Retired Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith is venturing to television after ending his pro career earlier this year. Smith signed a deal with ESPN to serve as an NFL analyst. He is expected to make appearances on multiple shows for the network, including SportsCenter, Monday Night Countdown, and Sunday NFL Countdown.
ESPN, who recently hired quarterback Robert Griffin III in a similar role, confirmed the news on Monday.
Throughout his NFL career, Smith has been very open and accessible to the media while building a close relationship with the reporters. This, alongside his unquestionable football IQ and knowledge about the game, should make the transition to his new role a rather easy one.
Alex Smith spent his last season as a pro with the Washington Football team, playing eight regular-season games in 2020. Smith impressively returned after being sidelined for more than a year with a life-threatening leg injury and threw for 1,582 yards and six touchdowns while helping Washington win the NFC East. He won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award at the end of the season.
Despite making a successful comeback, Smith was released by Washington early in the 2021 offseason. The 37-year-old star hinted at a possibility of looking for another job in the NFL at the time but eventually decided to retire.
Smith, who was the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, previously played for the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. He has three Pro Bowl nods.
