Seattle quarterback Geno Smith has enjoyed a career year this season, but the longtime NFL quarterback is still humble.
In 12 starts this season, Smith recorded 3,169 yards, completed 72.7 percent of his passes, and threw for 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. These have all been by far the best marks of his career. In fact, his completions (285), completion percentage, yards, touchdowns, and QB Rating all lead the NFL this season.
In the face of that, Geno knows where he came from. The former West Virginia standout had a tough path here. He led the league in INTs in his rookie year with the New York Jets. After the 2014 season, Smith played three more games with the Jets before he joined the New York Giants. There, Smith played in two games and famously started one over the departing Eli Manning. He’s since spent a lot of time as a backup.
Smith offered candid comments on his career. Longtime Seattle-area reporter Bob Condotta tweeted, “Geno Smith asked today whether he ever got frustrated during his seven years as a backup says no: ‘My tough times would be a dream to someone else.'”
Geno Smith asked today whether he ever got frustrated during his seven years as a backup says no: "My tough times would be a dream to someone else.''
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) December 8, 2022
Geno isn’t wrong. This is his 10th season in the league. A lot of players would love to reach 10 years, especially at such a demanding position. Though Geno has struggled throughout his career, that might make his 2022 season even better. The Seahawks are in second place in the NFC West, one game back of the San Francisco 49ers, with a 7-5 record.
Twitter had some strong reactions to Geno’s quote.
Good quote but getting punched in the face by a 260-pound lineman is not my idea of a good time. https://t.co/qWsRmCA9OE
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) December 8, 2022
The greatest reply in the history of sports. https://t.co/b4GH1aWWte
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) December 8, 2022
You just *know* that Geno goes for Drake and Drives at 11PM on a Tuesday. https://t.co/VHfmT2VzlL
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) December 8, 2022
He isn’t wrong at all. Great perspective. https://t.co/OuWwzgXPBL
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) December 8, 2022
There are lots of athletes that understand exactly how lucky they are. Including Geno.
More than most fans would guess. https://t.co/TpFhxkz3zC— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) December 8, 2022
Earlier this season @Seahawks @GenoSmith3 said "people can write you off, but life is about what you make it" and today he said "my tough times would be a dream to someone else"- thank you Geno for sharing your wise and wonderful perspective – I am rooting and cheering for you. https://t.co/mip4A1bg9I
— Amy Trask (@AmyTrask) December 8, 2022
quite the answer, how can you not be rooting for Geno https://t.co/x8N2D05PVg
— Satchel Price (@SatchelPrice) December 8, 2022
Self awareness, for the win https://t.co/aKbuFXgyeW
— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) December 8, 2022
The way Geno Smith has carried himself all season, showing humility during a dream professional season and never lamenting having to wait this long for this chance has been inspiring.
So much respect for him. https://t.co/md2CKraCCb
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 8, 2022
Working in the dark takes a special person. No matter the industry. Much respect for @GenoSmith3 https://t.co/uVI73dZQPl
— Randy Mueller (@RandyMueller_) December 8, 2022