Geno Smith

Smith was born to high school students Eugene Smith Jr. and Tracy Sellers in Miramar, Florida on October 10, 1990.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00.htm |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Merrill |first=Elizabeth |date=March 20, 2013 |title=What will Geno Smith turn out to be? |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/page/hotread-geno-smith/geno-smith-be |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} His family originally hails from Bimini in the Bahamas. His great-uncle, Danny Smith, was a record breaking All-American hurdler at Florida State, and his cousin Mel Bratton was a star running back at Miami in the mid-1980s.{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Bimini 'sports' tradition continues through Smith |website=Bahamas Local News |url=https://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem/39881/Bimini_sports_tradition_continues_through_Smith.html |access-date=October 18, 2022}} Smith's nickname, Geno, came from his grandfather, who was nicknamed "Big Geno".{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Kimberly A. |date=August 3, 2013 |title=Geno Smith keeps his late grandmother close to his heart |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/geno-smith-keeps-his-late-grandmother-close-to-his-heart-1.5825259 |access-date=March 26, 2018 |quote=Mosetta Bratton always believed her grandson – named Eugene Cyril Smith III after his father, nicknamed "Big Geno," and his paternal grandfather – would be something special.}}

Smith was admitted to Norland Middle School's magnet program, which dedicated two hours per day to arts instruction.{{Cite web |last=Rohan |first=Tim |date=September 28, 2012 |title=Geno Smith and the Art of Quarterbacking at West Virginia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/29/sports/ncaafootball/geno-smith-and-the-art-of-football-at-west-virginia.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |website=The New York Times}} He went on to attend Miramar High School, where he was coached by former Mountaineer Damon Cogdell.{{Cite web |last=Brousseau |first=Dave |date=April 23, 2013 |title=Miramar High hosts gathering to see if alum Geno Smith selected in NFL Draft |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-xpm-2013-04-23-fl-miramar-draft-party-0424-20130423-story.html |access-date=October 17, 2022 |website=Sun Sentinel}} As a junior, Smith passed for 2,200 yards, 25 touchdowns, and three interceptions, and was named second-team all-state quarterback. He was also named second-team all-Broward County as an athlete for 2007.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith, Miramar , Dual-Threat Quarterback |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Geno-Smith-7676/high-school-6442/ |access-date=October 18, 2022 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}}. Following his junior year, Smith was invited to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp in Aliso Viejo, California.{{cite web |url=http://miamiherald.typepad.com/hssports/2008/07/smith-turning-h.html| website=miamiherald.typepad.com |accessdate=October 13, 2021 |date=July 22, 2008 |first1=Larry |last1=Blustein|title=Smith turning heads at EA Sports Elite 11 Passing event}}

During Smith's senior season, he led his team to the state 6A semi-finals and completed 205 of 338 passes for 3,089 yards and 30 touchdowns while also rushing for over 300 yards. Smith was a first-team all-state selection in Florida Class 6A and a Parade All-American. He was also the No. 1 rated player in Broward County according to the Miami Herald and South Florida Sun Sentinel, and finished No. 2 in the voting for Mr. Florida. Smith finished his career as the third-best passer in Broward County history, and was named to the ESPN Top 150 prospects list. He chose to attend West Virginia over offers from Florida State, South Florida, Boston College, and Alabama.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith Recruit Interests |url=https://247sports.com/Recruitment/Geno-Smith-7676/RecruitInterests/ |access-date=October 18, 2022 |website=247sports.com}}

{{College athlete recruit start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2009}}

{{College athlete recruit entry

| recruit = Eugene Smith

| position = QB

| hometown = Miramar, Florida

| highschool = Miramar High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 184

| 40 = 4.59

| commitdate = November 7, 2008

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| espn grade = 81

}}

{{College athlete recruit end

| 40 =

| year = 2009

| rivals ref title = West Virginia Football Commitments

| scout ref title = 2009 West Virginia Football Commits

| espn ref title = ESPN

| rivals school = westvirginia

| scout s = 73

| espn schoolid = 277

| scout overall = 12 (QB)

| rivals overall = 3 (Dual-threat QB)

| espn overall = 8 (QB)

| accessdate = March 12, 2013

| bball =

}}

File:Geno Smith.jpg

Smith attended West Virginia University, where he played for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team from 2009 to 2012.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/geno-smith-1.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Smith was an English major during his time at West Virginia.{{Cite web |last=Maisel |first=Ivan |author-link=Ivan Maisel |date=October 3, 2012 |title=Maisel: WVU QB Smith's focuses solely on football |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/football-121003Maisel/west-virginia-mountaineers-quarterback-geno-smith-focus-solely-football |access-date=December 8, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Smith saw some action his freshman year as the backup behind senior Jarrett Brown.{{Cite web |title=2009 West Virginia Mountaineers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/west-virginia/2009.html |access-date=May 20, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} His first snap in a regular season game came against Auburn; Smith completed five of eight passes for 50 yards and an interception.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia at Auburn Box Score, September 19, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-09-19-auburn.html |access-date=January 26, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He would see action again against Syracuse, Marshall, Louisville, and in the Gator Bowl against Florida State.{{Cite web |title=Gator Bowl – West Virginia vs Florida State Box Score, January 1, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-01-01-florida-state.html |access-date=January 26, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In his freshman year at West Virginia University, Smith completed 32 of 49 passes for 309 yards, a touchdown, and an interception for an 81.1 quarterback rating to go along with 17 carries for seven yards as the backup to starting quarterback Brown.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/geno-smith-1/gamelog/2009/ |access-date=January 1, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

2010 was Smith's first year as the starting quarterback. Smith got his first start in the season opener against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, completing 20 of 27 passes for 216 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the 31–0 shutout victory.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia at Marshall | Friday September 10, 2010 | NCAAF – Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/boxscore?gid=201009100176 |access-date=September 29, 2012 |publisher=Rivals.yahoo.com }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

With the Mountaineers down 21–6 against in-state rival, Marshall, Smith led his team to a fourth quarter comeback victory. He led the first drive from the Mountaineers' 4-yard line. With help from senior running back Noel Devine, the Mountaineers cut Marshall's lead to eight points. After the Mountaineers' defense stopped Marshall, a punt put the Mountaineers near their own end zone again, starting from the 2-yard line. After completing 9 of 13 passes and scrambling for 20 yards, Smith found tight end Will Johnson in the corner of the endzone for a touchdown. With Marshall still leading 21–19, head coach Bill Stewart elected to go for the two-point conversion. Smith completed a pass to wide receiver Jock Sanders in the back of the end zone for a two-point conversion. The Mountaineers went on to win the game in overtime by a score of 24–21. Smith finished the game completing 32 of 45 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown to go along with 14 carries for 13 yards.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia at Marshall Box Score, September 10, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-10-marshall.html |access-date=January 26, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} After two games, Smith led the Big East Conference in passing yards and passing efficiency.{{Cite web |title=Maryland at West Virginia | Saturday September 18, 2010 | NCAAF – Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/boxscore?gid=201009180017 |access-date=September 30, 2012 |publisher=Rivals.yahoo.com }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In a 31–17 victory over Maryland, Smith completed 19 of 29 pass attempts for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Two of his touchdowns were to Tavon Austin, and the other two were to Stedman Bailey.{{Cite web |title=Maryland at West Virginia Box Score, September 18, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-18-west-virginia.html |access-date=January 26, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Smith won his first Big East Offensive Player of the Week for this performance.

