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Alex Smith will be one of three players featured in United Way public service ads this season, an NFL tradition that dates to 1974.
When the 49ers quarterback took 10 foster kids from the San Diego area bowling last month, a United Way film crew was in the background shooting footage. The Alex Smith Foundation is helping to send the 10 students to San Diego State by covering everything from tuition and room and board to books and meals.
Like any NFL fan, Smith grew up watching the United Way spots during game telecasts. This year he'll watch himself.
"It was a big deal because I didn't know how much attention we were getting," Smith said. "Its great to get recognized and for them to recognize our cause."
The ads were the idea of former Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who thought they would be a good way of providing visibility to the United Way while also highlighting some of the charitable works of NFL players.
The two other players who will be featured this season are Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and Kansas City Chiefs guard Brian Waters. The last 49er to be recognized by the United Way was former quarterback Jeff Garcia in 2003.

San Francisco 49ers - United Way to feature S.F. QB - sacbee.com