The Draft

April 23, 2005. Then-coach Mike Nolan and the 49ers are unable to trade their No. 1 overall pick and select Utah quarterback Alex Smith. His college coach, Urban Meyer, raves about Smith but ominously warns that Smith will be "non-functional" until he masters the 49ers' offensive system. The 49ers later sign Smith to a six-year, $49 million deal. "Now I have to go prove that I deserve to be the No. 1 pick, and I have to go prove that I deserve this money," Smith says.

The Debut

Oct. 9, 2005. After replacing an ineffective Tim Rattay a week earlier in Mexico City, Smith makes his first start at home against Indianapolis. It doesn't go well. Smith throws for only 74 yards and is intercepted four times, including one that's returned for a touchdown. Afterward, Colts defensive players say that Smith was locking in on his receivers and that they are disappointed they didn't finish with five interceptions. Nolan answers just three questions in his postgame news conference before leaving the room.

Rough Start

Jan. 1, 2006. Smith starts seven games as a rookie, but his first touchdown pass doesn't come until the second quarter of the final game of the season against Houston, a 14-yarder to Brandon Lloyd. Smith's final statistics are terrible. He completes 84 of 165 passes for 875 yards and throws 11 interceptions against one touchdown. His passer rating is a lowly 40.8 for the season. Still, the 49ers win their last two games and feel good entering the offseason. "It shows a lot about this team, going down both weeks, and we came back," Smith says. "We came together at the end of this season, and we gained momentum."

On His Way

Dec. 14, 2006. In what is widely considered his best half as a 49er, Smith rallies his team in windy and rainy Seattle, and the 49ers upset the Seahawks on national television. After a lackluster first half, Smith throws two touchdown passes and runs for a third, and the 49ers beat Seattle 24-14. "I know this is a confidence builder for him," Nolan says. "He's got good vision; his pocket presence is good; his awareness is good. Alex did an outstanding job today."

The Injury

Sept. 30, 2007. On the third offensive snap against Seattle, Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard shoots between guard Larry Allen and center Eric Heitmann and crashes into Smith. The quarterback's right shoulder is driven into the Candlestick Park turf by the 308-pound defender. Backup Trent Dilfer immediately begins warming up. Smith later is diagnosed with a Grade 3 (complete) shoulder separation. The initial prognosis has Smith out "a few weeks."

The Rift

Nov. 12, 2007. In his third attempt to play with his injured shoulder, Smith looks terrible in a nationally televised game in Seattle. The television announcers criticize his form and question whether he should be playing. A day later, Smith tells the media his shoulder has been "killing" him and accuses Nolan of minimizing the injury. Nolan continues to refer to Smith's problem as "soreness," and a long rift between coach and quarterback ensues.

The Surgery

Dec. 13, 2007. Smith flies to Birmingham, Ala., where noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews reportedly opens up his shoulder and says the injury is worse than expected. Andrews reattaches Smith's shoulder and collarbone. Smith must keep his right arm in a sling for six weeks.

The Setback

Sept. 5, 2008. Smith never looks comfortable in training camp and is beaten out by journeyman quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan. Two days before the season opener, Smith breaks his surgically repaired shoulder while attempting a long pass. He is placed on injured reserve and two months later is back in Birmingham for his second shoulder surgery in less than a year.

New Deal

March 10, 2009. Smith is scheduled to receive nearly $10 million in base salary but instead signs a new deal believed to be between $2 million and $3 million. Smith says it feels as if he is "starting over" in San Francisco and wants to prove himself to the fans.

Relief Effort

Oct. 25, 2009. Mike Singletary says he doesn't know what to expect from Smith when he taps the quarterback to play the second half of the 49ers' game in Houston. Smith looks as decisive and accurate as he ever has with the 49ers. He throws three touchdown passes to Vernon Davis and finishes with more than 200 yards. A day later, Singletary names him the team's starter.

The Comeback

Nov. 1, 2009. To be determined.