His career changed in an instant that he has likely replayed over and
over to the point where he can’t do it anymore. A life’s work shouldn’t
pivot on one moment, but sometimes a regrettable choice forever alters
the path.
Geno Smith might never escape the events of August 11, 2015, when he
lost everything that he built with one punch to his jaw. Nothing has
been the same for the Jets quarterback since that morning altercation
with a disgruntled teammate. The spotlight dimmed. His job description
changed. He receded into the background to watch his backup lead his
team to the most prolific offensive season in franchise history. He
became an afterthought.
As the Jets rejoiced Ryan Fitzpatrick’s return
Wednesday night, Smith surely was conflicted. He had been in limbo this
offseason, a starter in name only, a placeholder for the guy who
everyone else in the building really wanted.
How could this happen to a 25-year-old with a world of talent?
“I’m not disappointed,” Smith said about giving up his place atop the depth chart after practice on Thursday.
“I’m kind of pissed off. It’s not a detrimental thing. It’s not where
I’m pissed off at anyone, because we all want to be out there... Every
guy doesn’t always get to go out there. We all know that one quarterback
gets to go out there day one. That just adds fuel to the fire, but not
in a negative way. I don’t want that to become a headline, because
that’s not what I’m trying to say. It’s more as a competitor (and) as a
quarterback knowing what I’m capable of and really believing in myself.
You want to be out there, but you have to play with the cards that
you’re dealt and control what you can control and continue to get
better.”
He doesn’t want or need any more headlines. He’s had enough in the past
three years to last a lifetime. Smith has handled himself with aplomb
these past few months, said and done the things that he should have said
and done all along.
He has made mistakes in this most unforgiving environment. He’s been
too proud or scared or unsure sometimes to admit those mistakes, but he
certainly could have used a few mulligans, which is OK. How many 22- or
23- or 24-year olds don’t make questionable choices?
“I’m auditioning for this team and 31 other teams in the NFL,” said
Smith, who will be the Jets’ No. 2 quarterback this season, barring
breakout performances by Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg over the
next month. “So the way that you handle all of this says something about
yourself and your character. I’ve got little kids back home watching to
see how I react. Everyone’s going to watch and see how I react. I’m not
going to allow this situation — because it’s not the worst situation
that I’ve been in — to deter me from my ultimate goal.”
Smith works hard at camp no matter if his next chance is with Jets or elsewhere.
For all the craziness that has swirled around him in his short career, he sounded sincere. He sounded 35, not 25.
“As a competitor, I would be crushed, because I want to be on the
field,” said Brandon Marshall, who pulled Smith aside on Wednesday night
to offer sage advice. “I love Geno…. When this kid gets an opportunity,
he’s not going to look back and he’s not going to let it go.”
Smith is a hard person to get to know, but he’s hardly a bad guy. He
wants so desperately to say and do the right things. He wants to be a
leader and great player and teammate. He ignored the Fitzpatrick drama
this spring and focused on improving his game. What else could he do?
“It’s a tough situation,” Fitzpatrick said. “I know it’s hard. He’s
just got to continue to work his tail off and good things are going to
happen.”
Smith, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has had
tantalizing moments that make you wonder about the possibilities. He had
a perfect quarterback rating in a three-touchdown performance in his
last start. He has the physical skills to play at this level, but
understands the likely outcome: He’ll be playing elsewhere next season.
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