Geno Smith

Geno Smith – Life, Career, and Notable Moments

Explore the life and NFL career of quarterback Geno Smith — from his early years, college success at West Virginia, professional journey through multiple teams, his resurgence in Seattle, and what’s next in Las Vegas.

Introduction

Eugene Cyril “Geno” Smith III (born October 10, 1990) is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL).

Geno’s path in the NFL has been anything but linear: early promise, struggles and benchings, years as a backup, then a renaissance as a starter culminating in Pro Bowl selections and a Comeback Player of the Year award. His story resonates as one of resilience, reinvention, and perseverance.

Early Life and Background

Smith was born in Miramar, Florida to teenage parents, Eugene Smith Jr. and Tracy Sellers. Miramar High School, where he developed as a standout quarterback.

As a high school player, Smith posted strong numbers, attracting attention from major college programs. He was invited to the elite quarterback camp, Elite 11, and became one of the more highly regarded prospects in Florida.

College Career at West Virginia

Smith committed to West Virginia University, where he played from 2009 to 2012.

• In his early years, he was a backup and saw limited action, but gradually stepped into the starting role.

• His junior and senior seasons were especially standout. In 2011, he set school records in completions, attempts, and yards.

• Smith had a spectacular senior season in 2012, throwing for over 4,200 yards and 42 touchdowns, with very few interceptions.

• He also had a dominant bowl game performance: in the Orange Bowl vs. Clemson, he tied or broke multiple records in passing efficiency and scoring.

Smith’s college performance made him a strong draft prospect, though scouts noted some issues with ball placement and consistency.

NFL Journey & Professional Career

Draft & Early Years with the Jets

• Geno Smith was selected in the 2nd round (39th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.

• He immediately competed for the starting position and was named the starter as a rookie.

• His rookie season had ups and downs: he threw for over 3,000 yards, but also amassed 21 interceptions, reflecting both potential and struggle.

• In subsequent seasons, inconsistency, injuries, and turnovers led to him being benched and eventually released.

Backup Years & Transitions

• After leaving the Jets, Smith spent time with the New York Giants (2017) and Los Angeles Chargers (2018) in backup roles.

• In 2019, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, initially as a backup behind Russell Wilson.

• Over the next few seasons, Smith was mostly a reserve, with few in-game opportunities.

Resurgence in Seattle

• The turning point came in 2022, when the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson and Smith won the starting job.

• That season, he delivered arguably the best year of his career:

  • He led the NFL in completion percentage.

  • He was honored as the AP Comeback Player of the Year.

  • He earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

• In the 2023 season, he continued as the primary starter and earned a second Pro Bowl nod.

• In 2024, he broke multiple Seahawks franchise records in a full season: completions, attempts, yards, and achieved a career-high in passing yards.

Trade to Las Vegas & New Contract

• In March 2025, Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with former Seattle coach Pete Carroll.

• Shortly after the trade, he signed a two-year, $75 million extension (with incentives) with the Raiders.

• In his Raiders debut, he threw for 362 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, setting a franchise record for passing yards in a debut.

Achievements & Honors

• Pro Bowl selections: 2022, 2023

• Comeback Player of the Year (AP, 2022)

• NFL Leader in Completion Percentage in 2022

• Seahawks franchise records in completions, attempts, and passing yards (2024)

Style, Personality & Off-Field

• Smith is known for his resilience and work ethic—his revival after years as a backup is often highlighted as a model for perseverance.

• He is vocal about his Christian faith, often sharing personal beliefs publicly.

• His diet and physical maintenance have become part of his narrative: before the 2023 season, he adopted a pescatarian diet, reducing red meat and poultry to optimize performance.

• In his personal life, Smith married his college girlfriend, Hayley Eastham, in July 2015.

• They have a son, Seven Santana Smith, born in July 2019 (named in honor of his jersey number).

Legacy & What’s Ahead

Geno Smith’s career is still active, but already offers lessons and a legacy:

• Redemption arc: Going from a career that could have stalled to reemergence as a starter and Pro Bowler gives his story dramatic resonance.

• Late bloomers can thrive: His peak years came in his 30s, showing that perseverance and preparation matter.

• Team player and leader: His relationship with coaches, like Pete Carroll, and his ability to regain trust in a franchise system reflect traits of leadership and adaptability.

• Inspiration to backups: For many players on the fringes, he is proof that being a backup doesn’t have to limit one’s potential long-term.

Going forward, much will depend on how well he adapts in Las Vegas, leading a new offense, and maintaining consistency in a new environment. If he succeeds, he may cement a reputation as one of the more remarkable resurgences in modern NFL QB history.

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