Latest news with #AlexSmith
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: 'I was on cloud nine...' Brian Irvine recalls 'intense high' of penalty shootout winner against Celtic which sealed Dons' last Scottish Cup triumph in 1990
The longest walk in the game of football leads you to one of two places. Most of those who've erred in a penalty shoot-out in a cup final stumble into the pits of despair. Many struggle to leave. The majority who've been successful from 12 yards inhabit a place where joy is unbridled. Even 35 years after stroking home the winning penalty for Aberdeen against Celtic, part of Brian Irvine still resides there. Scarcely a day has passed since without the former defender being asked to recall the moment his strike confirmed a 9-8 victory on penalties for Alex Smith's side after a goalless 120 minutes. One question from his inquisitors is a constant. It relates to the instant one sees the ball hit the back of the net and you know it is all over. What was it like? 'The high was just so intense,' he tells Mail Sport. 'Literally, you've got that definition of cloud nine. 'It's just unbelievable, the high of scoring and thinking how much it meant to so many people, the supporters and the team. It's just an amazing, amazing feeling.' Irvine was the last outfield player to step up that afternoon at Hampden meaning a miss would have seen the goalkeepers, Theo Snelders and Pat Bonner, next spot the ball. By that stage, the failure of Dariusz Wdowczyk to convert Celtic's first and Brian Grant to score Aberdeen's fourth felt like ancient history. After a subdued period of extra-time, the drama as the shoot-out effectively entered sudden death was gripping. The worst kept secret in Scottish football was that Charlie Nicholas was set to rejoin Celtic from Aberdeen immediately after the final. When Mike Galloway beat Snelders to put Celtic 4-3 in front, the former Arsenal striker was left with no margin for error. 'It was one of the best penalties,' Irvine recalled of a conversion at the end housing the Dons fans. 'The way he put it right in the top corner - it was either brilliant or maybe he meant to miss and it just sneaked in!' Nicholas's unerring accuracy was matched, in turn, by Alex McLeish, Stewart McKimmie, David Robertson and the teenage Graham Watson. When Snelders dived to his left to deny Rogan, Irvine prepared to walk up from the half-way line and to take the first penalty of his professional career. 'If the guys who went before me had missed, Celtic would have won because they were always scoring,' Irvine explained. 'So, the pressure on me was less because by the time I went forward, it was a chance of winning. The situation, for me, was more positive. 'You're certainly not thinking it's a chance to put my name in folklore. 'The reason I was down the list was I had no confidence in penalties. As a boy at school, I was never confident hitting one. I always missed.' If he'd dreamt of such a life-affirming moment as a child he can't remember it. Born in the West of Scotland, Irvine started out at Falkirk in 1983 but was an Aberdeen fan long before the club conquered Europe that year. When Alex Ferguson approached him two years later, he couldn't sign quickly enough. 'I had an offer to go to Charlton which was better terms as it was London,' he said. 'But when I heard Aberdeen were interested, I signed as quickly as I could. I was an Aberdeen supporter even though I lived in Airdrie. 'I didn't even know what I was signing. I thought I was signing a three-year contract, but it turned out to be a four.' For an emerging central defender in Scotland back then, splitting the atom would have seemed an easy task than breaking up the partnership of Willie Miller and Alex McLeish. 'That was not in my mind,' said Irvine. 'It would have been too overwhelming. 'It was just a case of turning up seeing how you could get on with the reserves. 'Eventually I got a chance. I got more game time and a wee bit more experience. 'It just built up for a few seasons until we got to 1989-1990.' Miller made only 15 appearances that year but did start the League Cup Final against Rangers in October. Irvine, who replaced Eoin Jess at Hampden, recalls the 2-1 triumph in extra-time, as the day the guard changed. 'From that point on, I was playing every week alongside Alex,' he said. 'I was then pretty much a regular on the team as Willie was coming to the end of his career. 