Alex Smith: An NFL quarterback on overcoming setbacks and self-doubt | TED

[@hosi292]

The stats dont reveal how good Alex Smith really is. One of the most underrated and underappreciated QBs when he was playing.

[@SliceofBread123]

And more importantly, a very good person off the field.

[@svpremewz]

It shows everything though. I respect him. But let’s not pretend he wasn’t captain check down.

[@aml-zq5mc]

@@svpremewz He had some good seasons with the Chiefs.

[@anthonygarcia-em6fk]

@@svpremewz Derek Carr definitely takes that 😂😂😂

[@alexmaxwell7126]

@@anthonygarcia-em6fk derek carr hasn’t been captain check down for the last 3 years. He averages one of the highest yards per attempt and throws longer then 20 yards down the field.

[@bhoubit]

Balled my eyes out listening to this. Brought back my own fight 4.5 years ago when I had my hand chopped in half by woodsplitter. The highs, the lows and the people who helped me. Now I can climb a 6A boulder and it doesnt limit me in anyway. I am so proud of myself. Thanks so much for the story.

[@henrikoning9450]

Wow great!

[@noahflood]

Nice :)

[@chadmueller1784]

So happy for you Sharky! You are one in a million my man!

[@tolhaabib1212]

Shusheeeesh 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮🥵🥵🥵😮😮😮

[@Slow-Rolling]

Thanking you for sharing that

[@DemetriPanici]

I'm a huge chiefs fan and I loved Alex. I am so happy that he has gotten healthy

[@R.RHigashikata]

Mans has bread u know he was about to get right

[@jkrasney1]

Me, too. I hope AS11 becomes the QB coach for the KC Chiefs.

[@school_pizza]

I always like his game and I'm a Seattle fan lmao

[@johnlewis8934]

Same I love and respect that man

[@fivefiveniner1537]

Chiefs and Niner always be trading! 💯

[@redbaboonass4416]

I appreciate the warning but "a little graphic" is a understatement. His Dr.'s are amazing, the fact that he still has his leg, heck his life is a testament to how good his Dr.'s are.

[@wolvey1l]

As a SF Niners, I've always admired and pulled for Alex. He was thrown into the fire as a rookie with a revolving door of coaching staffs and mediocre teammates, yet he took all the blame. I learned a lot about resilience and class by following Alex's career. Wishing Alex all the best!

[@AztecMC1]

ur obviously not a 49ers fan...

[@jcwynn4075]

Same. He never got a chance to reach his full potential because there was never stability around him. His best season he ended up getting a concussion and came back as a back-up to Kaepernick. Really didn't deserve all the criticism he got.

[@HighP0ints]

Well said!

[@AztecMC1]

@@HighP0ints me? i know...

[@jcwynn4075]

@@AztecMC1 L

[@CollinOffTheCuff]

I forgot just how awesome Alex Smith was as a person, great talk.

[@John-ip1bp]

EPIC! Thank you Alex, let's all just live!

[@Teddypain20]

Alex always had my respect. Wish my 49ers had more of a stable situation while he was there. First 6-7 yrs a new playbook every year smh. Glad my guy made it past that injury and played after it

[@paomtl]

Listening to the first part of this interview makes me realize what a disaster mike Nolan was on so many levels. We nearly ruined Alex Smith, and the years lost of development probably means he never even got CLOSE to his ceiling as a player. You could see it throughout his career that he played scared - he was so worried about f***** up that he couldn't do the things he knew how to do

[@josh7916]

Could of had rogers

[@thadude765]

@@josh7916 If we drafted Rodgers 1st overall, he might have ended up like Alex Smith

[@choiyatlam2552]

@@thadude765 Or even worse. Rodgers was considered a project back then while Alex was considered having a solid floor.

[@legendkillersshittyduffleb932]

There not your team whatsoever there just in a location were you are living at

[@clarissabell4914]

Alex Smith is a true warrior I almost got sick from what happened to his leg at the last picture but a few much better thing Alex Smith better God bless you Alex Smith

[@eichner11]

Honestly whoever disliked this needs to take a long look at themselves. I had a MRSA infection at 16 after a knee surgery. Almost lost my leg and my life as well. Alex is an inspiration I got goosebumps listening to his story. Thanks Alex

[@jaxcoop10]

I had mrsa in my intestine back in elementary school and almost lost my life as well. Most excruciating pain ever.

[@nobytes2]

Ignore the dislikes is just dumb people who have no self esteem and will never be achieve anything great in their lives.

