Geno Smith has a way with words.
The Las Vegas Raiders' QB is the guy who once said: "They wrote me off, but I ain't write back."
He definitely believes in himself, and that self-confidence has been crucial.
Smith didn't pan out with the New York Jets. He eventually became a standout passer with the Seattle Seahawks, completing 70.4% of his passes in the 2024 season in the Pacific Northwest.
But then the Seahawks let Smith leave, and he came to Vegas.
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In his first game with the Raiders, Smith was brilliant. he completed 24-of-34 passes for 362 yards. He threw one touchdown and one pick.
The Raiders held off the Patriots, 20-13.
After the game, Smith was asked about his confidence.
How have you maintained confidence in yourself, Geno?
"I'm me," Smith replied.
That's perfect.
Professional athletes need to have an almost irrational level of confidence. That's how they make it to this point.
But Smith's story is extra cool. He hasn't been perfect in his NFL career. He's created some conflict. There's a lot of special moments for Smith since the bumpy beginning, though.
It was clear in his postgame emotion Sunday how much it meant to him that he could take the field with a new team and just do his thing.
He's him, indeed.
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