What Is Alex Smith’s Net Worth?
Alex Smith, a retired American professional football quarterback, has amassed a considerable net worth estimated at $95 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful 16-season career in the National Football League (NFL), during which he played for the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins.
Alex Smith’s Career Earnings and Contract Details
Throughout his NFL career, Alex Smith earned a total of approximately $210 million in salary alone. This figure places him among the highest-earning players in NFL history. Notably, between June 2017 and June 2018, Smith’s earnings from salary and endorsements reached $41 million, making him one of the top 20 highest-paid athletes globally during that period.
Here’s a breakdown of Smith’s earnings across his tenures with different teams:
- San Francisco 49ers: Smith was drafted by the 49ers as the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. While specific contract details from his early years are not readily available, it’s known that he signed a three-year deal with the 49ers in 2011 after spending time as a free agent.
- Kansas City Chiefs: In 2013, Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. During his time with the Chiefs, he consistently performed at a high level, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances.
- Washington Redskins: In early 2018, Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins. While playing for the Redskins, Smith suffered a severe leg injury in a game against the Houston Texans which almost cost him his leg. Despite this, he managed to come back to the NFL and play for the team, leading them to a division title.
Alex Smith’s Early Life and Collegiate Career
Born on May 7, 1984, in Bremerton, Washington, Alex Smith was raised in La Mesa, California. He attended Helix High School, where he excelled as a football player. During his junior and senior years, he led the Helix Highlanders to a 25-1 record, securing two San Diego CIF section championships. He also set a school record by scoring six touchdowns in a single game. Beyond football, Smith served as the president of his senior class.
For his collegiate career, Smith attended the University of Utah. As the starting quarterback for the Utes football team, he achieved a remarkable 21-1 record, leading the team to victories in the 2003 Liberty Bowl and the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. Smith graduated from Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.
NFL Career Details
San Francisco 49ers (2005-2012):
Smith’s NFL journey began with the San Francisco 49ers, who selected him as the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. His rookie season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just nine games and one touchdown pass. In his second season, he showed improvement, throwing three touchdowns in his first three games and leading the 49ers on a three-game winning streak in November. During a “Thursday Night Football” game, Smith led the team to a significant comeback against the Seattle Seahawks. He concluded the season with an upset victory over the Denver Broncos.
In 2007, a right-shoulder injury sidelined Smith, ending his season in December. Complications from surgery forced him to miss the entire 2008 season. Upon his return in 2009, Smith recorded his first career 300-yard passing game against the Seahawks in Week 13. However, the 2010 season was marred by poor performances and another shoulder injury, resulting in a 6-10 season record for the 49ers.
After a brief period as a free agent, Smith signed a new one-year contract with the 49ers in 2011. He led the team to a 13-3 record for the season, a significant improvement. He also made his first career playoff appearance. In the NFC divisional round, the 49ers defeated the New Orleans Saints. However, they lost to the New York Giants in the Championship Game. Smith became a free agent again at the end of the season but re-signed with the 49ers on a three-year deal. Unfortunately, a concussion led to him losing his starting quarterback position to Colin Kaepernick.
Key Milestones with the 49ers:
- 2011 Season: Led the 49ers to a 13-3 record and a playoff appearance.
- NFC Divisional Round: Led the 49ers to a victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Kansas City Chiefs (2013-2017):
In 2013, Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. In his first season with the team, he achieved his first and only perfect passer rating and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. After a moderate 2014 season, Smith rebounded in 2015, leading the Chiefs to the playoffs, where they were defeated by the New England Patriots in the divisional round. The 2016 season was particularly notable, as Smith recorded career highs of 3,502 passing yards and 328 completions, leading to another playoff appearance. He surpassed the former total in 2017 with 4,042 passing yards and also posted a career high of 26 touchdowns.
Key Milestones with the Chiefs:
- 2013 Season: Achieved his first and only perfect passer rating.
- 2015 Season: Led the Chiefs to the playoffs.
- 2016 Season: Recorded career highs of 3,502 passing yards and 328 completions.
- 2017 Season: Recorded career highs of 4,042 passing yards and 26 touchdowns.
Washington Redskins (2018-2020):
In early 2018, Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins. Over the first nine games of his first season with the team, he led Washington to a 6-3 record. Misfortune struck in November when Smith suffered a severe right-leg injury during a game against the Houston Texans. After undergoing an initial surgery, he developed a life-threatening bacterial infection that required 17 subsequent surgeries. Doctors even warned Smith that they might need to amputate his leg if he wanted to survive. Despite the severity of the injury and the dire warnings of doctors, Smith was determined to return to football.
He ultimately made his return in 2020 in a Week 5 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Smith next played in Week 9 in a loss to the New York Giants. His first win since his injury came in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals. A couple of weeks later, Washington upset the unbeaten Steelers. After missing a few games due to a bone bruise, Smith returned for the regular-season finale to help Washington triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles, clinching the division title in the process. At the end of the season, he was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Smith was eventually released by Washington in early 2021.
Key Milestones with Washington:
- 2020 Season: Named NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
- 2020 Season: Led Washington to a division title after returning from a severe leg injury.
Philanthropy
Smith established his own foundation and scholarship program in 2007, aimed at helping teenagers pursue higher education. Additionally, he created his own clothing line collection called Just Live, which donates all of its proceeds to the rehabilitation facility Center for the Intrepid.
Personal Life
In 2009, Alex Smith married Elizabeth Barry, a former Oakland Raiders cheerleader. They have a daughter and two sons. There are no public records of what type of property or real estate they own. There is also no information publicly available about any investments, habits, or personal information.