In West Virginia's first meeting ever with LSU, the Mountaineers lost at Tiger Stadium by a score of 20–14. Smith completed 14 of 29 pass attempts for 119 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception to go along with five carries for 10 yards.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia at LSU | Saturday September 25, 2010 | NCAAF – Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/boxscore?gid=201009250076 |access-date=September 29, 2012 |publisher=Rivals.yahoo.com }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Smith threw for 220 yards and ran for 19 yards in West Virginia's 49–10 win over UNLV.{{Cite web |title=UNLV at West Virginia | Saturday October 9, 2010 | NCAAF – Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/boxscore?gid=201010090017 |access-date=September 30, 2012 |publisher=Rivals.yahoo.com }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} It was the most points WVU had scored since playing Connecticut in 2007.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia routs UNLV 49-10 – College Football – Rivals.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=201010090017 |access-date=September 30, 2012 |publisher=Rivals.yahoo.com}}

During a 16–13 overtime loss to Connecticut, Smith completed 22 of 34 passes for 160 yards to go along with a season-high 64 rushing yards. This was the first game all season where Smith did not throw a touchdown pass. The loss was also the first time Connecticut had ever beaten West Virginia.{{Cite web |title=UConn beats West Virginia 16-13 in overtime – College Football – Rivals.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=201010290202 |access-date=September 30, 2012 |publisher=Rivals.yahoo.com}}

Smith tied his record for touchdowns in a game in a 37–10 win over Cincinnati, where he was 15 for 25, throwing for 174 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. The win came after a two-game losing streak. It was the first time the Mountaineers beat Cincinnati since 2007.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati at West Virginia Box Score, November 13, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-13-west-virginia.html |access-date=January 1, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=West Virginia beats Cincinnati 37-10 – College Football – Rivals.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=201011130017 |access-date=September 29, 2012 |publisher=Rivals.yahoo.com}} Smith won his second Big East Offensive Player of the Week for this performance.

On November 26 against Pittsburgh, Smith threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the 35–10 victory.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia at Pittsburgh Box Score, November 26, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-26-pittsburgh.html |access-date=January 1, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the next game against Rutgers, he had 352 passing yards and a touchdown in the 35–14 victory.{{Cite web |title=Rutgers at West Virginia Box Score, December 4, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-12-04-west-virginia.html |access-date=January 1, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Smith finished the 2010 season with 196 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception in a 23–7 loss to North Carolina State in the Champs Sports Bowl.{{Cite web |title=Champs Sports Bowl – West Virginia vs North Carolina State Box Score, December 28, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-12-28-north-carolina-state.html |access-date=January 1, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Smith finished his sophomore season completing 241 of 372 passes for 2,763 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions to go along with 106 carries for 217 yards.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/geno-smith-1/gamelog/2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

File:2012 Orange Bowl 2.JPG]]

With the arrival of new West Virginia football head coach Dana Holgorsen and a new passing-based offensive system, Smith saw his passing numbers improve drastically. In the fourth game of the season against the #2 LSU Tigers, Smith set school records for completions (38), attempts (65), and passing yards (463) in the 47–21 loss on September 24, 2011.{{Cite web |title=LSU at West Virginia Box Score, September 24, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-24-west-virginia.html |access-date=September 28, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

With 372 passing yards against the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 12, Smith tied a Big East record with his seventh 300-yard game of the season. He tied the record that was set in 2007 by Brian Brohm of the Louisville Cardinals.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia at Cincinnati Box Score, November 12, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-12-cincinnati.html |access-date=November 19, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Smith set single-season school records for pass completions (291), attempts (448), and yards (3,741) on November 25 in a win against the rival Pittsburgh Panthers.{{Cite web |title=Pitt at West Virginia Box Score, November 25, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-25-west-virginia.html |access-date=December 2, 2011 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} All three records were previously held by Marc Bulger.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia Mountaineers Passing |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/west-virginia/passing.html |access-date=January 26, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

In West Virginia's 70–33 rout of the Clemson Tigers in the 2012 Orange Bowl, Smith tied three individual bowl records: most touchdown passes (six), most touchdowns overall (seven) and total points (42).{{Cite web |title=Orange Bowl – West Virginia vs Clemson Box Score, January 4, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-01-04-clemson.html |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2012 |title=West Virginia routs Clemson in record-setting Orange Bowl |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=320040228 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720150038/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=320040228 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2012 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Smith's 401 passing yards broke Tom Brady's Orange Bowl record of 396 that he set in the 2000 Orange Bowl. Smith also became the Big East single-season passing leader with 4,379 yards, breaking Brian Brohm's mark that he set in 2007.

As a senior, Smith put together multiple great statistical performances for the Mountaineers. In the season opening victory over Marshall, he finished 32-of-36 for 323 yards and four touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Marshall at West Virginia Box Score, September 1, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-01-west-virginia.html |access-date=September 29, 2012 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the next game, a victory over James Madison, he finished 34-of-39 for 411 yards and five touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia vs James Madison Box Score, September 15, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-15-james-madison.html |access-date=September 29, 2012 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On September 29 against Baylor, Smith had a career-day, completing 45-of-51 passes for 656 yards and eight touchdowns in the 70–63 victory.{{Cite web |title=Baylor at West Virginia Box Score, September 29, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-29-west-virginia.html |access-date=October 5, 2012 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the next game, a victory over Texas, he finished with 268 passing yards and four touchdowns to help lead the Mountaineers to a 5–0 record.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia at Texas Box Score, October 6, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-06-texas.html |access-date=October 13, 2012 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} After the win over Texas, the season started to falter for the Mountaineers. Despite some solid individual results, Smith and the Mountaineers dropped the next five games. On November 23, Smith had 236 passing yards and two touchdowns in a victory over Iowa State to stop the losing streak.{{Cite web |title=West Virginia at Iowa State Box Score, November 23, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-23-iowa-state.html |access-date=November 25, 2012 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the regular season finale against Kansas, he finished 23-of-24 for 407 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in the 59–10 victory.{{Cite web |title=Kansas at West Virginia Box Score, December 1, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-12-01-west-virginia.html |access-date=December 7, 2012 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the Pinstripe Bowl against Syracuse, he finished with 201 passing yards and two touchdowns in the 38–14 loss.{{Cite web |title=Pinstripe Bowl – West Virginia vs Syracuse Box Score, December 29, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-12-29-syracuse.html |access-date=January 7, 2013 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Smith finished the season with 4,205 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, and six interceptions to go along with 66 carries for 151 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/geno-smith-1/gamelog/2012 |access-date=January 7, 2013 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} After the season, he officially announced his decision to enter the 2013 NFL draft.

• All-Big East Conference Second-team (2010)
• All-Big East Conference First-team (2011)
• 4× Big East Offensive Player of the Week
• 2012 Orange Bowl Most Valuable Player
• 3× Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week
• 2× National Offensive Player of the Week (for week ending September 3, 2012; for week ending September 29, 2012)

Smith received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine where his performance was well received by scouts who highlighted his athleticism and strong arm{{Cite news |last=Pauline, Tony |date=February 25, 2013 |title=Grading QB workouts: Geno Smith remains best in draft |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/02/24/nfl-scouting-combine-quarterback-rankings-geno-smith-ej-manuel-mike-glennon/1943333/ |url-status=dead |access-date=July 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225133713/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/02/24/nfl-scouting-combine-quarterback-rankings-geno-smith-ej-manuel-mike-glennon/1943333/ |archive-date=February 25, 2013}} but noted that his ball placement needed improvement.{{Cite web |last=Rang, Rob |date=February 24, 2013 |title=2013 NFL Combine: Geno Smith fails to wow during passing drills |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/blog/rob-rang/21761086/2013-nfl-combine-geno-smith-fails-to-wow-during-passing-drills |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130723224007/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/blog/rob-rang/21761086/2013-nfl-combine-geno-smith-fails-to-wow-during-passing-drills |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |website=CBS Sports}} Smith was widely regarded as one of the top prospects alongside EJ Manuel of Florida State.{{Cite news |last=Orr, Conor |date=April 17, 2013 |title=NFL Draft 2013: Geno Smith is consensus top-rated quarterback available |work=The Star-Ledger |url=http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2013/04/nfl_draft_2013_geno_smith_is_c.html |url-status=dead |access-date=July 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420013419/http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2013/04/nfl_draft_2013_geno_smith_is_c.html |archive-date=April 20, 2013}} In the days leading up to the draft, several NFL teams expressed interest in Smith including the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1 selection), the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 selection), the Oakland Raiders (No. 3 selection), the Philadelphia Eagles (No. 4 selection), the Buffalo Bills (No. 8 selection), and the New York Jets (No. 9 and No. 13 selections).{{Cite news |last=Corbett, Jim |date=March 29, 2013 |title=Geno Smith hopes Chiefs are 'legitimately interested' |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2013/03/29/geno-smith-to-meet-with-chiefs/2036379/ |url-status=dead |access-date=July 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330062709/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2013/03/29/geno-smith-to-meet-with-chiefs/2036379/ |archive-date=March 30, 2013}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 2 3/8

