Ex-QB Alex Smith Receiving Broadcasting Interest In Retirement

Alex Smith just completed a run as the NFL's most inspirational performer, quarterbacking the Washington Football Team to the playoffs, following a major leg injury. Then he walked away from the game ... or so it seems.

While Smith doesn't plan to return to the football field, he does appear to be a coveted potential broadcast analyst. According to the New York Post, Smith has auditioned for a role as an in-game analyst, and each of the four networks are interested.

Smith, 37, reportedly auditioned for Fox and CBS, and met with ESPN and the NFL Network, per the report. CBS, for one, has a vacancy after deciding not to bring back Rich Gannon, another former NFL QB.

Fox is looking to fill the No. 5 analyst role after Chris Spielman left to become special assistant to the owner of the Detroit Lions, the Post added.

So yes, maybe Smith could end up talking about the game for cash. But if not, hey, he has other options.

For instance, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid recently said he has texted Smith to offer him a job. Reid coached Smith when Smith was Chiefs quarterback from 2013-17.

"He’s just a heck of a person, had a great career, played so many years here with different teams and everywhere he went, he made them better,” Reid said, via the Kansas City Star. “I texted him a while back, if he gets back into coaching, I get first dibs on him. I doubt he will, but if he decides to go that route, he would be a guy that you’d love to have on your staff.

“But he is really a special, special person. He’ll go down is one of my all-time favorites.”

The broadcast booth may be where Smith is leaning, but no matter what happens next, it appears he'll still be involved in the game in some way, shape or form. And this time, he won't have to put pads on to do it.

Written by
Sam Amico spent 15 years covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and NBA.com, along with a few other spots, and currently runs his own basketball website on the side, FortyEightMinutes.com.