Alex Smith has been hired by ESPN as an NFL analyst. Smith retired in April to end his 16-season career.

"When I announced my retirement in April, I knew I was walking away from the playing field, but was not walking away from the game," Smith said in a statement. "This opportunity with ESPN surrounds me with new teammates and provides a fresh challenge as my family and I begin the next phase of our life. I'll be contributing to ESPN's coverage in a number of ways this season, continuing the relationship with the game I, and so many others, love."

Smith was the NFL's No. 1 overall pick in 2005 by the San Francisco 49ers out of the University of Utah and spent his first eight seasons with the team.