| weight = 218

| dash = 4.59

| ten split = 1.62

| twenty split = 2.69

| shuttle =

| cone drill =

| vertical = 33.5

| broad ft = 10

| broad in = 4

| bench =

| wonderlic = 24

| arm span = 32 1/2

| hand span = 9 1/4

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles–Geno Smith |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/geno-smith?id=2539335 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228012911/http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/Geno-Smith?id=2539335 |archive-date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |website=National Football League}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=89785&DraftYear=2013 |title=2013 Draft Scout Geno Smith, West Virginia NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |website=draftscout.com |access-date=December 16, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=McGinn, Bob |date=April 19, 2013 |title=Rating the NFL draft prospects: Quarterbacks |work=Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel |url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/the-journal-sentinels-bob-mcginn-assesses-the-top-quarterbacks-in-the-draft-next-week-included-is-each-players-height-weight-40yard-dash-time-and-projected-round-rt9i5sb-203862401.html |url-status=dead |access-date=June 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422061329/http://www.jsonline.com/sports/the-journal-sentinels-bob-mcginn-assesses-the-top-quarterbacks-in-the-draft-next-week-included-is-each-players-height-weight-40yard-dash-time-and-projected-round-rt9i5sb-203862401.html |archive-date=April 22, 2013}}

}}

File:Geno Smith at Jets training camp.JPG

Smith was in attendance for the first round of the draft as many analysts and scouts expected him to be taken that night.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal, Gregg |date=April 10, 2013 |title=Geno Smith, EJ Manuel among 2013 NFL Draft attendees |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/geno-smith-ej-manuel-among-2013-nfl-draft-attendees-0ap1000000158953 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411121010/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000158953/article/geno-smith-ej-manuel-among-2013-nfl-draft-attendees |archive-date=April 11, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2013 |website=National Football League}} However, Smith was not selected, and EJ Manuel was the lone quarterback taken in the first round.{{Cite news |date=April 26, 2013 |title=Manti Te'o, Geno Smith passed over |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/id/9213509/2013-nfl-draft-manti-teo-geno-smith-passed-first-round |url-status=live |access-date=July 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426081427/http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/id/9213509/2013-nfl-draft-manti-teo-geno-smith-passed-first-round |archive-date=April 26, 2013}} Smith declined to be interviewed by ESPN afterwards and originally planned to return home but later decided to attend the second day of the draft. Several league executives alleged Smith did not handle the draft process in a professional manner, which caused him to fall out of the first round,{{Cite news |last=Cole |first=Jason |date=May 1, 2013 |title=Geno Smith's firing of agents, pre-draft actions shed light on why QB may have dropped |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--geno-smith-s-firing-of-agents--pre-draft-actions-shed-light-on-why-qb-dropped-183846651.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502014512/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--geno-smith-s-firing-of-agents--pre-draft-actions-shed-light-on-why-qb-dropped-183846651.html |archive-date=May 2, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2013 |work=Yahoo! Sports}} while analysts pointed to his late-season decline as a senior at West Virginia, which exposed his flaws, as the primary reason.{{Cite web |last=Breer, Albert |date=May 7, 2013 |title=Draft notes: EJ Manuel over Geno Smith not that surprising |url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap1000000167678/article/draft-notes-ej-manuel-over-geno-smith-not-that-surprising |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508212544/http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap1000000167678/article/draft-notes-ej-manuel-over-geno-smith-not-that-surprising |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2013 |website=National Football League}} The following day, the Jets expressed interest in trading up in the second round to select Smith but could not consummate a trade.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=2013-04-26 |title=Report: Jets want to move up from 39, eying Geno Smith |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-jets-want-to-move-up-from-39-eying-geno-smith |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430014814/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/26/report-jets-want-to-move-up-from-39-eying-geno-smith/ |archive-date=April 30, 2013 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} Despite this, Smith remained available and the Jets selected him with the 39th overall pick.{{Cite news |last=Klemko |first=Robert |date=April 26, 2013 |title=Shocker: Jets draft Geno Smith in second round |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2013/04/26/geno-smith-selected-by-jets-nfl-draft/2116671/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427112136/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2013/04/26/geno-smith-selected-by-jets-nfl-draft/2116671/ |archive-date=April 27, 2013 |access-date=April 27, 2013 |work=USA Today}} Following the selection, General manager John Idzik stated that Smith would compete with incumbent Mark Sanchez in training camp to determine the starting quarterback.{{Cite news |last=Orr |first=Conor |date=April 27, 2013 |title=NFL Draft 2013: Let the Jets' quarterback battle begin |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/04/nfl_draft_2013_let_the_jets_qu.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503095700/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/04/nfl_draft_2013_let_the_jets_qu.html |archive-date=May 3, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2013 |work=The Star-Ledger}}

Smith fired his agency, Select Sports Group, upon the completion of the draft and sought new representation.{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Florio |date=2013-05-06 |title=Geno Smith narrows agent options to three |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/geno-smith-narrows-agent-options-to-three |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509165816/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/06/geno-smith-narrows-agent-options-to-three/ |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} He signed with Roc Nation Sports on May 22, 2013, with Kimberley Miale serving as his representative.{{Cite news |last=Heitner, Darren |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports Signs New York Jets QB Geno Smith |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2013/05/22/jay-zs-roc-nation-sports-signs-new-york-jets-qb-geno-smith/ |url-status=dead |access-date=July 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608023223/http://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2013/05/22/jay-zs-roc-nation-sports-signs-new-york-jets-qb-geno-smith/ |archive-date=June 8, 2013}} Smith worked out in his home state of Florida during the offseason, prompting questions as to whether or not he had spurned Sanchez by not attending Sanchez's Jets West summer camp in California.{{Cite news |date=July 12, 2013 |title=Geno Smith won't attend Mark Sanchez's Jets camp |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/07/11/new-york-jets-geno-smith-will-not-attend-mark-sanchez-camp/2510949/ |url-status=dead |access-date=July 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712062439/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/07/11/new-york-jets-geno-smith-will-not-attend-mark-sanchez-camp/2510949/ |archive-date=July 12, 2013}} Smith and Sanchez dismissed this notion with Sanchez saying that it was "no big deal."{{Cite web |last=Hanzus, Dan |date=July 16, 2013 |title=Geno Smith: Mark Sanchez and I have 'no hard feelings' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/geno-smith-mark-sanchez-and-i-have-no-hard-feelings-0ap1000000218086 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718045539/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000218086/article/geno-smith-no-hard-feelings-with-mark-sanchez |archive-date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=July 20, 2013 |website=National Football League}}

{{See also|2013 New York Jets season}}

On July 22, 2013, Smith signed a four-year, $5 million contract with approximately $690,000 in workout bonuses.{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=July 22, 2013 |title=Report: Geno's deal tied to workouts |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/24381/report-genos-deal-tied-to-workouts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726165917/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/24381/report-genos-deal-tied-to-workouts |archive-date=July 26, 2013 |access-date=July 26, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=July 22, 2013 |title=It's official: Geno's a Jet |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/24369/its-official-genos-a-jet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902090044/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/24369/its-official-genos-a-jet |archive-date=September 2, 2013 |access-date=July 26, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}}

