On Alex Smith, the quarterback who walked away with his dignity intact
The former 49ers QB had contemplated returning for another season. A recent ski trip in Montana crystallized his decision to retire.
theathletic.com
Alex Smith took his kids skiing recently.
The former 49ers quarterback had been contemplating returning for a 15th season, and a few teams — but not the 49ers — had called to gauge his interest.
The ski trip to Montana during the kids’ spring break seemed to settle the question. Smith had grown up skiing with his father, but it was an activity he was contractually forbidden from doing once he became an NFL quarterback in 2005.
Looking back at his kids chasing him down the slopes outside of Big Sky, Mont., he realized it was something he’d been missing. The family excursion seemed to crystalize his decision to step away from the game, which he formally announced Monday.
Wish the Chiefs would pick him up for a couple of games and let him retire out of KC. That man may have been one of the most instrumental in making the Chiefs what they are by selflessly mentoring Mahomes in his first year. I hope Alex enjoys retirement, he has certainly earned it.
