In some ways, Geno Smith’s resurgence as a quality starting quarterback might be one of the best stories from the 2022 NFL season. (That and his penchant for wonderful quotes about life.)
Smith was once drafted by the New York Jets in the second round but instead spent years as a backup QB when that starting stint didn’t work out. He’s now at the helm of the Seattle Seahawks, enjoying his inarguable finest season as a pro while leading a current NFC playoff team.
On Thursday, with the Seahawks and Smith trying to cement their postseason status over the rest of 2022, the veteran was asked about what it was like to endure “tough times” as a backup.
He had an absolutely sublime answer in response:
Always blessed. 💙@GenoSmith3 x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/JtlGnzmVNT
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 8, 2022
Man. Talk about having a perspective on not only football but life. Not only that but how about genuine respect for his teammates? Even if they were the ones keeping him from seeing the field on a regular basis, he still clearly rooted for them.
Every time Smith speaks, every time he’s helping a teammate — he just sounds like a stand-up guy who’s got a wonderful head on his shoulders. And, from my vantage point, it’s quite easy to root for a person like that.
NFL fans loved Smith's stand-up answer about how he viewed his time as a backup QB
Great perspective. Applicable to real life tbh 🙏🏽 https://t.co/2NmEO2anV4
— Edwin (@eortega06) December 8, 2022
Refreshing perspective. https://t.co/TJ8Y7GZCan
— Rob Cummings (@RobCummings91) December 8, 2022
Geno making it really easy to fall head over heels in love with him. https://t.co/b1ttM0N3lr
— Cameron Culp (@cameroncphotos) December 8, 2022
Elite quarterback play and elite perspective on life? Get that man @GenoSmith3 to the Pro Bowl, people. #ProBowlVote https://t.co/KniBrcHqnL
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) December 8, 2022
Geno gets it! https://t.co/rs7Xf4QVne
— Kayla Saunders (@KaylaSaunders21) December 8, 2022
Things we’ve learned this year: Geno Smith gives great quote https://t.co/h6QxJNmxhZ
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 8, 2022
The greatest reply in the history of sports. https://t.co/b4GH1aWWte
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) December 8, 2022
You just *know* that Geno goes for Drake and Drives at 11PM on a Tuesday. https://t.co/VHfmT2VzlL
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) December 8, 2022
He isn’t wrong at all. Great perspective. https://t.co/OuWwzgXPBL
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) December 8, 2022
There are lots of athletes that understand exactly how lucky they are. Including Geno.
More than most fans would guess. https://t.co/TpFhxkz3zC— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) December 8, 2022
Earlier this season @Seahawks @GenoSmith3 said "people can write you off, but life is about what you make it" and today he said "my tough times would be a dream to someone else"- thank you Geno for sharing your wise and wonderful perspective – I am rooting and cheering for you. https://t.co/mip4A1bg9I
— Amy Trask (@AmyTrask) December 8, 2022
Self awareness, for the win https://t.co/aKbuFXgyeW
— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) December 8, 2022
An athlete who gets it. Didn't work out for Geno here, but I'm loving his renaissance in Seattle. https://t.co/aCRfHQNn4E pic.twitter.com/C1YnTExhbH
— David Wyatt-Hupton (@DWyattHupton) December 8, 2022
That’s a heckuva quote https://t.co/N8ODjKwjtj
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) December 8, 2022
The way Geno Smith has carried himself all season, showing humility during a dream professional season and never lamenting having to wait this long for this chance has been inspiring.
So much respect for him. https://t.co/md2CKraCCb
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 8, 2022