Smith made his professional debut on August 9, 2013, in the first preseason game against the Detroit Lions.{{Cite news |last=Slater, Darryl |date=August 10, 2013 |title=Geno Smith optimistic about his sore ankle and debut night performance in Detroit |work=The Star-Ledger |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/08/geno_smith_optimistic_about_his_sore_ankle_and_debut_night_performance_in_detroit.html |url-status=dead |access-date=August 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812031242/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/08/geno_smith_optimistic_about_his_sore_ankle_and_debut_night_performance_in_detroit.html |archive-date=August 12, 2013}} He completed 6-of-7 passes for 47 yards but left the game due to an ankle injury in the second quarter. X-rays showed no structural damage and Smith returned to practice on August 11.{{Cite news |last=Mehta, Manish |date=August 11, 2013 |title=Geno Smith plays through ankle pain at NY Jets practice |work=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/geno-plays-ankle-pain-jets-pratice-article-1.1423851 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814072252/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/geno-plays-ankle-pain-jets-pratice-article-1.1423851 |archive-date=August 14, 2013}} Smith started the Jets' third preseason game against the New York Giants completing 16 of 30 passes for 199 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions.{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=August 25, 2013 |title=Smith throws 3 picks; Sanchez hurt |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9598070/geno-smith-throws-three-interceptions-mark-sanchez-injured-new-york-giants |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825031021/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9598070/geno-smith-throws-three-interceptions-mark-sanchez-injured-new-york-giants |archive-date=August 25, 2013 |access-date=August 26, 2013 |website=ESPN New York}} Smith was named the team's starting quarterback after Sanchez suffered a shoulder injury against the Giants.{{Cite news |last=Pelissero, Tom |date=September 4, 2013 |title=Jets name Geno Smith starting quarterback |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2013/09/04/geno-smith-new-york-jets-staring-quarterback/2761657/ |url-status=dead |access-date=September 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904193019/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2013/09/04/geno-smith-new-york-jets-staring-quarterback/2761657/ |archive-date=September 4, 2013}}

During the season-opening 18–17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Smith completed 24-of-38 passes for 256 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. With only a few seconds left in the fourth quarter, he was hit out of bounds by Lavonte David, which drew a late hit penalty and the Jets went on to score the game-winning field goal.{{Cite news |last=Corbett, Jim |date=September 8, 2013 |title=Penalty in final seconds helps Jets edge Buccaneers |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2013/09/08/geno-smith-new-york-jets-tampa-bay-buccaneers-recap-darrelle-revis/2782997/ |url-status=dead |access-date=September 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911113531/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2013/09/08/geno-smith-new-york-jets-tampa-bay-buccaneers-recap-darrelle-revis/2782997/ |archive-date=September 11, 2013}} In the next game against the New England Patriots, Smith struggled as he completed 15 of his 35 passes for 214 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions as the Jets lost on the road by a score of 13–10.{{Cite news |last=Martin, Kimberley |date=September 12, 2013 |title=Geno Smith throws 3 interceptions in loss to Patriots |work=Newsday |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/geno-smith-throws-3-interceptions-in-loss-to-patriots-1.6063713 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914205524/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/geno-smith-throws-3-interceptions-in-loss-to-patriots-1.6063713 |archive-date=September 14, 2013}} The following week against the Bills, Smith completed 16 of 29 passes for 331 yards, rushing for a touchdown and passing for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite 20 penalties, the Jets powered through and won 27–20.{{Cite news |last=Slater, Darryl |date=September 22, 2013 |title=Jets down Bills, 27–20, in an ugly, penalty-filled outing |work=The Star-Ledger |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/09/jets_down_bills_27-20_in_a_ugly_penalty-filled_outing.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923013221/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/09/jets_down_bills_27-20_in_a_ugly_penalty-filled_outing.html |archive-date=September 23, 2013}} Smith became the first rookie quarterback in franchise history to throw for 300 or more yards in a game.{{Cite news |date=September 25, 2013 |title=Despite some rookie errors, QB Geno Smith giving Jets a lot to feel good about |newspaper=The Washington Post |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/despite-some-rookie-errors-qb-geno-smith-giving-jets-a-lot-to-feel-good-about/2013/09/25/11aa3336-262f-11e3-9372-92606241ae9c_story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130927022337/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/despite-some-rookie-errors-qb-geno-smith-giving-jets-a-lot-to-feel-good-about/2013/09/25/11aa3336-262f-11e3-9372-92606241ae9c_story.html |archive-date=September 27, 2013}}

Smith struggled in the Week 4 38–13 road loss to the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite news |last=Slater |first=Darryl |date=September 29, 2013 |title=Jets come undone in 13–38 loss to Titans, dropping to 2–2 on season |work=The Star-Ledger |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/09/jets_come_undone_in_38-13_loss_to_titans_dropping_to_2-2_on_season.html |url-status=dead |access-date=October 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930020657/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/09/jets_come_undone_in_38-13_loss_to_titans_dropping_to_2-2_on_season.html |archive-date=September 30, 2013}} He completed 23 of his 34 passes for 289 yards and a touchdown while committing four turnovers—two led to Titans touchdowns as the Jets lost 13–38. During a narrow Week 5 30–28 road victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Smith completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite news |date=October 8, 2013 |title=Smith's poise wins out for Jets |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/74846/smiths-poise-wins-out-for-jets |url-status=live |access-date=October 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011080941/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/74846/smiths-poise-wins-out-for-jets |archive-date=October 11, 2013}} He completed all four of his passes on the Jets' final drive, allowing Nick Folk to kick the game-winning 43-yard field goal.{{Cite news |last=Slater, Darryl |date=October 8, 2013 |title=Jets kicker Nick Folk continues strong season with game-winning, 43-yard field goal |work=The Star-Ledger |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/10/jets_kicker_nick_folk_continues_strong_season_with_game-winning_43-yard_field_goal.html |url-status=dead |access-date=October 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020074856/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/10/jets_kicker_nick_folk_continues_strong_season_with_game-winning_43-yard_field_goal.html |archive-date=October 20, 2013}} Smith was named American Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2013 |title=Geno Smith Named AFC Offensive Player of Week |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-5/Geno-Smith-Named-AFC-Offensive-Player-of-Week/2cb0fa7a-b690-4b8b-8d45-ecc1ab3597e1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012010239/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-5/Geno-Smith-Named-AFC-Offensive-Player-of-Week/2cb0fa7a-b690-4b8b-8d45-ecc1ab3597e1 |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=October 9, 2013 |website=New York Jets}} and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for his performance.{{Cite web |title=Pepsi Next Rookie of the Week: Geno Smith |url=http://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2013/REG/5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011002047/http://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2013/REG/5 |archive-date=October 11, 2013 |access-date=October 13, 2013 |website=National Football League}} In the next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith threw for 201 yards and two interceptions as the Jets lost by a score of 19–6.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2013 |title=Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers beat New York Jets to earn first win |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013101306/2013/REG6/steelers@jets#menu=highlights&tab=recap&recap=fullstory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423045832/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013101306/2013/REG6/steelers@jets#menu=highlights&tab=recap&recap=fullstory |archive-date=April 23, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |website=National Football League |agency=Associated Press}} The following week against the Patriots, he completed 17 of 33 passes for 233 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Jets won by a score of 30–27 in overtime.{{Cite news |last=Costello, Brian |date=October 20, 2013 |title=Flags to riches! New rule helps Jets shock Patriots |work=New York Post |url=https://nypost.com/2013/10/20/new-rule-helps-jets-beat-patriots/ |url-status=dead |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022061345/http://nypost.com/2013/10/20/new-rule-helps-jets-beat-patriots/ |archive-date=October 22, 2013}}

Smith struggled during the Week 8 9–49 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals as he completed 20-of-30 passes for 159 yards and two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns before being relieved of duties by Matt Simms in the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |last=Lange, Randy |date=October 27, 2013 |title=Jets Stumble in the Jungle, Lose to Bengals 49–9 |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-5/Jets-Stumble-in-the-Jungle-Lose-to-Bengals-49-9/23e6c79c-38d9-45db-a36e-d905a8c85343 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031002255/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-5/Jets-Stumble-in-the-Jungle-Lose-to-Bengals-49-9/23e6c79c-38d9-45db-a36e-d905a8c85343 |archive-date=October 31, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |publisher=New York Jets}} Smith started in the next game against the New Orleans Saints and completed eight of 19 passes for 115 yards to go along with six carries for 18 yards and a touchdown in a 26–20 upset victory.{{Cite news |last=Martin, Kimberley |date=November 3, 2013 |title=Jets ground and astound, beat Drew Brees and Saints, 26–20 |work=Newsday |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-ground-and-astound-beat-drew-brees-and-saints-26-20-1.6370209 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105030745/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-ground-and-astound-beat-drew-brees-and-saints-26-20-1.6370209 |archive-date=November 5, 2013}} The Jets returned from their bye week to lose three straight contests to the Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. Smith struggled during this stretch as he failed to score any points and committed eight turnovers;{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – November 17th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170buf.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116213638/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170buf.htm |archive-date=November 16, 2013 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens – November 24th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126000954/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240rav.htm |archive-date=November 26, 2013 |access-date=November 27, 2013 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – December 1st, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312010nyj.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204214426/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312010nyj.htm |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |access-date=December 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} he was benched in favor of Simms against Buffalo and Miami leading coach Rex Ryan to be noncommittal in starting Smith the rest of the year.{{Cite news |last=Martin, Kimberley |date=December 1, 2013 |title=Geno Smith benched in Jets' 23–3 loss to Dolphins |work=Newsday |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/geno-smith-benched-in-new-york-jets-loss-to-miami-dolphins-1.6521970 |url-status=dead |access-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006213052/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/geno-smith-benched-in-new-york-jets-loss-to-miami-dolphins-1.6521970 |archive-date=October 6, 2014}}

