Former College Football Quarterback Rescued after 11 Hours Stranded in Kayak in Gulf of Mexico

In a harrowing ordeal, former college football quarterback Chris Smelley found himself stranded in a kayak for 11 hours in the Gulf of Mexico several miles off the coast of Florida. The Alabama native, who played for the University of South Carolina from 2006 to 2008, embarked on what he thought would be a short fishing trip in Grayton Beach, Florida, last Thursday.

Unfortunately, Smelley encountered heavy winds, which quickly swept him about 8 miles away from shore, making it impossible for him to return. Struggling against the elements, he found himself at the mercy of the wind and the vast open ocean.

Smelley's wife grew worried when he failed to return after several hours and promptly contacted authorities. The Walton County Sheriff's Office called in the US Coast Guard to assist in the search for the former athlete, who is now the head coach at Sylacauga High School in Alabama.

As the sun began to set, Smelley spotted helicopters overhead and desperately waved at them for help. However, he was difficult to spot due to his dark clothing and the dark colors of his kayak.

Thankfully, the choppers eventually spotted the stranded quarterback, and a friend with a fishing boat was able to reach him first, followed by the Coast Guard. After his rescue, Smelley underwent a medical examination and was joyfully reunited with his family.

Reflecting on the experience, Smelley admitted he was not necessarily scared but had moments of uncertainty, especially as nightfall approached. He expressed gratitude for the timely arrival of the rescue helicopter just as he had caught a fish and was preparing to clean it for energy to continue his paddling efforts.

Sgt. Jeremy Fisher of the Walton County Sheriff's Office commended Smelley's handling of the situation, emphasizing that such situations often do not end as positively. Fisher noted the importance of wearing a life jacket during water activities to ensure one's safety.

Taking to social media, Smelley expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers he received during his ordeal. He acknowledged the emotional toll his situation took on his family and thanked them for their unwavering support.

Reflecting on the incident, Smelley recognized the need for prioritizing safety in similar situations, stressing that precautions such as carrying a phone and wearing a life jacket should never be overlooked.

Despite enduring sunburn, Smelley emerged from the ordeal with a newfound appreciation for the power of prayer and the importance of safety at sea.