Alex Smith
NFL Quarterback | Resilience, Leadership & Overcoming Career-Ending Injury
About
Alex Smith transformed professional football through extraordinary resilience and determination. As the first overall draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005, he established himself as a premier NFL quarterback, playing 16 seasons at the highest competitive level.
Smith earned first-team All-American honors at the University of Utah, where he was named MW Offensive Player of the Year in 2004. After a devastating leg injury that threatened to end his career, he completed an unprecedented medical and athletic comeback, inspiring audiences with his story of perseverance and mental toughness.
His powerful keynotes reveal how individuals can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges through strategic thinking and unwavering commitment.
Talks1
An NFL quarterback on overcoming setbacks and self-doubt
Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith almost died after a particularly rough tackle snapped his leg in 2018 -- yet he was back on the field just two years later. In this inspiring talk, he shares his hard-won insights on overcoming fear, self-doubt and anxiety that could help anyone endure life's challenges. (This talk contains graphic images.)
At a Glance
Is this you?
Claim this profile to edit your bio, add talks, and get verified.
Know a talk we're missing?
Get in Touch
Save for Later
Frequently Appeared With
Speakers who have appeared at the same events
Adam Grant
Organizational psychologist | Bestselling author exploring motivation, generosity, and human potential
1 shared event · TEDMonterey
Adrian K. Haugabrook
Educator | Advancing Diversity & Inclusion in Higher Education
1 shared event · TEDMonterey

Aicha Evans
CEO of Zoox | Autonomous Vehicle Innovation
1 shared event · TEDMonterey
Alicia Chong Rodriguez
Biomedical Engineer | Empowering Women in STEM
1 shared event · TEDMonterey
Betül Kaçar
Astrobiologist | Pioneering Extremophile Research
1 shared event · TEDMonterey
Bozoma Saint John
Chief Marketing Officer | Brand Builder & TV Personality
1 shared event · TEDMonterey
Chris Bennett
AI Researcher & Entrepreneur | Designing Inclusive Artificial Intelligence
1 shared event · TEDMonterey
Freeman H. Shen
CEO, WM Motor | Electric Vehicle Visionary
1 shared event · TEDMonterey
Similar Speakers
Speakers with related expertise

Amy Cuddy
Social Psychologist | Second Most-Watched TED Talk Ever | Body Language Expert

David Akers
NFL Legend & Leadership Expert | Performance Psychology Champion

Amrita Sen Mukherjee
TEDx Speaker | Positive Psychology Expert on Empowerment and Resilience

Lloyd Bachrach
Paralympian and author | Transforming physical challenges into extraordinary success