Sports Quote of the Day: Geno Smith's Redemption

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Sports Quote of the Day: Geno Smith's Redemption

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 6:01 PM ET

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith knows the feeling of success and adversity in the NFL, but he experienced more of the latter before the former.

The Jets selected the Florida native in the second round of the 2013 draft out of West Virginia, and he threw 25 touchdowns against 34 interceptions in his first two seasons. He then missed the start of 2015 after getting his jaw broken in an altercation with defensive end IK Enemkpali, and he didn't get his starting spot back from Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Smith then took backup roles with the New York Giants (2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2018), and Seattle Seahawks (2019-2021) before getting the starting job with the latter team in 2022. The 6-foot-2, 221-pounder tossed 71 touchdowns against 35 picks over the next three seasons in Seattle before getting traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and the Jets in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Geno Smith's Signature Statement

Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7)Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Smith could've given up after being a backup for several years, but he was rewarded for his resilience. The two-time Pro Bowler's career came full circle, as he'll start for the Jets in 2026 after they drafted him 13 years ago.

Smith kicked off his 2022 Comeback Player of the Year campaign by leading the Seahawks to a 19-16 overtime win over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football in Week 1. After the game, he delivered a line during the sideline interview that expressed his unwavering confidence, and one that he filed to trademark after the fact, per NBC Sports.