One of the oldest principles about humility is “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
The Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback Alex Smith is living proof of this wisdom. After he was cast out from the San Francisco 49ers, Smith got the opportunity to play for the Chiefs. Now after signing a four-year, $68 million deal he is one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL and he is worth every penny.
Humble NFL Beginnings
Smith got labeled as a cast off, a bust and someone who could never live up to potential. In the 2005 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected him with the first overall pick.
His first years in the Bay Area were terrible.
Smith played with unproductive offensive lineman, bad coaches, and never had stability within the offense. There were new offensive coordinators as much as there were new coaches. There was no consistency within the organization.
This led to Smith almost being traded or released multiple times from the 49ers, while giving him a reputation that he did not deserve as a loser.
Smith survived six years with the 49ers until head coach Jim Harbaugh resurrected his career like the zombies from the Michael Jackson “Thriller” video.
Smith thrived under the tutelage of coach Harbaugh.
His first season as the starting quarterback under Harbaugh, the 49ers went 13-3 and Smith played in his first playoff game. His most memorable moment in his career came against the New Orleans Saints. Smith led a game winning drive that got capped off with a touchdown pass to Vernon Davis.
The 49ers eventually lost in the next round of the playoffs to the New York Giants by three points. All of a sudden, Smith’s job was in the hands of Alex Trebek, under jeopardy.
During the next season, Smith lost his starting job to the 49ers current starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
This was an act of embarrassment and shame to say the least. Smith had to watch Kaepernick that year lead San Francisco to the Super Bowl, a place where he was only three points away from making the year before.
As happy as he was for Kaepernick’s success, anyone could watch the games and notice that he was not happy. Smith once again was humbled in his career and it ultimately ended up helping him in the long run.
The Recipe for Success
Smith left San Francisco with playoff experience and a formula for his success. The reason Harbaugh worked miracles with him is because he allowed Smith to have management over the game.
Instead of forcing action with long vertical passes or playing to the weaknesses of Smith’s game, Harbaugh did the opposite.
He allowed Smith to stay as an accurate passer by allowing receivers to run short yardage routes for easy completions. However, what made it special is that the play calling suited everyone because Smith could throw 10 yard in’s and move the chains. Other receivers would also run a similar routes knowing they would get the football routinely, and more often there were more broken tackles and more yards after the catch.
Smith took that philosophy with him to the Chiefs and immediately they felt the results of his game.
Worth the Money
The Chiefs were 2-14 before the arrival of Smith. After his first year as the starting quarterback the Chiefs were 11-5 and made the AFC Playoffs. In his first year as their starting quarterback Smith threw for 3,313 yards 23 touchdowns, seven interceptions and made his first Pro Bowl.
With Smith in the starting lineup for Kansas City, it brings stability to a franchise that has to compete with Peyton Manning and Phillip Rivers every year.
A lot of people can make the argument that Smith is the third best quarterback in this division, but in the last few years whose teams have had better years, Smith or Rivers?
The Chiefs got used to playing without great expectations, as they made the playoffs once from 2007-2012. The opposite has now happened, as the Chiefs welcome the competition with the Broncos and Chargers and expect to compete in the AFC West. Smith gives his teammates the confidence that he never had early in his career, that they will win their games.
The Chiefs have a playoff contender every year with Smith as their starting quarterback and that is why he is worth the money. Those were words that weren’t uttered about Smith years ago.
With Smith, the Chiefs will have a good team for years to come, and it is all thanks to the 49ers giving him a humbling experience.
All those humbling events seem even sweeter now that Smith is in a position to thrive.
As we know though, all things work together for good.