[@Thatboyisaac214]

You can see dislikes again?? Or is it still off

[@nobytes2]

@@Thatboyisaac214 Channels control visibility

[@Idk-fl2ed]

@@nobytes2 now they're completely gone I think

[@MrMartine81]

Thank You. I really needed to hear this. This hits home as I’m battling back from stage 4 cancer and 3 strokes. Awesome story!!! Makes me look at my scars differently.

[@abrahamnaranjo6408]

PRAYING FOT YOU BROTHER ❤️❤️❤️JOHN14:6

[@nicklepessis8156]

Praying for you🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@vivianabro8272]

Praying for you! You are never alone. God bless you.

[@batuhantuylu9219]

I wish you all the strength in the world brother. Your faith will get you through this 🙏🏽❤️

[@jethdaflip7741]

Try to stay away from the nonstick coating thats in rice cooking pots, cooking pans, and go with stainless steel pots and pans so that toxic chemicals don't seep into food. I hope for a speedy recovery. God bless.

[@Wil_Dasovich]

I cant comprehend how they were able to bring back that zombie of a leg. Technology is incredible today

[@hanuuhanooo7111]

It's all about money and medical expenses insurance a common man would had died there

[@netconner]

ljg215 you’ve clearly never seen a Paralympic track start run

[@Deeply152]

It’s god too sir always remember that

[@micklarsen9969]

Incredible speaking ability, articulation,and unreal message. Thank you Alex

[@kevinwells4986]

You don't have to win a Super Bowl to be forever known... in my heart Alex will be always one of my favorite quarterbacks. He fought through this adversity, but he also had to endure fickle fans, fickle ownership, changes in where he played and who for, and I don't know how much he had to go through. But he always had such a great demeanor, cheerful attitude, and supported his teammates even when he was overlooked at times. Anyway, Alex is purely a good human being. I don't have to wish him to have a good life, he already is having one. And yes, it was cool.

[@5yearsout]

A few years ago when my daughter graduated at Utah he was the commencement speaker, going into it I figured it was going to be terrible. Boy was I wrong, one of the best speeches I've ever heard in my life, regardless of setting.

[@haroldh6382]

the fans in KC will always love you bud... and we thank you for all you did here... and more importantly, for all you have done for youself since leaving us.

[@jimmyrfarris]

Alex Smith is awesome. A TRUE champion. This is so impactful.

[@twin_rivers921]

SF fan, never stopped rooting for you Alex, truly an inspiration to all of us.

[@aandwdabest]

Alex was a solid quarterback, but he had an incredible recovery from a beyond horrible injury, and he is more than willing to share his experience with strangers like you and me both online and in person. He deserves all the respect in the world.

[@hahandroo]

I had a rare cancerous tumor on my back and I love this talk because after 2 years I am cancer free. I have huge scars.. but I am proud of all the people who helped me and all I have overcome. I am actually training jiu-jitsu. it doesn't hurt me anymore to be touched there.

[@ninjaundermyskin]

No one can ever call Alex Smith weak! He is a true warrior. Us 49ers fans love you for life!

[@-BTown-]

Alex Smith is a legend. Has to be in the HOF. Started off his career great with the 49ers then came to the Chiefs and was a big part of turning the franchise around. Then goes to Washington and overcomes something that no other person in history has ever overcame. A hero

[@josh7916]

Lol not even close to hof

[@MyBodyWash]

He is not a HOF qb..

[@Sequaloid]

Let’s just let everyone in the HoF then

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

Look I like Alex and his story but god no

[@BakerZone760]

They should name comeback player of the year award after him. Would make more sense

[@sailboatrn7372]

He had this done at the hospital I worked at for 10 years. So proud of his recovery!

[@Winnersclubpodcast1]

This is awesome it shows a whole different side to sports and athletes, Alex is a great mental health advocate

[@ufapoofa]

Alex smith is a true warrior. This is great

[@maxteply1567]

As a blind 15 year old, Alex’s story really inspires me. It has shown me not to believe anyone who says I can’t do something.

[@lilcurry4314]

I'm sorry just curious but if you are blind how did you type this

[@thesportbafoonspodcast4693]

@@lilcurry4314 Thought the same thing lol, I don’t think they’ll see your comment tho

[@sabrina77769]

Maybe he uses a special phone with braille to type?

[@KingKiiy]

@@sabrina77769 How'd he know to click on this video?

[@macajimbo]

@@KingKiiy he’s properly subbed to Ted and watches all there videos

[@Katelyn.Eby1215]

Thank you for this, Alex. My husband who is actually named ALEX, is going through the EXACT same thing right now, he's just not a football star. This video has helped my mind state sooooooo much. You're appreciated!

