Introduction
Alex Smith is a name synonymous with perseverance, leadership and longevity in the NFL. From his days as a high-school phenom to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, and later overcoming life‐threatening injury to reclaim his place, Smith’s career offers rich material. In this article we explore his net worth, high school and college background, draft story, faith (and the question of whether he is a Mormon), and his contract history.
High School & Early Life
Alex Smith was born on May 7, 1984 in Bremerton, Washington and grew up primarily in La Mesa, California.
He attended Helix High School in La Mesa, where he played football for the Highlanders and quickly made his mark. During his junior and senior seasons he led the team to an astonishing 25–1 record including two San Diego CIF section championships.
In his senior year, Smith completed 66 % of his passes for 1,704 yards with 30 touchdowns and just four interceptions—while also serving as senior class president and taking a heavy academic load of Advanced Placement classes.
That combination of athletic talent and academic discipline would carry over into his college and professional career.
College Career
Smith accepted a scholarship to the University of Utah, playing for the Utah Utes football team.
As a starter he posted a remarkable 21–1 record, leading Utah to wins in the Liberty Bowl (2003) and the Fiesta Bowl (2005). In his 2004 season, Smith threw for 2,952 yards, 32 touchdowns and 631 rushing yards with 10 scores on the ground.
His two-year undergraduate program, earning a BA in Economics in just 2.5 years, highlights again his commitment off the field.
NFL Draft: No. 1 Overall
In the 2005 NFL Draft, Alex Smith was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the first overall pick.
The decision to pick Smith was notable in part because of the presence of other quarterback prospects (notably Aaron Rodgers) and the debate that ensued about the 49ers’ selection. In his rookie contract he signed a six-year deal worth approximately $49.5 million with about $24 million guaranteed.
Contract History & Career Earnings
Smith’s NFL contract history is long and multifaceted. A few key milestones:
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Rookie Contract (2005): Six years, ~$49.5M total, ~$24M guaranteed with the 49ers.
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Later contracts: Over his career Smith amassed career earnings in the hundreds of millions. According to one source, his career guarantees and total earnings put him among the top-paid players.
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One notable contract: A four-year $94 million deal with the Washington Football Team (formerly Redskins) in 2018, of which $71 million was guaranteed.
The contract data reflects the value teams placed on his veteran leadership and consistent performance.
Net Worth
Estimating a retired athlete’s net worth always involves some uncertainty. Here’s what available sources show:
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One credible estimate puts Smith’s net worth at around $95 million.
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Other sources estimate more conservatively at approximately $55 million.
Given his long career (16 seasons) and several multi-year contracts, it is reasonable to place his net worth somewhere in that range. The difference may reflect endorsement income, investments and other off-field activities not publicly disclosed.
Is Alex Smith a Mormon?
One recurring question about Alex Smith is whether he is a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints (commonly referred to as Mormon). Here’s what the available evidence suggests:
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According to research, “there is no proof to support the whispers that Alex Smith is a Mormon.”
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He has never formally revealed his faith specifically as Mormon, though some speculation arose because he attended Utah and the perception that many athletes there are members of the LDS Church.
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One faith-database lists his faith simply as Christian (without specifying denomination).
In short: While he is Christian, the evidence does not support a confirmed affiliation with the LDS Church. Therefore, the answer to “Is he a Mormon?” would be: No, or at least not publicly identified as such.
Career Highlights & Enduring Legacy
Beyond contract numbers, Smith’s career is notable for many achievements:
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Three-time Pro Bowl selection.
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Led Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers deep into the playoffs.
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In 2020, after a life-threatening leg injury (2018) he made a triumphant return and earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
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His leadership, durability and perseverance are often cited as hallmarks of his character.
Contract & Financial Impact in More Detail
It’s worth detailing some of the contract figures to appreciate the scale:
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The rookie contract: Six years, ~$49.5M (2005) with ~$24M guaranteed.
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Later, OverTheCap reports total career earnings of around $210 million with guarantees of ~$124 million.
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For instance, his 2018 Washington deal: Four years, $94 million total, $71 million guaranteed.
These numbers illustrate how valuable a veteran, proven quarterback can be in the NFL economy. They also give context to his estimated net worth.
Personal Life & Off-Field Work
Alex Smith married Elizabeth Barry in 2009. They have two sons and a daughter. He comes from a family with Serbian heritage through his great-grandfather, and Smith and his siblings have tattoos of firesteels (a traditional Serbian cross) in his honor.
Philanthropically, Smith founded the Alex Smith Foundation / Guardian Scholars Program to support foster teens in their college pursuits. His charitable work has been recognized as a model of athlete philanthropy.
Summary & Takeaways
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Net Worth: Estimated ~$55–95 million, reflecting a long and lucrative NFL career.
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High School: Helix High School (La Mesa, California) – outstanding athlete and student.
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NFL Draft: No. 1 overall pick in 2005 by the San Francisco 49ers.
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Faith: Christian; no confirmed affiliation with the LDS Church.
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Contract: Multiple high-value deals; career earnings in the ~hundreds of millions.
Alex Smith’s trajectory—from high school standout, to college star, to professional leader and comeback hero—offers a blueprint for success both on and off the field. He demonstrates how athletic talent, academic commitment, character and perseverance combine into a lasting legacy.
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