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Retired QB Alex Smith wins PFWA George Halas Award
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Retired QB Alex Smith wins PFWA George Halas Award

Former Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith suffered a horrific and career-threatening leg injury during the 2018 campaign but returned to regular-season action with Washington last fall and helped the club win the NFC East title. 

On Monday, Smith was named the 2021 George Halas Award winner by the Professional Football Writers of America. He had already earned 2020 Comeback Player of the Year honors. 

Per the PFWA, the Halas Award is given to a player, coach, or staff member "who overcomes the most adversity to succeed." Washington head coach Ron Rivera, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard, and New England Patriots running back James White were also nominated. 

Smith temporarily flirted with continuing his career during the offseason but was released by Washington in early March. He announced his retirement the following month via an emotional video he shared on Instagram but later told ESPN's Adam Schefter he seriously contemplated signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars before he rode off into the sunset, for good. 

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said in April he'd like to add Smith to his staff if the QB goes into coaching. 

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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