Smith showed gradual improvement as the Jets won three of their final four games. During a Week 14 37–27 victory over the Raiders, Smith completed 16 of his 25 passes for 219 yards, a touchdown, and an interception to go along with five carries for 50 yards, keeping the team in playoff contention.{{Cite news |date=December 8, 2013 |title=Geno Smith shakes slump as Jets outlast Raiders 37–27 |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/12/08/jets-raiders-week-14-geno-smith/3910381/ |url-status=dead |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819025102/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/12/08/jets-raiders-week-14-geno-smith/3910381/ |archive-date=August 19, 2017}} In the next game against the Carolina Panthers, Smith performed well until throwing a costly pick six in the fourth quarter. The Jets lost on the road by a score of 30–20 and were eliminated from playoff contention. Smith finished the game completing 15 of 28 passes for 167 yards, a touchdown, and interception.{{Cite news |last=Slater, Darryl |date=December 15, 2013 |title=Jets fade late in 30–20 loss to Panthers, on verge of playoff elimination |work=The Star-Ledger |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/12/jets_fade_late_in_30-20_loss_to_panthers_on_verge_of_playoff_elimination.html |url-status=dead |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112183132/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/12/jets_fade_late_in_30-20_loss_to_panthers_on_verge_of_playoff_elimination.html |archive-date=January 12, 2015}} The following week against the Browns, Smith completing 20-of-36 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 10 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown as the Jets won by a score of 24–13.{{Cite news |date=December 22, 2013 |title=Jets beat Browns, but did they save Rex Ryan's job? |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/12/22/jets-browns-week-16-rex-ryan-geno-smith/4167285/ |url-status=dead |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807162643/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/12/22/jets-browns-week-16-rex-ryan-geno-smith/4167285/ |archive-date=August 7, 2017}} In the regular-season finale against the Dolphins, Smith completed 17-of-27 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown to go along with 10 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown as the Jets won on the road by a score of 20–7, eliminating Miami from playoff contention.{{Cite news |last=Martin, Kimberley |date=December 29, 2013 |title=Jets thrilled after Woody Johnson says Rex Ryan will return |work=Newsday |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-thrilled-after-woody-johnson-says-rex-ryan-will-return-1.6689641 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101120027/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-thrilled-after-woody-johnson-says-rex-ryan-will-return-1.6689641 |archive-date=January 1, 2014}}

Smith finished his rookie year with 3,046 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions to go along with 72 carries for 366 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games and starts.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019054245/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=January 1, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2014 New York Jets season}}

Smith was named the starter to begin the 2014 season.{{Cite web |last=Slater |first=Darryl |date=August 23, 2014 |title=Rex Ryan names Geno Smith the Jets' Week 1 starting QB, will go week to week with it |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/rex_ryan_names_geno_smith_the_jets_week_1_starting_qb_will_go_week_to_week_with_it.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826161417/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/rex_ryan_names_geno_smith_the_jets_week_1_starting_qb_will_go_week_to_week_with_it.html |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |website=NJ.com}} He began the season passing for 221 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the 19–14 season-opening victory over the Raiders.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at New York Jets – September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070nyj.htm |access-date=September 10, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game against the Green Bay Packers, he passed for 176 yards, a touchdown, and an interception to go along with seven carries for 26 yards and a touchdown in the 31–24 road loss.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Green Bay Packers – September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140gnb.htm |access-date=September 17, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The following week against the Chicago Bears, Smith's very first play resulted in an interception returned for a touchdown by Ryan Mundy. Smith finished the game with 316 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions as the Jets lost to the Bears by a score of 27–19.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at New York Jets – September 22nd, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409220nyj.htm |access-date=September 27, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

During a Week 4 24–17 loss to the Lions, Smith threw for 209 yards with an interception and lost fumble.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at New York Jets – September 28th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409280nyj.htm |access-date=October 3, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On October 3, 2014, he was fined $12,000 for yelling profanity at fans while walking to the locker room during halftime in Week 4. Despite this incident, Smith was allowed to start in the next game against the San Diego Chargers, in which he threw for only 27 yards with an interception and was benched for the second half in favor of Michael Vick as the Jets were shut out on the road 31–0.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – October 5th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410050sdg.htm |access-date=October 7, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Prior to the Week 5 game, Smith and a few of his teammates missed a team meeting, having gone to a movie theater in San Diego, unaware of the three-hour time difference between the Eastern and Pacific Time Zones.{{cite news |last1=Cimini |first1=Rich |title=Geno Smith missed team meeting |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/11651770/jets-geno-smith-others-missed-team-meeting-san-diego |access-date=November 4, 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=October 6, 2014 |language=en}} Smith started in the Week 6 31–17 loss to the Denver Broncos, throwing for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at New York Jets – October 12th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410120nyj.htm |access-date=October 13, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

During a 27–25 road loss to the Patriots in Week 7, Smith threw for 226 yards and the Jets combined for 218 rushing yards, but the potential game-winning drive fell short due to a blocked field goal.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at New England Patriots – October 16th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410160nwe.htm |access-date=October 17, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game, Smith lasted only ten minutes to begin regulation as he completed 2-of-8 passes for five yards and three interceptions against the Bills, and was subsequently benched in favor of Michael Vick. His passer rating for that game was 0.04.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=October 26, 2014 |title=Percy Harvin to locker room, Geno Smith picked three times in first quarter |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/26/percy-harvin-to-locker-room-geno-smith-picked-twice-in-first-quarter/ |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}}

In the regular-season finale against the Dolphins, Smith led the Jets to a 37–24 road victory, completing 20 of 25 passes for a career-high 358 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and a perfect passer rating. This was his first perfect game, the sixth in Jets history, and the only one of the 2014 season.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – December 28th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412280mia.htm |access-date=January 1, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Jets vs. Dolphins – Box Score – December 28, 2014 – ESPN |url=http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400554435 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=December 29, 2014 |archive-date=August 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818045310/http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400554435 |url-status=dead }}

Smith finished his second professional season with 2,525 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions to go along with 59 carries for 238 yards and a touchdown in 14 games and 13 starts.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/2014 |access-date=January 1, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2015 New York Jets season}}

On August 11, 2015, Smith was involved in an altercation with defensive end IK Enemkpali in the locker room over an alleged $600 unpaid debt.{{Cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Matt |date=August 11, 2015 |title=Geno Smith's Fight with IK Enemkpali Reportedly Over $600 Discrepancy |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2545457-geno-smiths-fight-with-ik-enemkpali-reportedly-over-600-discrepancy |access-date=August 14, 2015 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} Smith suffered a fractured jaw after Enemkpali punched him in the face. Smith was ruled out for 6–10 weeks, and Enemkpali was released by the Jets shortly thereafter.{{Cite web |last=Inabinett |first=Mark |date=August 11, 2015 |title=New York Jets altercation creates roster opening for Javier Arenas |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/08/new_york_jets_alterc_creates_ration.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812060138/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/08/new_york_jets_alterc_creates_ration.html |archive-date=August 12, 2015 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |website=AL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |last2=Schefter |first2=Adam |author-link2=Adam Schefter |date=August 12, 2015 |title=Geno Smith out 6–10 weeks; 'sucker punch' over $600 dispute |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/13416881/geno-smith-new-york-jets-6-10-weeks-broken-jaw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812060138/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/08/new_york_jets_alterc_creates_ration.html |archive-date=August 12, 2015 |access-date=August 14, 2015 |website=ESPN.com}} Two days later, Smith underwent surgery on his fractured jaw.{{Cite web |last1=Costello |first1=Brian |last2=Kussoy |first2=Howie |last3=Golding |first3=Bruce |date=August 11, 2015 |title=Geno Smith gets his jaw broken in locker room over $600 debt |url=https://nypost.com/2015/08/11/jets-qb-geno-smith-breaks-jaw-on-sucker-punch-by-teammate/ |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=New York Post}} Ryan Fitzpatrick led the team to a 2–0 record while Smith was injured, so new head coach Todd Bowles decided to continue starting Fitzpatrick, even with Smith being healthy.