'That was a breakthrough season for me. Also, with the final against Celtic, that gave you that bit of credibility with the supporters.' With one cup secured, Alex Smith's side went after the second like an attack dog. They won 6-2 away to Partick Thistle and beat Morton 2-1 at home. Irvine scored as Hearts were thrashed 4-1 in the quarter-final and again as the Dons demolished Dundee United 4-0 in the semi. They were favourites to beat Celtic in the final even before they won 3-1 at Parkhead in a league match 10 days before. With players of the ilk of Jim Bett and Hans Gillhaus in their side, the only real surprise was they required penalties to do so. Irvine has a rare moment to himself with the trophy his penalty helped to secure 'Celtic had a lot of resources going into redeveloping the stadium,' Irvine recalled. 'They were struggling. In fact, because they didn't win the Scottish Cup, they didn't even qualify for Europe because they finished mid-table.' These were very different times. In the six seasons from 1988-89, Aberdeen would finish second to Rangers on five occasions. The decline came suddenly in 1994-95 when a play-off win against Dunfermline was required to preserve the club's top-flight status. Irvine already had enough on his plate that year when he learned he was suffering from multiple sclerosis. He still played for a further two seasons at Pittodrie before stints with Dundee and Ross County. Thirty years on from getting the bombshell news, he still lives a full life. 'You just take it one day at a time,' he explained. 'On the whole, it's been relatively benign. I have sensations and feelings rather than it affecting movements. 'You just make the most of each day and be thankful for each day.' His Scotland career had ended by that point. He earned nine caps against some illustrious opponents and was considered unfortunate not to make the squad for Euro '92 in Sweden. 'I made my debut against Romania and faced Germany, Holland and Italy,' he said. 'I played against (Jurgen) Klinsmann, (Roberto) Baggio and (Ruud) Gullit. 'I don't think they're all sitting somewhere saying they played against Brian Irvine, but that was the level of players you were up against.' After playing, he remained at County as a coach and helped out Martin Rennie at Cleveland City Stars and Carolina Railhawks after taking charge at Elgin. A season spent with Rennie in Seoul remains his last involvement with front-line football. He fulfilled a lifetime ambition by joining the police force in his early 50s but discovered it was not for him. 'It was a kind of stress that you maybe didn't need,' he explained. 'At that age, it was quite difficult to get to grips with it. 'But I was glad I went through it, the process of the training. I did the two years, passed the exams and managed to come through.' His kept the family house in Inverness that he bought when he signed for County and lives there to this day, juggling his shifts in the stockroom of a supermarket with care and charity work which has taken him to Malawi and Uganda. 'When you go through to the Aberdeen games, everybody knows you and everybody asks about the cup final 35 years ago,' he said. 'You contrast that with your everyday life. It's like a night and day. It's almost like a phone box you go into and change into someone else.' He'd have cleared his diary for Saturday even if the Dons hadn't been bound for Hampden. Whatever the outcome, he celebrates his 60th birthday that day. 'I've got a ticket organised, so I hope to go,' he said. 'I still have affection and a strong bond with Aberdeen.' Like most Dons fans, he will travel south more in hope than expectation of seeing Graeme Shinnie lift the trophy. It was a day that cup final heroes Snelders and Irvine will never forget We all know that anything can happen on the day, though. From time to time, unlikely heroes emerge and change history and their lives. Irvine will attest to this. 'Suddenly, you're doing a lap of honour with a trophy with all these heroes in front of your own fans,' he recalled of the defining moment of his career. 'You've seen Aberdeen winning cups before on TV and now here we are taking part and contributing ourselves. It was surreal, but such a wonderful experience. 'I've always said Aberdeen will win the cup again one day. 'If everybody plays to their full potential, I think obviously Celtic will be favourites. 'But a football fan will always be hoping that maybe something happens in the game which can swing it in their side's favour. 'I think the great thing for football is that supporters can go into any game with hope. If you're a strong underdog, it doesn't matter.'