[@rbrzon]

I wrote a paper on this in college relating it to grit, alex is the definition of grit. As a kc kid he was my qb throughout high school and got us back to being relevant along with Andy. True class act and an inspiration that I will live the rest of my life through. Love you Alex, thank you truly.

[@PatFoster]

I remember watching Alex play his heart out at Candlestick. I’ve been a 49ers fan my entire life, and I have to say, he’s right there with Montana and Young. Such a great player and a great guy. This guy is such a great inspiration to all of us.

[@larrywoodruff7530]

Guy's a walking miracle, hope he lives a long and happy life.

[@keelanquiej]

God bless you Mr. Alex Smith

[@punchyouintheeye2136]

Probably the best speech on Ted. Great pitch delivery story and messege. Congratulations Alex Smith.

[@kennychan2044]

I was one of his harshest critics when he was playing for the Niners. There was one year when a San Jose girl went missing, without any prompting he decided to join the volunteers to go searching for her for days. Ever since that I could no longer boo the guy, even though they were still losing, and I became a life long fan of his. For that act of kindness he is a Hall of Famer in my book.

[@CrayZJo3Davola]

Alex had it rough. He admit he got lucky his last 2 season in college and got drafted 1 overall and claimed he was a fraud. With all the hate he got from everyone, he still ended up playing at his peak at a elite level with a good coach after years of having bad coaches. He made the playoffs every year in kc and took Washington to the playoffs after surviving his injury. Wow his journey is amazing.

[@jonsnow5513]

He wasn't a "fraud". Did he struggle? Sure, but he was also part of a very dysfunctional franchise at the time.

[@momsdadsparentsworldtour4570]

I have the exact same leg - I also have the exact same photos - Congrats Alex ! I know what you felt and what you went through. We did it !

[@bonzology322]

Alex Smith was a great qb, he deserved much better than the circumstances he ended up in, amazing that they saved that leg and nothing short of astonishing that he made a nfl team let alone took them to the playoffs with that leg, stuff of legend

[@derekstark6106]

Incredibly inspiring. One of the most powerful sports stories I’ve ever heard.

[@EdA-dp3nk]

Thank you Alex. I'm don't watch sports but your TED talk is inspiring... I will continue to go back to this as I fight my anxiety, self doubt and fear. God bless.

[@sabrina77769]

Alex you’re a resilient man! So touching. God bless you. As a 49er fan, so glad to see you healthy and smiling. This injury has brought more purpose to your life. Thanks for sharing your story and continuing to inspire us. This brought tears to my eyes 🥺

[@emmah6454]

Had this been in the 80s 90s alex for sure would’ve lost his leg. Amazing how much technology has improved our lives in general

[@ClutchGene]

I’ve always respected Alex Smith

[@nataliehansen5448]

I am from Utah and I'm really proud Alex Smith was once a Ute. Not only because he did well as a Ute football player, but he is someone that has always shown true character, integrity, and a remarkable energy and strength. I, like him saw my arm after it was mangled from an accident. I understand his journey. More importantly I admire his resilience and wllingness to share his lessons learned. We need more role models and leaders in our world like Alex Smith.

[@cellasadventures7324]

Wow just wow. I have had to watch this over and over and over again. What an incredible human being and so vulnerable and strong. This message is one for all of humanity. The power of human will and spirit.

[@tristensweet4198]

Easily one of the best TED talks I've ever seen and I assure you that is saying a lot.

[@haaajerry3314]

Alex Smith inspires! Very humble and a family man. Congratulations.

[@everbard3071]

As a University of Utah fan, I've been following Alex since I was 10 or 11 years old. He's always been a hero of mine. When I saw those pictures, tears immediately started flowing. Hearing about his struggles with mental health when he was in San Fran makes his story all the more amazing. He was not treated well by fans or the media. Think of how different the narrative is now with rookie quarterbacks. People are much more understanding of their struggles the first few seasons. Alex always handled his situation with incredible class and grace. I wish Alex a happy and healthy life. Now the NFL needs to make it officially the "Alex Smith Comeback Player of the Year Award".

[@Jen999]

Thank God for this courageous man! Alex fought his own incredible battle and now he’s helping others to fight theirs..most inspirational talk I’ve ever heard!

[@gusknudsen2437]

God Bless Alex Smith

[@tylanmcgee2124]

Going through injuries right now, before I can even begin accomplishing my football dream, but man did this help me want to stay motivated and go even fkn harder!!!! Thank you Alex Smith, I’m feeling beyond inspired to continue pursuing my dream from this moment on, staring my fears and weaknesses in the fkn face as I back them down!

[@belonyomeus6645]

Good to see Alex thriving. Listen to Alex. He overcame a lot of adversity on the field. Just think the mental strength it takes for him to still stand on his own two feet...just amazing story.

