Geno Smith’s career once seemed destined for disappointment, especially with the New York Jets, where he was initially seen as a potential draft bust. But with the Seattle Seahawks, he revived his career, becoming a two-time Pro Bowl selection and earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022.
Recently, on *Up And Adams* with Kay Adams, Smith reflected on his time with the Jets. Drafted in the second round in 2013, Smith became the Jets’ starter when Mark Sanchez was injured, finishing his rookie season with 3,046 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. Despite early flashes, Smith’s tenure was rocky. In 2014, he started 13 games, winning only three, and later endured a fractured jaw after a locker room incident with a teammate. After briefly reclaiming the starting role in 2016, he suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
When asked about his struggles, the 34-year-old acknowledged his share of responsibility. “I had some self-inflicted wounds,” he admitted. “I needed to mature a little bit when I was there. I’ll own that.” Still, he noted, his time with the Jets wasn’t all negative, as he took away many lessons.
After leaving the Jets, Smith joined the New York Giants in 2017, gaining experience in one of the world’s largest sports markets. He even received advice from music legend Jay-Z, who reassured him: “It’s not you particularly — it’s the position you’re in… You’re gonna receive the backlash when you don’t win.”
This perspective proved invaluable as Smith moved on to the Chargers and then to Seattle, where his career flourished. Reflecting on New York, he concluded, “You know, all you got to do is succeed — if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.”
In 2016 he tore his ACL the week after getting the starting job back.
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