Geno Smith, now 35, is back with the New York Jets, a team where his career trajectory was dramatically altered. The Jets acquired the quarterback in March via a late-round draft pick from the Las Vegas Raiders, hoping he can recapture the form that led to unexpected success.
The veteran quarterback's return to the Jets comes 11 years after a career-defining incident. On Aug. 11, 2015, then-Jets coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Smith had suffered a broken jaw after being punched by teammate IK Enemkpali, an event that significantly impacted his time with the team and Jets history.
Bowles, now coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recently commented on seeing Smith again. "It was good to see him," Bowles told reporters. "It’s good to see him out there. He’s healthy. He’s happy. I’m happy for him." He made these remarks following a joint practice between the Buccaneers and the Jets at the Jets training center.
Smith, after a period with the Seattle Seahawks where he experienced some success, is coming off a disappointing season with the Raiders. His current objective with the Jets is to emulate the successful 2015 season, often referred to as "Fitzmagic," orchestrated by then-Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, and help lead the team to the playoffs.