Former Utes QB Alex Smith Shares Congratulatory Message With University of Utah’s Class Of 2020
Apr 30, 2020, 12:52 PM
University of Utah alumnus and NFL quarterback Alex Smith speaks during the University of Utah commencement services in the Jon M. Huntsman Center Thursday, May 1, 2014, in Salt Lake City. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah Utes and current Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith shared a congratulatory message with the University of Utah’s Class of 2020.
The Utah alum shared his congrats with a video posted on Twitter.
“Congratulations to the University of Utah Class of 2020,” Smith said. “I wish we could all be in Salt Lake City right now. Packed inside the Huntsman Center. Ready to watch you guys flip your tassels and throw your graduation caps in the air and I know that this video can’t replace that. This was supposed to be your time. A time to cheers to your new beginnings and acknowledge all the hard work you guys put in to get here. Instead, we’re apart right now. Isolated. Trying to stay connected to our loved ones and doing what we can to support our communities. But these crazy times shouldn’t stop us from recognizing this achievement. You guys have put in so much work to get here. All those late nights studying. Countless hours in lecture halls and libraries. One too many meals in the Heritage Center. You guys deserve your congratulations and you deserve to celebrate. So please, celebrate in your own styles, safely… Cheers to you, Class of 2020.”
A message from alum Alex Smith to the Class of 2020. #UtahGrad20 🎓
You can watch Alex's address to the University of Utah Class of 2014 here: https://t.co/LvlGKvje0b pic.twitter.com/iXflhSrtqF
— University of Utah (@UUtah) April 30, 2020
The message wasn’t Smith’s first to students graduating from his Alma Mater. In 2014, then as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith returned to the University of Utah to deliver the commencement address.
“Project 11”
On November 18, 2018, the former Utah quarterback suffered a broken fibula and tibia during Washington’s game against the Houston Texans.
In addition to repairing his broken fibula and tibia, Smith had multiple procedures to remove tissue after he developed an infection.
Smith said that he’s had 17 surgeries since the injury.
RELATED STORIES
ESPN’s E:60 created a docuseries featuring Smith’s recovery from the brutal leg injury. It is scheduled to air on Friday, May 1.
Despite the injury and tough recovery process, the QB said that his goal is to get back on the football field and continue his NFL career.
“Without a doubt,” Smith told reporters on Monday, December 30, one day after the Redskins’ 2019 season finale. “I still have dreams of getting back to where I was and getting back out there. This has been obviously a crazy ride with a lot of unforeseen turns, but without a doubt, that’s still my goal.”
15 years ago, Alex Smith was the #1 overall NFL draft pick. Now, he is trying to do the impossible. E60 brings you inside the life and near death story. pic.twitter.com/JhZsl1V2jC
— E60 (@E60) April 22, 2020
Alex Smith’s Football Career
Smith has played in the NFL since 2005. He was drafted out of Utah by the San Francisco 49ers with the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
He’s been a member of the Niners, Chiefs, and Redskins.
Through 166 career games, Smith has completed 62.4 percent of his throws for 34,068 yards, 193 touchdowns, and 101 interceptions.
The “Project 11” docuseries airs on Friday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN and the ESPN App.
