Alex Smith's Silent Contribution

This is the time of the year that brings out the football fan in all of us, that's right it's the Super Bowl! There are many reasons to watch the Super Bowl: some people might tune in for the game, some for the commercials, and several just to have a reason to drink beer and eat hot wings. No matter what everyone can agree on one thing, that there is a lot of hype and attention focused on the two teams competing for the coveted Lombardi trophy.

This years Super Bowl is littered with star players and interesting stories but one of the better stories is being almost completely disregarded by the media. The 49ers backup quarterback Alex Smith has stayed composed and level headed since losing his job to current starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick in week 10 of this season. To make matters worse Smith did not lose his job due to poor performance, rather he was injured during the week 10 game and thereafter was replaced by Kaepernick who was deemed "the hot hand". In fact, at the time of his injury Smith was one of the most highly ranked quarterbacks in the NFL in several key statistics including completion percentage.

Now don't get me wrong, Alex Smith hasn't exactly seemed delighted about sitting on the bench but in an era of contract hold outs, trade demands, and locker room complaints Smith is a saint. Most people in the same situation would have lashed out in one way or another but Smith has said and done everything right, a trait that should be more highly valued in today's sports world. Smith will more than likely become a free agent this upcoming offseason and I really hope that NFL teams are smart enough to see this diamond in the rough for what he is, an anti Terrell Owens if you will.