Quarterback Geno Smith aspires to the Pro Bowl this season, when hardly anyone believed in his potential a few months ago…except him.
• Read also: NFL: the end of a great career for JJ Watt
• Read also: NFL: Bengals qualify for playoffs
The 32-year-old pivot quickly overshadowed Russell Wilson on the Seattle Seahawks’ field. Against all odds, he has so far thrown 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions. This is his career best season.
Smith was once seen as the quarterback of the future for the New York Jets. The Big Apple team had selected him in the second round in 2013, but the scenario didn’t go as expected for the Jets. They moved him into a substitute role after two difficult first seasons, before finally throwing in the towel in his case. The West Virginia product rolled its hump before ending up on the West Coast.
To ESPN, his first NFL coach, Rex Ryan, said he regretted throwing Smith into the fray too quickly early in his career.
“I remember one of the last things I said to him [en 2014] is that one day he would be a real quarterback in this league, but unfortunately he would not be under my command,” Ryan said.
That year, Smith had thrown 13 touchdown passes…and just as many interceptions! Things finally fell into place when the Denver Broncos acquired Wilson. Smith rose to the occasion, which greatly impressed his former coach.
“He deserves to be in the Pro Bowl right now,” said Ryan, who works as an analyst at ESPN. He showed a lot of tenacity and endured the substitute situation for several years before finally having the chance to start over. It’s really amazing. It’s the best story in the league.
“Exactly as expected”
If the NFL was surprised by Smith, the main stakeholder never doubted his abilities.
“Everything is going exactly as planned,” said the kingpin. You can look at my Twitter account or my Instagram, I’ve always told everyone for a long time.
Smith will become a free agent at the end of the campaign. He doesn’t know what the future holds for him and whether the Seahawks will reconnect with Drew Lock as a starter. For now, he appreciates the opportunity.
“Throughout the process, I felt like there was a glass ceiling above my head and I couldn’t break it,” she said. It’s like something is hovering above you and you just want to break it to keep growing. I’ve just done it. I had to be patient until I got my chance.”