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Veronicas star Jessica Origliasso and her fiancée Alex Smith are the picture of domestic bliss in Brisbane
Jessica Origliasso and fiancée Alex Smith enjoyed a casual day out in Brisbane on Saturday, in spite of terrible weather. The couple were spotted on busy shopping and food strip James Street in Fortitude Valley to enjoy a morning coffee. The Veronicas star, 40, went casual for the weekend outing, stepping out in a black Chrome Hearts hooded jumper. The relaxed fit jumper featured a yellow and orange patten on the sleeves and a long hood drawstring. It also comes with quite an 'uncasual' price tag of $3000. Jessica matched her luxe hoodie with a black leather A-line skirt that flowed freely down her trim pins. She finished her look with a pair of chunky black Balenciaga combat-style boots with a $1750 price tag. Going make-up free for the outing, Jessica wore her raven locks back in a tight ponytail. She accessorised simply, too, carrying her mobile phone which she occasionally looked to as the couple strolled. Alex, meanwhile, also dressed casually in a dark grey T-shirt that she wore over a chocolate brown zip-up sweater. She also wore a pair of dark grey pants and a pair of black and white Nike sneakers, finishing her look with a black baseball cap. While Jessica was content to scroll on her phone, Alex's hands were otherwise occupied with what appeared to be a cold brew coffee and a café treat in a brown paper bag. The couple appeared comfortable and relaxed in each other's company as they walked amid the rainy Brisbane Saturday. The outing comes after the couple were spotted packing on the PDA after a romantic lunch date in Sydney earlier this month. The relaxed fit jumper featured a yellow and orange patten on the sleeves and a long hood drawstring. It also comes with quite an 'uncasual' price tag of $3000 Jessica and Alex enjoyed lunch at celebrity hotspot Mimi's in Coogee, before enjoying a stroll on an inclement Sydney day. The pair looked besotted as they embarked on a stroll after their romantic lunch date. They could be seen holding hands and beaming broadly as they walked amid an overcast day. Not ones to hide their love, Jessica and Alex stopped, at one point for a sweet smooch on the street. The couple were seen smiling as they looked into each other's eyes, lost in the tender moment. Jessica announced her engagement to fiancée Alex back in 2022 as she and her jewellery designer partner showed off their huge diamond rings. She posted photos of the pair all loved up to Instagram with the caption: 'WIFED. (Still crying a week later.) I've waited my whole life for you. 'I can't wait to marry you. Thank you to everyone for the love and comments the past week. I'm sorry if we haven't got back yet, I promise we will xx,' she continued. Jessica 'closed down' the Catacombs of Paris and proposed to Alex as they toured the tunnels lined with human skulls. She read out a speech to her Los Angeles-based love, who shed a few tears, before getting down on one knee. Jessica's sister Lisa commented on both posts. 'Mummy says well done my Jessie,' she wrote on the engagement video before later adding: 'PSA: Yes, everyone. I approve!' Jessica's romance with Alex came after she announced she had split from her American musician fiancé, Kai Carlton, in October 2020. She told fans she 'was not afforded any real explanation' for their separation, and wished to put the relationship 'behind her'. 'To all the souls messaging me about Kai - we are no longer together,' Jess told fans at the time. 'I was not afforded any real explanation to address this with clarity here,' Jessica added, hinting she was dumped by her former lover. Prior to Kai, Jessica was in a relationship with actress Ruby Rose. Jess and Ruby briefly dated in 2008 before rekindling their romance on set of The Veronicas' music video for On Your Side in 2016. They split once again in April 2018.
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
NFL QB Alex Smith's Necrotizing Fasciitis, Pain & Mental Struggles
Alex Smith, former NFL quarterback, is sharing his story of surgeries, pain, depression and ... More resilience in the hopes of helping others. WARNING: This article will contain graphic images of leg wounds. A tall and handsome professional athlete with a wife and kids, former NFL quarterback Alex Smith had it all. Until he didn't. In 2018, Smith sustained a leg injury on the field that fractured his tibia and fibula in multiple locations. The harrowing events that followed—a life-threatening infection, 17 operations, mental struggles and significant pain—changed the trajectory of Smith's life. In my recent interview, the father of three openly shares his rocky but resilient journey as well as his Pain Game Plan partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals and his aim to empower everyone to advocate for their own physical and mental wellbeing. Alex Smith's right lower leg developed necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and life-threatening infection. ... More Redness, swelling, pus and dead (black, necrotic) tissue seen here characterize this 'flesh-eating' disease After the initial surgery, Smith developed an infection of his right leg. Post-operative infections are not uncommon. Among the multiple fractures endured by Smith was an open or compound fracture where the bone pierces through the skin, and is associated with an increased risk of infection. Unfortunately, the former broadcaster was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, 'flesh-eating' disease commonly caused by Group A Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria. Without immediate treatment including intravenous antibiotics and surgery, Smith could have lost both his limb and his life. 