Epic fan video shows Alex Smith enjoying Deebo Samuel as much as the rest of us

A San Francisco 49ers fan in the stands at Levi’s Stadium offered an exclusive glimpse at Alex Smith appreciating Deebo Samuel in real time: “He’s so good.”

For anyone familiar with Alex Smith’s journey through the NFL, seeing him in the stands at a San Francisco 49ers game is a testament to his good-natured, team-first mentality.

Smith was drafted by the 49ers in 2005, playing for the Bay Area team until he was traded away in 2013. Before then, during the 2012 season, Smith boasted an impressive statline until he suffered a concussion and lost the starting job to Colin Kaepernick. Smith prepared himself to come back and even coached Kaepernick through their playoff run, supporting the 49ers despite the cruel “hot hand” he was dealt.

But San Francisco still appreciates Smith for what he did, and in turn, Smith showed out at Levi’s Stadium to cheer on his former team. When Deebo Samuel broke away for a 57-yard touchdown, the crowd went wild. Smith was spotted clapping and saying, “he’s so good” of the dynamic wide back.

Alex Smith shows love for Deebo Samuel at 49ers game

Smith didn’t have the privilege of playing in the current 49ers era, although the legendary Randy Moss did finish his career in San Francisco back in 2012. Before the 49ers built up their defense in  formidable 2011 and 2012 seasons, the team primarily had losing seasons ever since Smith was drafted.

Smith went on to have success with the Chiefs, making the Pro Bowl three times and leading the NFL with the best passer rating in 2017. Before Patrick Mahomes made his debut, Smith led the Chiefs to take over the AFC West in 2016 and 2017, connecting with an early-career Tyreek Hill for both of those seasons.

Of course, Smith would go on to face graver adversity during his stint in Washington from 2018 to 2020. A devastating leg injury  in his right leg resulted in sepsis, which was remedied by extensive surgical reconstruction involving skin grafts and muscle transfers to heal. Smith returned in the 2020 and was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year before announcing his retirement in 2021.

All of that context illustrates the gritty mentality Alex Smith had during his time in the NFL, and the spirited optimism that allowed him to stare down major obstacles. Smith was benched despite being healthy, traded and traded again, then came back from an injury that was initially believed to be career-ending.

Considering all that, it’s a beautiful sight to see Smith, beloved by Niners Nation, cheering on Deebo Samuel like he would any teammate.