The NFL may be on hiatus right now, but players will soon be reporting to minicamps as part of the lead-up to the next season launching this fall. Though former pro quarterback Alex Smith’s playing days may now be behind him, his career’s story featured more than just wins and statistics—it was also a story of perseverance.

During a 2018 regular season game, Smith experienced a severe leg injury after being sacked, resulting in a total of 17 surgeries, a near amputation, and an extensive recovery. Incredibly, Smith eventually returned to football, playing once again in 2020 before retiring in 2021.

Now, the 41-year-old has teamed up with Vertex Pharmaceuticals for the Pain Game Plan campaign to help anyone encountering unexpected pain. In a recent interview with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest, Smith opens up about his rehabilitation journey, why pain is “one of the most human experiences,” and how he’s handling dad life these days.

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The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Alex, your comeback story has been amazing to follow, and we’re so glad you’re doing well these days! But we know your injury was incredibly severe and life-threatening—what are you sharing now about your recovery process that the public might not previously know?

Alex Smith: There were so many layers to my recovery process, far beyond just the physical. That’s why I’m speaking today about the pain side of my journey, which is often overlooked, and the importance for the broader conversation around pain management. I am excited to partner with Vertex Pharmaceuticals on the Pain Game Plan, a campaign aimed at helping people plan ahead for managing acute pain, whether from surgery or an unexpected injury—and to shift the narrative around pain. For me, pain management was an afterthought—and it shouldn’t be. In this country, talking about pain can feel uncomfortable or even taboo, but it’s something we all experience. Pain is not exclusive to professional quarterbacks: it affects everyone, and it is so personal. That is why I want to empower anybody dealing with pain to have conversations with their doctors and care teams so that they can develop a personalized Pain Game Plan. Ask about all the options available—including non-opioid ones—and feel empowered to take control of your care.

The Healthy: What do you want people to know about how you handled the immense amount of pain after your injury and the subsequent surgeries?

Alex Smith: First off, it was hard. Pain is incredibly debilitating and overwhelming, and everything else becomes secondary when you’re in it. And yet, despite how consuming it was, pain felt like an afterthought in my recovery journey. It affected everything: how I approached rehabilitation, how I showed up as a husband and a dad, and how I engaged with the world around me. It shouldn’t be that way. Pain is one of the most human experiences, and yet dealing with it is so deeply personal. That’s why I’m grateful to share my story—so others can feel less alone and start having these important conversations.

The Healthy: Physical pain is something so many Americans experience, whether it’s chronic or temporary. After your experience, what do you recommend for people experiencing pain, especially when it comes to talking to their doctors about it?

Alex Smith: Personalization is what matters most when it comes to pain management. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you have to find what truly works for you. And to do that, you need to know what options are out there and what is available. For me, managing pain at night so I could sleep was a completely different challenge than managing it during the day while going through rehab. Those were two very different needs. But I was hesitant to speak up—I didn’t feel like I had the authority to ask questions or explore alternatives, because after all, I’m not a doctor. That’s exactly why I’m encouraging people to have those conversations now. Be proactive. Ask what’s available. Find what works for you.

The Healthy: What are you up to these days, both professionally and personally? We know football fans can still catch you on ESPN during the NFL season, but where else might they find you?

Alex Smith: These days, I’m driving carpool for my daughter’s dance class—which I’m incredibly grateful for, especially in the off-season when I’m not commentating on football for ESPN. I also spend some time working with a couple of private capital firms in the Bay Area and enjoy speaking and sharing my story. You can also find me on my podcast, Glue Guys. But mostly? It’s the carpool line.

The Healthy: What’s one self-care habit you refuse to skip?

Alex Smith: For me, it has to be staying active or working out. It just has such a profound impact on every part of life. Even mentally, when I’m feeling overwhelmed or down, there’s nothing better than getting outside and moving.

The Healthy: Finally, what’s your favorite comfort food?

Alex Smith: Oh, that’s easy! I am a San Diego kid. I grew up a few miles from the border, and I am totally biased in this, but I think San Diego has the best Mexican food in the country. I’m always on a mission to find the best Mexican spot, whether in California or beyond.

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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Author
Molly Jasinski
Molly Jasinski has worked as a writer, editor and social media manager for almost 15 years. She previously worked as an editor for the magazine Birds & Blooms. She’s also held other positions at Trusted Media Brands, working on direct-to-consumer books, editing special interest publications, and assisting with digital production and social me...
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Molly Jasinski