Introduction
Edwin Alexander "Alex" Smith (born May 22, 1982), is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.
Smith has also been a member of the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Early years
Smith attended high school at J. K. Mullen High School in Denver, Colorado. As a senior he was a Super Prep first-team All-American, Prep Star All-Midlands, All-State and All-Centennial League selection. He was a Nominee for the Fred Steinmark Award, which is given to the Colorado Athlete of the Year. He also played basketball and ran track.
College career
Smith played college football at Stanford University. He was a three-year starter and was runner-up to the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, in 2004. Some of his honors included 2004 second-team consensus All-American, 2004 Team MVP, 2003 Honorable mention All-Pac-10, 2003 Honorable mention academic All-Pac-10 and 2002 Academic All-Pac-10. He finished his career starting 32 of 44 games, making 107 receptions for 1,291 yards and eight touchdowns.
Professional career
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Smith was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft. As a rookie he started 10 of 16 games and recorded 41 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns. In 2006 he started 7 of 14 games and made 35 receptions for 250 and three touchdowns and in 2007 he started all 14 games he played in totaling 385 yards on 32 receptions and three touchdowns. In his last year with the Buccaneers in 2008 he started 12 of 14 games making 21 receptions for 250 yards and three touchdowns.
Smith finished his career with the Buccaneers starting 43 of 58 games, recording 129 receptions for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns.
New England Patriots
On April 30, 2009, Smith was traded to the New England Patriots for a fifth round 2010 NFL Draft pick. He was released during final cuts on September 5.
Philadelphia Eagles
Smith signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on September 8, 2009.
Cleveland Browns
Smith signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns on May 4, 2010. He re-signed with them on March 13, 2012.
Cincinnati Bengals
On April 16, 2013, Smith signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints signed Smith on August 7, 2015. He was waived ten days later.
Washington Redskins
On December 15, 2015, Smith signed with the Washington Redskins.
Personal life
Smith's father, Ed Smith, played defensive end for the Denver Broncos.
Smith won the Madden Bowl in 2006 and 2007 and became the fourth player to win twice.