Alex Smith was the San Francisco 49ers former starting quarterback and now, as the team is getting interviewed during Media Day at Super Bowl XLVII, he finds himself wandering around the Super Dome. Despite not being the starting quarterback in the big game, Smith still played a part in the 49ers run during the regular season. Is it difficult to see why Smith wants a release from the 49ers?
Smith doesn't have a podium, but the always talked about wide receiver, Michael Crabtree, has a podium in the end zone. He's not one of the more popular 49ers in the team since everybody has had doubts about his professionalism awaiting for an outbreak.
Of course, Colin Kaepernick will be the most sought after 49er as he has captivated the NFL world and taken the 49ers all the way to the Super Bowl, where Smith couldn't take the team last season despite not being completely at fault for Ted Ginn Jr.'s muffed punt.
Things for Smith changed in 2012 after suffering a concussion at the halfway point of the season. Coach Jim Harbaugh decided to go with two-year man out of Nevada, Kaepernick, and stuck with him even after Smith's recovery.
It was a clear sign that the 49ers were shifting gears. Smith, a traditional quarterback, was being substituted by a quarterback that could help the running game and possesses a lethal arm. With Kaepernick, the 49ers have the option of throwing and running from the quarterback position.
Kaepernick proved extremely versatile during the playoffs. He ran all over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional game and then relaxed on the rush deciding to pass versus the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game.
Kaepernick, however, is forever humble and thanks Smith for everything he's done for the new 49er starting quarterback.
As Deion Sanders saw Kaepernick walking into the Super Dome, he stopped him and asked him how he felt about Smith's situation.
"Alex is a great guy, he’s been phenomenal this whole time. I only have good things to say about him," said Kaepernick.
Coach Harbaugh refused to answer the question regarding the decision of changing quarterbacks during the season since he believed it would be "self promotion."
For Smith, the future is uncertain. Rumors have it that the eight-year veteran has asked for a release from the team as he senses that he can be more useful elsewhere.
The New York Jets could use a quarterback. The Arizonza Cardinals also need a starting QB.
If there's any good news for Smith, though he probably imagined himself playing his way to a Super Bowl ring, if the 49ers win, he will be a champion.