BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Hail Alex

BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Hail Alex

From Jane Wilkens Michael Better Than Before by Jane & Laurie

October 2, 2025 · 30 min

About this episode

Jane interviews former NFL quarterback Alex Smith about his journey of recovery and pain management.

Passing through adversity - Jane’s very special guest today is Alex Smith. And there is no better model for perseverance and success than this former star NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst. In 2018, during a Washington Commanders' (then Redskins) game, he suffered a life-threatening injury to his right leg. His triumphant return to the field less than two years later is regarded as one of the most historic moments in pro football history. Indeed, he helped lead his team to an NFC East title while he himself earned the title of NFL Comeback Player of the Year. His story about the injury was documented in a special edition of ESPN’s E60, Project 11. Alex's arduous path to recovery set the stage for his new endeavor, speaking about the realities of pain and encouraging people to have a game plan. To that end, he is partnering with Vertex Pharmaceuticals on their Pain Game Plan campaign to empower people to develop a personalized pain management strategy to be ready for the expected, like a planned surgery, or unexpected, like an injury. On this segment, Alex and Jane talk about how he, his doctors and his family had to make life-changing decisions, his intense rehabilitation…

People in this episode

Host: Jane Wilkens Michael

Guest: Alex Smith

Topics covered

  • perseverance
  • pain management
  • NFL comeback
  • rehabilitation
  • personal growth

Keywords

  • Alex Smith
  • NFL
  • pain management
  • rehabilitation
  • comeback story
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals
  • Project 11

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ESPN, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Washington Commanders, NFL

Books & works: Project 11

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