Alex Smith’s life was turned upside down in 2018 after he was tackled during a game and his leg was shattered. Fans have been wondering what happened to Alex Smith since the accident.
They’ve been wondering about his leg injury. His road to recovery would be littered with unforeseen turns, infections that threatened his life, and a drive to not only save his limb but also return to the football field. Learn more about Alex Smith by reading the article.
What Happened to Alex Smith?
Alex Smith injured his leg in 2018, however, he recovered and returned to the field. The first diagnosis was an open fracture of his tibia and fibula, which required surgery to reconstruct his lower leg. Smith appeared to be on the mend, with the prospect of reconciling with his wife and children on the horizon.
Smith’s predicament worsened when he acquired a high fever and physicians identified a potentially fatal virus in his bloodstream.
Sepsis, a life-threatening medical disease, was now threatening his life. His wife watched, heartbroken, as the attention turned from his leg to the battle for his life.
The Devastating Diagnosis
A brutal tackle by the other team’s J.J. Watt and Kareem Jackson changed the path of Alex Smith’s life as he raced towards the 40-yard line. Smith’s lower leg bones were crushed in the impact, thereby ending his football career.
“You just never expect something like that to happen to you,” Smith said. “To look down and see your leg bending where it shouldn’t.”
A Disease That Could Kill Him
Doctors rushed to untie Smith’s bandages, only to discover that his leg had become a horrible shade of black. His limb was being eaten away by necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating infection.
The priority became saving his life, which required eliminating the infection and excising a considerable section of muscle and skin, leaving the whole length of his tibia exposed.
During this vital period, he met Dr. Vineet Mehan, a plastic surgeon who would play a critical part in his recovery.
Rescue by Plastic Surgeons
Alex Smith’s principal concern was retaining the function of his leg so he could play with his children, with his aspirations of returning to football dangling by a thread.
Dr. Mehan, working with a team of expert surgeons, attempted a risky treatment. They took muscle, fascia, fat, and skin from Smith’s thigh to repair his damaged shin.
Dr. Mehan vividly remembered the moment he discovered Smith’s leg may be saved. This was a watershed moment in the procedure, and there was renewed optimism that Smith would be able to keep his leg.
His Leg Has Been Saved
Smith’s leg was spared thanks to the excellent surgery. While the prospect of playing tackle football again seemed incomprehensible, Smith’s desire to return to the game was rekindled.
He was initially given the “secretary of defense designation,” which allows civilians with warlike injuries to receive military care.
Smith was surrounded by patients with more severe wounds than his, and their tenacity inspired him to envision a brighter future. His leg improved over time, as did his determination to return to football.
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Is Alex Smith Coming Back to the NFL?
Yes, physicians eventually cleared Alex Smith to return to football. He was ready to rock and roll at this time, and he expected to play an important role in leading his team to the end of the regular season. He was voted NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2021.
You can also take a look at what happened to other celebrities:
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Did Alex Smith Retire?
Yes, he has retired from professional football in 2021; nonetheless, Smith will continue to move. He devotes his time to persuasive speaking, fills in as an ESPN broadcaster, and participates in charitable endeavors, including assisting foster youth in successfully transitioning into adulthood.
Dr. Mehan noticed Smith’s amazing journey and nominated him for the 2022 Patients of Courage Awards, a program that honors individuals who overcome adversity, contribute to their organizations, and serve as role models for others.
Alex Smith’s story exemplifies the brave human spirit’s flexibility and unwavering determination to overcome seemingly inexplicable difficulties.
Smith’s journey motivates us all to resist obstacles with persistent intensity and confirmation, from the brink of losing his leg and suffering a deadly illness to returning to the NFL as the Rebound Player of the Year.
His significant rebound serves as a reminder that with the right help and a strong resolve, even the most formidable of hurdles can be overcome. Stay connected with us on leedaily.com for more updates.