During a Week 8 34–20 road loss to the Raiders, Smith entered the game in relief of Fitzpatrick, who left the game with an injured thumb. Smith completed 27 of 42 passes for 265 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception to go along with two carries for 34 yards.{{Cite web |title=Carr throws 4 TD passes to lead Raiders past Jets 34-20 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791657 |access-date=December 2, 2015 |website=ESPN.com}} This was his only appearance in 2015.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/2015 |access-date=January 1, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2016 New York Jets season}}

File:Geno smith 2016.jpg

With Ryan Fitzpatrick re-signing with the Jets, Smith continued to remain in the backup role.{{Cite web |last=Slater |first=Darryl |date=July 28, 2016 |title=Why Geno Smith felt 'pissed off' after Jets re-signed Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/07/why_geno_smith_felt_pissed_off_after_jets_re-signe.html |access-date=July 28, 2016 |website=NJ.com}}

During a Week 6 28–3 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Smith came in after Fitzpatrick was benched for poor performance. Smith finished the game completing four of six passes for 31 yards and an interception.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals – October 17th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610170crd.htm |access-date=October 20, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Two days later, he was named starter for the following game in place of Fitzpatrick.{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2016 |title=Jets' Geno Smith: Officially named starter |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/jets-geno-smith-officially-named-starter/ |access-date=October 20, 2016 |website=CBSSports.com}}

Making the start in Week 7 against the Ravens, Smith threw for 95 yards and a touchdown until leaving the eventual 24–16 victory with an apparent knee injury.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets – October 23rd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610230nyj.htm |access-date=October 24, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The next day, it was revealed that he tore his ACL, prematurely ending his 2016 season.{{Cite web |last=Haislop |first=Tad |date=October 24, 2016 |title=Jets' Geno Smith has torn ACL, report says |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/au/nfl/news/geno-smith-knee-injury-update-torn-acl-return-contract/1ln7t18fs7f7mzvumzk5gznot |access-date=October 24, 2016 |website=sportingnews.com}} Smith was placed on injured reserve on October 26, 2016.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Eric |date=October 26, 2016 |title=Jets Place Geno Smith on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-place-geno-smith-on-injured-reserve-17962176 |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=NewYorkJets.com}}

{{See also|2017 New York Giants season}}

On March 28, 2017, Smith signed with the Giants.{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=March 20, 2017 |title=New York Giants sign QB Geno Smith, CB Valentino Blake |url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/New-York-Giants-sign-QB-Geno-Smith-CB-Valentino-Blake/e672858e-deb0-4991-b26c-170c819eb464 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825062652/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/New-York-Giants-sign-QB-Geno-Smith-CB-Valentino-Blake/e672858e-deb0-4991-b26c-170c819eb464 |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |website=Giants.com}} During a Week 9 51–17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Smith came in the game in relief of Eli Manning late in the fourth quarter and finished with only two incomplete passes.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at New York Giants – November 5th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711050nyg.htm |access-date=November 11, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On November 28, 2017, the Giants named Smith the starter for the upcoming game against the Raiders, which ended Manning's 210-game starting streak with the Giants. The start made Smith the first black quarterback to start for the Giants and the first quarterback to start for both the Giants and the Jets; it also meant every NFL team had started a black player at quarterback, with the Giants being the last team to do so.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=November 28, 2017 |title=Giants to start Geno Smith over Eli Manning vs. Raiders |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/giants-to-start-geno-smith-over-eli-manning-vs-raiders-0ap3000000884762 |access-date=November 28, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} Making his first start with the Giants, Smith threw for 212 yards and a touchdown but had two first-half fumbles within the Raiders' 30 yard line and the Giants lost by a score of 17–24.{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |date=November 28, 2017 |title=Giants Bench Eli Manning, Opting for Geno Smith as Quarterback – The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/28/sports/eli-manning-benched-giants.html |access-date=December 4, 2017 |website=New York Times}} On December 5, Manning was renamed the starter.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=December 5, 2017 |title=Eli Manning to replace Geno Smith as Giants' starter |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/eli-manning-to-replace-geno-smith-as-giants-starter-0ap3000000888621 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}

{{See also|2018 Los Angeles Chargers season}}

On April 1, 2018, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Edward |date=April 1, 2018 |title=Los Angeles Chargers signing Geno Smith to 1-year deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/geno-smith-signing-1-year-deal-with-l-a-chargers-0ap3000000924193 |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}

During a Week 6 38–14 road victory over the Cleveland Browns, Smith made his Chargers debut, completing one pass for eight yards.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns – October 14th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810140cle.htm |access-date=November 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, Smith appeared in five games in the 2018 season in relief roles.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=January 29, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 15, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=May 15, 2019 |title=Seahawks Sign Quarterback Geno Smith |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-sign-quarterback-geno-smith |access-date=May 15, 2019 |website=Seahawks.com}}

{{See also|2019 Seattle Seahawks season}}

Smith competed with Paxton Lynch for the backup job behind Russell Wilson. He was released on August 31, 2019, along with Lynch, but was re-signed the next day, earning the backup job.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=August 31, 2019 |title=Seahawks Make Roster Moves, Establish 53-Man Roster |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-make-roster-moves-establish-53-man-roster |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=Seahawks.com}}{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=September 1, 2019 |title=Seahawks Re-Sign Quarterback Geno Smith; Add Six Players To Practice Squad |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-re-sign-quarterback-geno-smith-add-six-players-to-practice-squad |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=Seahawks.com}} Smith saw no action during his first season with the team.

{{See also|2020 Seattle Seahawks season}}

Smith re-signed with the Seahawks on May 20, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=May 20, 2020 |title=Seahawks Re-Sign Quarterback Geno Smith |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-re-sign-quarterback-geno-smith |access-date=May 20, 2020 |website=Seahawks.com}} His only appearance came during a Week 14 40–3 victory over his former team, the Jets, as he played out the final 16:26 of the game. Smith completed four of five passes for 33 yards, leading the Seahawks to a field goal on the second of his two drives.{{cite web |title=New York Jets at Seattle Seahawks – December 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012130sea.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=October 24, 2022 |language=en}}

{{See also|2021 Seattle Seahawks season}}

Smith re-signed with the Seahawks for a third season on April 22, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=April 22, 2021 |title=Seahawks Re-Sign Quarterback Geno Smith |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-re-sign-quarterback-geno-smith-x8360 |access-date=April 23, 2021 |website=Seahawks.com}} He made his first appearance of the 2021 season in Week 5 against the Rams after Russell Wilson left the game with a finger injury. Smith finished the 26–17 home loss with 131 passing yards, a touchdown (which was his first since 2017), and an interception.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 8, 2021 |title=Geno Smith does 'incredible job' replacing Russell Wilson as Seahawks fall short vs. Rams |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/geno-smith-incredible-job-russell-wilson-backup-qb-seahawks-rams |access-date=October 8, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} Smith was announced the starter after Wilson was placed on injured reserve. In the next game against the Steelers, Smith threw for 209 yards and a touchdown, but lost a fumble in overtime in the 20–23 overtime road loss.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 18, 2021 |title=Seahawks QB Geno Smith laments overtime fumble: 'I put that on myself' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/seahawks-qb-geno-smith-laments-overtime-fumble-i-put-that-on-myself |access-date=October 30, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} Two weeks later, against the Jaguars, Smith finished with 195 yards and two touchdowns to go along with two carries for eight yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks – October 31st, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202110310sea.htm |access-date=November 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Smith finished the 2021 season with 702 passing yards, five touchdowns, and an interception to go along with nine carries for 42 yards and a touchdown in four games and three starts.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=January 1, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2022 Seattle Seahawks season}}