[@ZM_Outdoors]

I could listen to him to hours. Such a wells spoken man

[@SeanFenlon]

Alex Smith is THE feel-good story of 2020. This TED talk not only validates the story, but it also inspires further. BRAVO ALEX :-)

[@DeepInfernoRising]

Alex smith is the man! The league needs more Alex Smiths

[@francisngo]

As a 49er fan, Alex Smith is and will always be my quarterback.

[@MikeHawk-s2g]

I’m a chiefs fan and I’m right there with you. Smith brought life to our team that was at complete rock bottom and he is one of the key parts of facilitating the team that we are today.

[@francisngo]

@@MikeHawk-s2g 49ers and Chiefs have a lot in common - Joe Montana, Alex Smith, and Super Bowl LIV - but let's not talk about that x__x

[@majesticmoose3161]

I've always respected this man,but after watching this its been taken to a whole new level.

[@josephwilcox2362]

Your an amazing player and true leader and had a lot of spirit. Your the best Alex.

[@sarahmunoz6775]

Alex Smith thank you for sharing your scars with us. This is powerful to watch. Go Niners. Going to wear your jersey tomorrow for MNF. 🧡

[@axdambient]

Alex, you are a class act my friend. I will never forget standing outside the Pasadena Hooters with a handheld radio, hearing you go first overall. You have always been amazing to me, thank you and I am so happy to see you doing everything you can Your friend, Alex M.

[@timmspencer4632]

The fact that this dude played another down, the utmost respect. Well worthy of that number 1 overall pick, not just as an athlete, but as a human being

[@janineforrest7723]

What an amazing man! I’m so glad he is healed both mentally and physically.

[@takeitback916]

Name the Comeback award after this man. “Adversity” is an understatement for what he went through

[@williamschneider6881]

Loved him as Fan and love him more as a person! His story is inspiring me every single day and it’s amazing that he did this Ted talk.

[@gpridgenjr1781]

Thank you for sharing your powerful story, Alex. No doubt, it will help countless people. Your substantial accomplishments on the field will be eclipsed by those of the rest of your life. All the best!

[@BizAutomation]

He is a very talented speaker... I would be nervous, reaching for words, hesitating ... but not him, great job.

[@centralcore_]

How great is that question "are you alive?", All respect to what Alex has come through, I'm a NFL fan. And I'm so glad I get an opportunity to get that method, that question to be present from a NFL quarterback. Thank you 🙏

[@JohnnyGingy]

A great song I always loved has the chorus “Are we alive, or just breathing?”

[@IamAkoma]

Alex your story is inspiring brother. As a Niners fan I always respected you. That comeback drive vs the Saints is timeless.. you are a class act. God bless Alex

[@matteobertani9447]

Respect this guy so much. Very great human being. And his wife too.

[@Punisher2all]

Great to hear he's all better.

[@sempercharge]

Best TED Talk I’ve ever seen. Thank you Alex Smith!

[@karlwarner7401]

He is just so inspirational... he was a great player, got hurt(destroyed really), nearly died, came back! wow. thats toughness. he was my MVP of that NFL season.

[@sloikalamos]

Alex Smith is forever gonna be my hero. I love this guy! I could also recommend his 60Minutes documentary. Very very inspiring!

[@tylertrichell8204]

This dude is awesome as a player and more importantly as a person. Extremely inspirational. God bless Alex Smith. I’m a fan.

[@tsacelbuod]

jesus christ those images were fucking BRUTAL. Alex Smith is damn LEGEND for not only making it back to the NFL, but for being comfortable enough to show off his mangled leg to an audience full of strangers. the courage of that man is unrivaled.

[@markmiranda9461]

Alex is truly a great person. I’m so glad they saved his leg.

[@kenny0626]

This is so inspiring and humbling at the same time, love the dude. (Also his Monday morning ESPN daily is a must listen)

[@Doggwyd]

I was actually at the game he broke his leg. It was my 1st nfl game and I’m a huge Washington. The hush over the stadium was surreal

[@shoshoncaligula5512]

Love smith, he might not have lead my chiefs to the big game but he was a stand up guy and and thank him for him giving all he had.

[@amazingarcia1710]

I'm under going a major spinal operation this Tuesday and my mental health has dwindled down with fear and anxiety. This video has given me courage and I'm currently out of the hospital bed trying to walk and work on my strength. Thank you for sharing your struggles and Perseverance.

[@InnerBeyonds]

You are so brave to take those steps towards heightened Strength , adjustment and drive ! Sending you so much respect and encouragement for keeping up the good fight that is going to take your sense of Empowerment and Personal Growth to a whole new level ! Wishing you a speedy recovery 🙏 ❤

[@lsgutah]

I wish you only the best!

