Alex Smith retires from NFL after completing remarkable comeback from leg injury

 Alex Smith completed his incredible NFL comeback story this fall. The veteran quarterback will let that serve as the cap to his playing career.

Smith announced on Monday via Instagram that he was retiring from the

NFL after 16 years in the league.

The announcement comes just two months after Smith, 36, was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year for 2020 for his return to action with the Washington Football Team. After suffering a compound fracture to his right tibia and fibula in a November 2018 game against the Houston Texans, Smith underwent 17 surgeries and sat out the entire 2019 season. He also developed sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication from an infection, and had to wear a brace to combat his drop foot.