The Seahawks re-signed Smith on April 19, 2022,{{cite web|last=Boyle|first=John|date=April 19, 2022|title=Seahawks Re-Sign QB Geno Smith, Eight Restricted & Exclusive Rights Free Agents|url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-re-sign-qb-geno-smith-eight-restricted-exclusive-rights-free-agents|accessdate=April 22, 2022|website=Seahawks.com|language=en-US}} but the NFL disapproved Smith's new contract that same day after conducting the league's mandatory review; the issue was eventually resolved.{{cite web | work=NBCSports.com | url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/04/19/nfl-disapproves-geno-smiths-contract-with-seahawks-but-issue-is-expected-to-be-resolved/ | title=NFL disapproves Geno Smith's contract with Seahawks, but issue is expected to be resolved | first=Michael David | last=Smith | date=April 19, 2022 |access-date=April 23, 2022}}

Smith competed against Drew Lock for the starting quarterback spot after the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos in the offseason. On August 26, 2022, Smith was announced as the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Broncos.{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Brady |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Geno Smith gets nod as Seattle Seahawks' starting QB for Week 1 vs. Denver Broncos |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34466558/geno-smith-gets-nod-seattle-seahawks-starting-qb-week-1-vs-denver-broncos |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en-US}} In that game, Smith completed 23 of 28 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns, and the Seahawks won 17–16.{{Cite web |last=Sam |first=Doric |date=September 12, 2022 |title=NFL Twitter Loving Geno Smith's Epic Response to Critics Writing Him Off |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10048812-nfl-twitter-loving-geno-smiths-epic-response-to-critics-writing-him-off |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} Three weeks later against the Lions, Smith threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns as well as 49 rushing yards and a touchdown, leading the Seahawks to a 48–45 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions – October 2nd, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210020det.htm |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named National Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=September 12, 2022 |title=Geno Smith Plays 'Spectacular Football' In Seahawks' Week 4 Win at Detroit |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/geno-smith-plays-spectacular-football-in-seahawks-week-4-win-at-detroit |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=www.seahawks.com}} During a Week 8 27–13 victory over his former team, the Giants, Smith threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns.{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210300sea.htm | title=New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks – October 30th, 2022 | work=Pro-Football-Reference.com | access-date=October 31, 2022}}

On December 21, 2022, Smith was selected to his first Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/probowl.htm |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 17 23–6 victory over his former team, the Jets, Smith completed 18 of 29 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns, keeping the Seahawks alive in the playoff hunt and eliminating the team that drafted him in the process.{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jared |date=January 1, 2023 |title=Seahawks vs. Jets score, takeaways: Geno Smith helps end former team's playoff hopes, keeps Seattle alive |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/seahawks-vs-jets-score-takeaways-geno-smith-helps-end-former-teams-playoff-hopes-keeps-seattle-alive/live/ |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com}} In a must-win game during the regular-season finale against the Rams, he completed 19 of 31 passes for 213 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in the 19–16 overtime victory. During the game, Smith became the Seahawks’ single-season passing leader, surpassing Russell Wilson's mark of 4,219 yards set back in 2016.{{Cite magazine |last=Dimmitt |first=Zach |date=January 8, 2023 |title=Seahawks QB Geno Smith Passes Russell Wilson As Single-Season Passing Leader |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/news/seattle-seahawks-geno-smith-single-season-passing-franchise-leader-los-angeles-rams-russell-wilson |access-date=January 9, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} With the win and the Packers' loss to the Lions later that night, the Seahawks clinched a playoff berth as the seventh seed, marking Smith's first playoff appearance.{{Cite magazine |last=Hall |first=Christopher |date=January 8, 2023 |title=Geno Smith and the Seahawks are in the Playoffs |url=https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/mountaineers-in-the-pros/geno-smith-and-the-seahawks-are-in-the-playoffs |access-date=January 9, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

Smith finished the regular season with numerous career highs, completing 399 of 572 passes, with a league-leading 69.8% completion percentage, for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 100.9 passer rating in 17 games to go along with 68 carries for 366 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=January 15, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was also the only quarterback to take every offensive snap for his team that season.{{Cite web |last=Condotta |first=Bob |date=January 13, 2023 |title=In NFL full of instability, Geno Smith stabilizes the QB spot for Seahawks |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/in-nfl-full-of-instability-geno-smith-stabilizes-the-qb-spot-for-seahawks/ |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=The Seattle Times}} Smith was named Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press and the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).{{Cite web |title=AP Comeback Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-comeback-player-award.htm |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=PFWA Comeback Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-comeback-player-award.htm |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In addition, the PFWA named him as their Most Improved Player.{{Cite web |title=PFWA Most Improved Player Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-most-improved-player-award.htm |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

The Seahawks traveled to San Francisco to face the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round, Smith's first career postseason start. He completed 25 of 35 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, while also losing a fumble, as the Seahawks lost, 41–23.{{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Tim |date=January 15, 2023 |title=Geno Smith takes accountability for his performance vs. 49ers |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/geno-smith-takes-accountability-performance-160039432.html |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports}} He was ranked 77th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.{{Cite web |title=2023 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2023-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2023 Seattle Seahawks season}}

On March 14, 2023, Smith re-signed with the Seahawks on a three-year, $75 million deal.{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Brady |date=March 14, 2023 |title=Breaking down Geno Smith's new contract with the Seahawks |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/36425/breaking-down-geno-smiths-new-contract-with-the-seahawks |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} In a Week 2 37–31 shootout overtime win over the Detroit Lions, Smith threw for 328 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 20 yards.{{cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions – September 17th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202309170det.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=December 27, 2023 |language=en}} Smith was briefly knocked out by a knee injury in Week 4 24–3 over the New York Giants, but returned finishing the game with one passing touchdown, 110 passing yards, and a reception that went for −2 yards.{{cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants – October 2nd, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202310020nyg.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=December 27, 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Raanan |first1=Jordan |title=Geno Smith rips 'dirty play' by Giants LB that injured QB's knee |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38553460/seahawks-geno-smith-rips-dirty-play-giants-isaiah-simmons-injured-qb-knee |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=ESPN.com |date=October 3, 2023 |language=en}} In Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, Smith threw for a career-high 369 yards and two touchdowns along a rush for 13 yards. The Seahawks won 29–26 after Smith led a game-winning drive that ended with a field goal as time expired.{{cite web |title=Washington Commanders at Seattle Seahawks – November 12th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311120sea.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=December 27, 2023 |language=en}}

Smith was forced out of the following week's game against the Los Angeles Rams after suffering an injury to his throwing elbow in the third quarter. He returned with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter with his team down 16–17, and led a drive into field goal range, but Jason Myers missed a 55-yard potential game-winning field goal with two seconds left, and the Seahawks lost.{{cite news |title=Geno Smith returns from elbow injury to nearly lead Seahawks to last-second win over Rams |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/geno-smith-exits-game-vs-rams-after-suffering-elbow-injury |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=NFL.com |date=November 19, 2023}} Smith finished the game with one passing touchdown, 233 passing yards, and −1 rushing yards from a kneel down at the end of the first half.{{cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams – November 19th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311190ram.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=February 14, 2024 |language=en}} In Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys, Smith had a career-high four total touchdowns (three passing and one rushing), 334 passing yards, an interception, and six rushing yards in 35–41 shootout loss.{{cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys – November 30th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311300dal.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=February 14, 2024 |language=en}} Smith missed the next two games after suffering a groin injury in practice with Drew Lock starting in his place.{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |title=Seahawks QB Geno Smith (groin) set for return as starter vs. Titans |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/seahawks-qb-geno-smith-groin-to-return-to-starting-role-vs-titans |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=NFL.com |date=December 22, 2023}} In his return to the field in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, Smith led two long touchdowns drives in the second half, the second of which occurred in the final minutes of the game, that propelled the Seahawks to a 20–17 win. Smith finished the game with 227 passing yards and the two aforementioned touchdowns as well as two rushing yards.{{cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans – December 24th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202312240oti.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=February 14, 2024 |language=en}} The last-minute touchdown drive came just one week after Lock led one of his own against the Philadelphia Eagles in an identical 20–17 outcome.{{cite news |last1=Kownack |first1=Bobby |title=Seahawks QB Geno Smith takes turn authoring game-winning drive: 'I'm thinking just like last week' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/seahawks-qb-geno-smith-takes-turn-authoring-game-winning-drive-i-m-thinking-just |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=NFL.com |date=December 25, 2023}} In Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals, Smith threw a touchdown and a go-ahead two-point conversion (both to Tyler Lockett) in the fourth quarter in 21–20 win. He finished the game 189 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and 28 yards rushing.{{cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals – January 7th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202401070crd.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=February 18, 2024 |language=en}}

