There is a concerning lack of accountability when it comes to how the Kansas City Chiefs are covered in the NFL media landscape. Kansas City is learning exactly what the Patriots did nearly a decade ago: being on top for too long is going to inspire an unrealistic level of doubt and dislike among sports media. With this in mind, all reasonable pundits are welcome, and this unquestionably includes former Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith.
Smith was an important bridge quarterback for Andy Reid, helping set the foundation for everything Kansas City has built. The veteran handled the ascension of Mahomes with incredible class and supported the team even as they moved on from him. It is a great example of the culture Reid has built and how respected the head coach is by his players and throughout the league.
After his retirement, Smith has worked in sports media, with his most notable appearance coming on ESPN's NFL Sunday Countdown. The veteran's contract has been extended, and his role with the network will continue to be expanded. It is great news for the former Kansas City quarterback and what is turning into an impressive post-playing career.
Congrats, Alex Smith!
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) August 19, 2025
ESPN has re-signed the 16-year #NFL QB in advance of a new season of Sunday NFL Countdown🏈
More on the former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick's expanded role at ESPN: https://t.co/69ieVksFVv pic.twitter.com/PE7uybT0F6
Former Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith Re-Signs with ESPN
ESPN announced that not only has Alex Smith been re-signed and is expected to be a part of the early Sunday coverage, but expanding his role as well. This will include First Take which has so often doubted and questioned the Chiefs' potential. Having a voice of reason on the show is a welcome addition for Kansas City fans. Seeing Smith enjoy a great career after retiring is especially rewarding given how the veteran's career ended.
Smith suffered a brutal leg injury after leaving the Chiefs and had not only his career, but health, very much in question. His return to the league remains an incredible story and speaks to the outlook and focus of the former Chiefs' starter. Smith would end his career in Washington before turning the page to sports media and obviously thriving.
For ESPN, it is a rare great move to keep the former quarterback and an experienced voice that isn't going to offer hot takes for notoriaty or jump to wild conclusions. The former Chief remains a respected piece of franchise history and will do his best to provide a rare voice of reason when it comes to the envied franchise.