[@amazingarcia1710]

@@InnerBeyondsJust out of surgery and I'm humbled by the words of strangers. God is undefeated. Thank you.

[@amazingarcia1710]

@@lsgutah Thank you for the kind words.🌞light in the Darkness.

[@InnerBeyonds]

@@amazingarcia1710 Thank you for the BEST news of the day !!! I am so grateful for your success ! Life truly is a Gift 🎁 In times of uncertainty, we find transformative strength and power within. We never know what hand of cards Life deals out next... what's more important, is how we discover ourself in a whole new incredible way. An unbeatable mind will take you places you never thought you could. You are an inspiration! Also, please make sure to eat well and stay hydrated for a speedy recovery. Maybe also look into green power smoothies too to help with healing and reduce any pain or inflammation. More power to You ! 💚

[@ivy1818u]

I have a broken tibia and drop foot, he gives me hope I will be healed too. God bless him.❤️

[@adecentyoutuber7407]

Severely underrated QB and an amazing man.

[@javigarcia6062]

As a raider fan man I hate you in a competitive rivalry way but as a human I applaud you man that is what you call mental and physical toughness! What a great story 👏

[@patrickorourke41]

Alex Smith has without a doubt, one of THE GREATEST come back stories of all time!

[@kevinfisher3742]

As a Washington Football Fan, you are my hero. I love you, Alex! I'm so proud of you. I'm dealing with heart failure and I know you'd give me a pat on the back and tell me that I can do this.

[@critter9382]

This guy was all around a good guy and player and his toughness to not give up is Elite

[@genevievechua8753]

Incredible recovery and inspirational speech! I didn’t know anything about Alex before chancing upon this TED talk. Superbly delivered speech..👏

[@Jsromalla]

It should be worth noting that his journey prior to Washington would've been worth a Ted talk. This guy has been through the ringer and never quit, still played hard and played well. 2012 was such a high and low for him. He praised Harbaugh but he's also the one who changed the trajectory of his career after "the concussion". His leg is a whole different level of perseverance that is matched by no one. Forget football entirely, Alex is on a different level and we're lucky for such honesty and transparency about real life struggle.

[@cyndilu9]

Alex Smith is a great dude - very inspirational and great for him to share his journey and help others! Prayers up for all

[@brucegwynn8509]

Moving talk, great lesson of his life , may not work for everyone, but AWSOME story

[@OzymandiasWasRight]

He's the player both sides cheer for. Always liked Smith, but his comeback was something that can inspire anyone. I feel guilty knowing what he went through, when I can't even look at the pictures of his injury.

[@raydiaz2772]

Alex been a fan since you were a rookie starting out your story is really inspirational you will always be a faithful brother good to luck to you.

[@renebautista4804]

Powerful !!! Reminder that we are all alike more than you know. We all have fears and phobias .

[@sconnieeee]

As a huge Aaron Rodgers fan I automatically always respected and liked Alex smith but now it’s impossible not to have love and respect for the dude he’s been through it all and handles everything with supreme class and he’s very humble

[@Asha-TheLionheart]

Thanks for the great speech, your life tribulations have made you stronger! I will forever remember. "Fall once get up twice"!

[@leosolis5846]

I lost the tip of my finger in an accident at work and I had nerve damage. It was very painful and to this day i still have discomfort. But I have found ways to work around it and have gotten better doing my work in spite of my injury. Good testimony Alex

[@sudasam3346]

As a Niner fan, I have the utmost respect for Alex. Such a strong, humble and resilient human being. Just a class act. He’s one of my favorite NFL players and I wish him nothing but all the best and continued success.

[@thorthegamebutcher7753]

Bet you are all jealous that you dont have scars like his. My leg was rebuilt after a motorcycle accident and my recovery has been very similar I length and set backs. Absolutely no better feeling than those steps back on it. And it's something that changes you for the better. Nothing is more important to me now than family, friends and my health. Thanks for being there to give me and many others hope!

[@Simar2222]

This is what TED is all about!

[@kickflip665]

When I was 12l-17ish me and my neighborhood/football team mates thru school would go to chiefs game would always love watching smith so thank you smith I'm 23 now

[@marcomartins6405]

Impressive, it's hard to fathom to damage his leg suffered and how incredible that he not only came back to play professionally but now has this awesome attitude. Happy for him. Respect

[@JB-uk8hw]

I was a huge fan of Alex Smith when he played for the Chiefs but have been a super fan of the way he came back from this injury and been an inspiration for so many since doing so.