerably.
Smith is on the books for a $24.4 million cap hit, and is under contract for the next two years, but Washington can release the signal-caller and get out of most of the remainder of his deal. Releasing Smith would be a controversial move, considering everything he's overcome, but football is a business at the end of the day.
Washington is actively seeking to upgrade at the position; head coach Ron Rivera said as much earlier this month. Smith's late-season leg injury, one that cost him three of the team's final four contests, was just a glimpse of the reality that his durability can't be fully counted on moving forward.
If Smith does ultimately want to return to football, Washington has a decision to make on No. 11's future with the team. But for now, Smith is planning on enjoying his first offseason with his family that's he's been fully healthy for in three years.
