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Friday Round-Up: Geno Smith & Charissa Thompson of NFL Films Discuss QB's NFL Journey

NFL Films Presents highlights Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith’s NFL journey, from reserve to star in the Pacific Northwest.

Oct 27, 2023 at 12:15 PM

Maliik Obee

Seahawks.com Contributor

Good afternoon, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Friday, October 27 — about your Seattle Seahawks.

Geno Smith sits down with Charissa Thompson of NFL Films to discuss his long journey to finding success in the league.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is eight weeks into his fifth season with the franchise, and his second as a full-time starter. The 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year leads 4-2 Seattle into Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Smith recently sat down with Charissa Thompson of NFL Films to discuss his 10-year journey from journeyman to star in Seattle.

"I will not be denied."@GenoSmith3's winding path to becoming a starter is inspiring, but don't call it a comeback 😏#NFLFilmsPresents | @Seahawks pic.twitter.com/6qN8aTQ402
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 26, 2023

In 2022, Smith defied the odds, overcoming nearly a decade as a backup with four franchises to become a Pro-Bowler while helping the Seahawks reach the playoffs. In 2022, Smith became Seattle's starter, the first time in the role since 2014 with the New York Jets. In 17 games, Smith threw for a career-high 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and a league-high 69.8 completion percentage. Last November, the West Virginia alum sat down at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center with Fox Sports analyst Charissa Thompson to discuss his storybook 2022 season as it unfolded.

"I walk through life with my head up," said Smith. "Because I just know who I am. I know what I bring to the table, I'm just a confident guy. I'm just always like that. I'm happy to be here, just blessed to be here in this position."

A year later, Thompson sits down again with Smith at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, becoming emotional at Smith's journey.

"Geno," said Thompson. "I'm supposed to make you cry, not the other way around. I can't be the only one that cries in your interview."

Geno Smith wrote a letter to Seahawks fans in the Players Tribune. It’s candid and insightful, as you’d expected.

This section in particular really stands out. It’s a dive into Geno’s mindset. https://t.co/lxMpYCcgkZ pic.twitter.com/DYyouDN7rR
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) April 3, 2023

Thompson narrates as a video montage of Smith's best plays, featuring audio from players across the league giving him praise. The pair discuss a range of topics, from Smith’s April letter to the 12s via The Players’ Tribune, to his now-famous quote from Week 1 of the 2022 season.

“They wrote me off, but I ain't write back.” 🔥

Geno Smith feeling himself

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/VkHKtnK8l2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 13, 2022

Seattle defeated quarterback Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos 17-16 at Lumen Field, leading to a postgame interview that would spark a viral moment.

"They wrote me off," said Smith. "I ain't write back though."

Smith and Thompson discuss how the quote has become the catalyst for his career, as he continues to defy the odds.

"I didn't realize it would be as big as it maybe got," said Smith. "But in-the-moment, I kind of knew what I was saying. I've been preparing for this, so I don't really have anything to say. I've been working hard and just getting ready for the moment to come again. So, it was exactly the way I wanted it to play out."

Smith discusses what he's learned the most from Coach Pete Carroll.

"He's given me that self-confidence," said Smith. "He's given me a new lease on life. I've always been a little hard on myself. I'm always like 'You're not good enough.' But he helped me change the way I talked to myself a little."

Carroll sits down to discuss believing in his quarterback, and Smith growing to believe in himself even more.

"What he did," said Carroll. "He allowed his voice to become the voice. In doing so, he just did everything exactly like you'd hope he would do it."

The pair discuss the irony of Smith winning the comeback award over the league's most valuable player award, before diving into Smith's drive to be an example for the underdogs.

"That's truly what I think God put me here for," said Smith. "As a vessel just to lead people who are going through things. Because it's not always easy. But I think, if I'm someone who can help someone else have a better day, help someone get over that hump - then I feel like I'm doing my job as a human being."

For Thompson, Smith's triumphant story is worthy of bringing tears to the eyes of a seasoned professional. For 33-year-old Smith, the story is still being written.

Social Post Of The Day

Seahawks rookie wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba co-stars with Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry in the NFL's Week 8 Graphic highlighting Throwback Week

A little flash from the past 🔥

Which unis are you more excited for: @Titans or @Seahawks? pic.twitter.com/ikuZhNrK1L
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2023

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