'The initial emergency surgery on the day of the injury went well. I needed to stay a couple of days for observation and then go home,' recalled Smith. But his leg became infected and he developed sepsis. 'I never made it out of the hospital.' Over the subsequent weeks and months, Smith underwent a total of 17 surgeries including nearly daily debridements to remove the infected tissue and limb salvage procedures. Today, Smith's leg looks very different but he has it and it's functional. He knows he's lucky to be alive. 'It was a crazy couple-year process and somehow I ended up running back out on the field and playing quarterback again,' reflected a grateful Smith. Alex Smith underwent 17 surgeries and nearly two years of rehab to save his limb and his life. ... More Post-op repair including multiple skin grafts are notable in his right leg. Smith did not anticipate such a prolonged and complicated rehabilitation process. The former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback underwent nearly 20 surgeries, all very different, and all associated with varying types and degrees of pain. He also had to wear an external fixator or 'steel cage' that was bolted into his right leg for nearly a year. 'Life goes on,' reflected Smith who danced at weddings with a steel cage on his limb. Pain was always there but never discussed. When he was discharged from the hospital, he was given a 'bag of pills and a rescue medication' without any explanation from his care team, according to Smith. He and his wife were scared. 'Pain is so universal. It overwhelms you. You marinate in it, it's hard to escape,' explained the TED speaker. He felt guilty asking for relief. Looking back, he wished he had conversations about pain management with his medical team. As an addiction medicine specialist and former primary care doctor, I have cared for many patients with pain. But I learned very little about managing pain during formal medical training despite it being one of the most common symptoms we experience. Pain is poorly understood, undertreated, inappropriately treated or not treated at all. Like Smith, many people with pain feel guilt or shame asking for relief. Pain affects different people in different ways. It varies in form, onset, duration and location. For all these reasons, treatment strategies must be tailored to each individual. Doctors should set treatment goals and expectations. Clinicians should use a step-wise approach when managing pain. Most pain improves with conservative, non-pharmacologic management such as heat, ice, exercise, massage, physical therapy, yoga and acupuncture. Pharmacotherapy includes different classes of medicines such as over-the-counter NSAIDs and acetaminophen; topical agents (e.g. lidocaine, diclofenac); antidepressants (amitryptaline, venlafaxine); or antiepileptics (pregabalin, gabapentin). If these tools are not effective, opioids such as oxycodone or morphine should be considered. The prescribing physician, NP or PA must review risks and benefits, side effects and monitor clinically with follow-up visits. The opioid overdose reversal agent, naloxone, should also be prescribed as it was for Smith. Procedures and devices can also be used to manage pain such as steroid injections, nerve blocks, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and surgery. Guided meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy can also provide reduce pain. Pain and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are often associated. 'The physical journey IS the mental journey,' emphasized Smith. The NFLer was in a wheelchair for months. He felt confined, physically limited and depressed, all the while dealing with ongoing pain. 'I was not in a good place mentally,' Smith confessed. Smith is not alone. Studies show that pain and mental health are closely connected. An estimated 35-45% of people with chronic pain experience depression. Anxiety and other mood disorders commonly occur at the same time as chronic pain. As Smith pointed out, pain is so universal. But too many people are suffering in silence. This needs to change. In hindsight, Smith would have had conversations with the medical staff, and he encourages everyone with pain to do the same. I agree completely. 'There are no dumb questions,' Smith pointed out. As an NFL quarterback, he recognizes the macho, masculine stereotypes associated with his profession, but they act as obstacles to getting proper care. 'I tried to live up to the image of a 'tough' football player. It's so unhealthy.' Smith strongly encouraged people to ask for help. He pushed back against society's expectation of a person needing to toughen up. 'In this country, we love this idea of rugged individualism. But no one does anything great alone. Nobody. I am the product of amazing teammates and teams that changed my life, including the military that changed my rehab.' Smith's advice on teamwork and leaning on others strongly resonates with me. A common motto in my field is that the opposite of addiction isn't sobriety, it's connection. We need to lean on others to get stronger, healthier and happier. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength.