Smith finished the season with 3,624 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and nine interceptions along with 155 yards rushing and a touchdown. He also threw an NFL record seven go-ahead touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and overtime during the season and posted the league's best Total QBR over the final six weeks.{{cite news |last1=Henderson |first1=Brady |title=Sources: Seahawks to let QB Geno Smith collect $12.7 million |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39532470/sources-seahawks-let-qb-geno-smith-collect-127-million |access-date=February 18, 2024 |work=ESPN.com |date=February 15, 2024 |language=en}} He was named to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season.{{cite web |title=2023 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2023/probowl.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=February 14, 2024 |language=en}}

{{See also|2024 Seattle Seahawks season}}

In Week 4 of the 2024 season, Smith passed for 395 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 42–29 loss to the Detroit Lions.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions - September 30th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202409300det.htm |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} On the road against the 49ers in Week 11, Smith led the Seahawks on an 11-play, 80-yard drive, capped off with a 13-yard touchdown run to put Seattle ahead with 12 seconds left as they won 20–17.{{cite news |last=Patra |first=Kevin |title=Geno Smith leads Seahawks to massive win over 49ers: 'We know how much was at stake' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/geno-smith-leads-seahawks-massive-win-49ers-we-know-how-much-was-at-stake |access-date=November 18, 2024 |work=NFL.com |date=November 18, 2024}}

Smith finished the year with 4,283 passing yards, breaking his own Seahawks single-season record from 2022.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} He also broke Seahawks records for single-season passing attempts and completions, with 573 and 400, respectively.{{Cite web |last=Horton |first=Ari |date=5 January 2025 |title=Geno Smith 'Was Just Trying To Win' In Sunday's Game With Incentives And Records On The Line |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/geno-smith-was-just-trying-to-win-in-sunday-s-game-with-incentives-and-records-on-the-line |access-date=8 January 2025 |publisher=Seattle Seahawks}} In winning 10 games, posting a season-long completion percentage of over 70%, and setting a new personal best for yards thrown in the season, Smith earned $6 million worth of incentives.{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Brady |date=5 January 2025 |title=Seahawks' Geno Smith cashes in on $6M in escalators after win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43304130/seahawks-geno-smith-cashes-6m-escalators-win |access-date=24 February 2025 |publisher=ESPN}}

On March 13, 2025, Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for the 92nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.{{Cite news |first1=Ryan |last1=McFadden |date=2025-03-07 |title=Sources: Raiders land Seahawks' Geno Smith for 3rd-round pick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44155967/raiders-land-seahawks-geno-smith-3rd-round-pick |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite news |first=Mike |last=Florio |date=2025-03-13 |title=Raiders, Seahawks announce Geno Smith trade |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/raiders-seahawks-announce-geno-smith-trade |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=ProFootballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} The trade reunited Smith with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.{{cite news |last1=McFadden |first1=Ryan |title=Raiders QB Geno Smith excited to reunite with Pete Carroll |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44576720/raiders-qb-geno-smith-excited-reunite-pete-carroll |access-date=April 18, 2025 |work=ESPN |date=April 7, 2025}} Smith, who had one year remaining on the contract he signed with the Seahawks, did not sign a contract extension with the Raiders upon the deal's initial completion.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-11 |title=Raiders, Geno Smith have yet to reach a new deal |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/raiders-geno-smith-have-yet-to-reach-a-new-deal |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=ProFootballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} However, on April 3, Smith and the Raiders agreed to terms on a two-year, $75 million contract extension.{{Cite web|title=Source: Raiders, QB Geno Smith reach two-year, $75M extension|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44521358/source-raiders-qb-geno-smith-reach-two-year-75m-extension|access-date=April 4, 2025|website=espn.com|language=en}}

• Most passing yards in a single season by a rookie: 3,046 (2013){{Cite web |title=New York Jets Passing Records |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/ms/media-guide/2013/html/Passing-Records-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171228/http://www.newyorkjets.com/ms/media-guide/2013/html/Passing-Records-1.html |archive-date=December 4, 2017 |website=New York Jets}}

• Highest completion percentage in a single season: 70.4% (2024){{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sea/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Most passing yards in a season: 4,320 (2024)
• Most pass completions in a single season: 407 (2024)
• Most pass attempts in a single season: 578 (2024)

He married his college girlfriend, Hayley Eastham, in July 2015.{{Cite web |last=Somers |first=Caitlyn |date=November 29, 2024 |title=2024 NFL Season: Guide to Starting Quarterbacks' Girlfriends, Wives |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/2024-nfl-season-guide-to-starting-quarterbacks-girlfriends-wives/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}}

His son, Seven Santana Smith, named in honor of his jersey number, was born on July 17, 2019.{{Cite web |title=Geno Smith's Family: All About the Quarterback's Parents, Son and Upbringing |url=https://people.com/all-about-geno-smith-family-8349409 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=People.com |language=en}}

Smith is a Christian, frequently posting about his faith on his Twitter account.{{Cite web |last=Menendez |first=Jenn |date=September 28, 2012 |title=West Virginia's Smith, Bailey connect on faith, football field |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/wvu/2012/09/28/West-Virginia-s-Smith-Bailey-connect-on-faith-football-field/stories/201209280227 |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=David |date=April 30, 2013 |title=Geno Smith – A Biography |url=http://www.ganggreennation.com/2013/4/30/4286580/geno-smith-a-biography |access-date=June 14, 2016 |website=Gang Green Nation|publisher=SB Nation}}

Prior to the 2023 NFL season, Smith told Peter King that he had adopted a pescatarian diet, having abstained from eating chicken or beef for most of the year to date.{{cite news |last1=Conway |first1=Tyler |title=Seahawks QB Geno Smith Changed Diet to Become a Pescatarian, Plans to Run More in NFL |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10087496-seahawks-qb-geno-smith-changed-diet-to-become-a-pescatarian-plans-to-run-more-in-nfl |access-date=November 23, 2023 |work=Bleacher Report |date=August 28, 2023 |language=en}}

Smith’s cousin is Ohio State all-American wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.{{cite web |title=Jeremiah Smith|url= https://www.on3.com/db/jeremiah-smith-60214/ |access-date=March 5, 2024 |work=on3 |date= |language=en}}

• List of NCAA major college football yearly passing leaders

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Footballstats |nfl=geno-smith|espn=15864|yahoo=26662 |pfr=S/SmitGe00|cbs=1700358/geno-smith/}}
• [https://www.raiders.com/team/players-roster/geno-smith/ Las Vegas Raiders bio]
• [http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=101911 West Virginia Mountaineers bio]

{{Las Vegas Raiders roster navbox}}

{{Navboxes|title=|list=

{{West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback navbox}}

{{Jets2013DraftPicks}}

{{New York Jets starting quarterback navbox}}

{{New York Giants starting quarterback navbox}}

{{Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback navbox}}

{{NFL Comeback Players of the Year}}

{{AP NFL Comeback Player}}

{{NFL completion percentage leaders}}

{{NFL Quarterbacks with a Perfect Passer Rating}}

}}

{{Subject bar

| commons = y

| q = y

}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Smith, Geno}}

Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:American Christians

Category:American football quarterbacks

Category:American people of Bahamian descent

Category:Las Vegas Raiders players

Category:Los Angeles Chargers players

Category:Miramar High School alumni

Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players

Category:New York Giants players

Category:New York Jets players

Category:Sportspeople from Miramar, Florida

Category:Seattle Seahawks players

Category:Players of American football from Broward County, Florida

Category:West Virginia Mountaineers football players

Category:NFL Comeback Player of the Year winners