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs vs. Eagles, NFL in Spain and other must-watch games on the 2025 schedule
Chiefs vs. Eagles, NFL in Spain and other must-watch games on the 2025 schedule Show Caption Hide Caption 'The greatest rookie season in American sports history': Alex Smith on Jayden Daniels Alex Smith says that Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels had the best rookie season in American sports history. Sports Seriously We finally know the dates and times for all the 2025 regular-season games. The NFL season kicks off when the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles raise their banner and host the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4 in primetime. The Eagles have multiple marquee games during the regular season, including a Super Bowl 57 and 59 rematch with the Chiefs in Kansas City in Week 2. Could the matchup be a preview of Super Bowl 60? Wednesday marked the official release of the 2025 NFL schedule. USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon provides five must-watch games on the slate: To open the season, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens return to the scene of a heartbreaking loss in the AFC divisional round. The Ravens are expected to once again be contenders. It's imperative for Baltimore to capture wins against other perceived contenders for seeding purposes come playoff time. The outcome of last year's divisional game could've been different had it been in Baltimore. This tilt also features the past two MVP winners. Both Jackson and Josh Allen are earlier favorites for the 2025 MVP award. Jackson is 3-1 versus Allen and the Bills in the regular season. But Allen is 2-0 against Jackson and the Ravens in the postseason. Week 2 (Sept.14): Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs Who isn't excited for a Super Bowl 57 and Super Bowl 59 rematch? Fans won't have to wait long for this matchup between two juggernauts. The Eagles got revenge in Super Bowl 59 in what was a dominant defensive performance. Patrick Mahomes was sacked a career-high six times and pressured on 17 occasions in the Super Bowl 59 loss. The Chiefs responded this offseason by placing the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, they traded guard Joe Thuney, signed tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency, they used a first-round pick to select tackle Josh Simmons and are evaluating Kingsley Suamataia at guard. Will Kansas City's revamped O-line protect Mahomes better? Jalen Carter and the Eagles defensive front will be a litmus test for the Chiefs retooled offensive line. There are so many storylines in this game that Andy Reid coaching against his former team is an afterthought. Week 4 (Sept. 28): Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs Two of the NFL's best quarterbacks face off once again. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson always seem to make memorable plays when their teams go head-to-head. The two teams produced a thriller in the 2024 Week 1 season opener. Jackson's kryptonite has long been the Chiefs. The two-time MVP is 1-4 versus Kansas City in the regular season and lost his only battle against them in the playoffs. The past three games between the Ravens and Chiefs – including playoffs – have been decided by one score. Week 11 (Nov. 16): Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles The Lions and Eagles lit up the scoreboard with 73 points in their last meeting. This NFC battle could potentially be another high-scoring affair. These two NFC heavy weights prioritize winning the battle in the trenches. It's bound to be a physical contest as both teams try to impose their will running the football and with physicality up front. Philadelphia has the early advantage because they get to play the game in front of their home fans at Lincoln Financial Field. How about a first of its kind international game? This year's international slate will conclude in Madrid, Spain with the Dolphins and Commanders at the Bernabéu Stadium, the home venue for Real Madrid. It's the NFL's first ever regular season game in Spain. Lucky for Spain, they get to witness last year's rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. Honorable mention: The Chiefs and Chargers will debut this year's international series in Week 1 (Sept. 5). The two AFC West rivals get the luxury of playing in in São Paulo, Brazil at Corinthians Arena. Fans or vacationers can never go wrong with a trip to Brazil. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cowboys primetime games: Dallas draws 6 for 2025 NFL season
Cowboys primetime games: Dallas draws 6 for 2025 NFL season Show Caption Hide Caption Alex Smith discusses traumatic injury, navigating pain management, how NFL has evolved Alex Smith talks to Mackenzie Salmon about the evolution of the NFL as well as how he navigated his own traumatic injury. He also discusses his partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Dallas Cowboys are one of the NFL's most popular teams, boasting the moniker "America's Team" and having one of the largest fan bases in the league. Given Dallas' popularity, it's little surprise the NFL is putting the Cowboys in the spotlight often during the 2025 NFL season. After all, they also have intriguing storylines surrounding them this season, including Brian Schottenheimer's first year as an NFL coach and Dak Prescott's return from a season-ending hamstring injury. The Cowboys will play in eight stand-alone games during the 2025 NFL season. That includes half a dozen primetime games, beginning with a Week 1 road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. COWBOYS SCHEDULE: Predicting Dallas' record for 2025 Here's everything to know about the Cowboys' primetime slate in 2025. Cowboys primetime schedule 2025 The Cowboys are set to play six primetime games in 2025. They are as follows: Week 1 (SNF) : at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock : at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock Week 4 (SNF) : vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock : vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock Week 9 (MNF) : vs. Arizona Cardinals, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN : vs. Arizona Cardinals, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN Week 11 (MNF) : at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN : at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN Week 14 (TNF) : at Detroit Lions, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video : at Detroit Lions, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video Week 15 (SNF): vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock Dallas will also play two stand-alone games on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Below is the information for those matchups:
