Will Smith, shot dead in road rage incident, had storied career with Saints
The NFL world was stunned when former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was fatally shot in the Lower Garden District around 11:29 p.m. on Saturday. His wife, Racquel Smith, was shot in the leg and wounded during the incident, which police described as road rage after Smith’s vehicle collided with another.
The Saints were made aware of the situation early Sunday morning.
“A senseless and tragic loss,” tweeted Saints vice president of communications Greg Bensel at 3 a.m. on Sunday morning. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Will Smith – his wife Racquel – his children William, Wynter and Lisa.”
Ex-Saint Will Smith shot to death in New Orleans, coroner confirms
Ex-Saint Will Smith shot to death in New Orleans, coroner confirms
Smith, 34, was considered one of the best defenders in franchise history. He was a five-time defensive captain during his tenure with the Saints and a cornerstone for 10 seasons.
He started 120 games and helped bring the city its first Super Bowl in 2009. His 13 sacks that season were a personal best.
Smith finished his Saints career with 67.5 sacks, fourth on the franchise’s all-time list. He also had 618 tackles, two interceptions, 19 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.
He was the first Saints player since La’Roi Glover (1998-2000) to lead the team in sacks for three consecutive seasons, which he did from 2005 to 2007.
Will Smith, ex-Saints player, dead: Former teammates, players react on social media
Will Smith, ex-Saints player, dead: Former teammates, players react on social media
“RIP WILL SMITH,” tweeted New Orleans native and current Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday morning upon hearing news of Smith’s death. Smith’s former Saints teammate Mark Ingram also tweeted: “Devastated. Lord please be with the Smith family at this tragic time. Nonsense man…”
Numerous other Saints and players around the NFL expressed their condolences and shock as well throughout the night on social media.
Smith was the Saints’ first-round draft pick in 2004 and remained a key cog on the defense until he tore his ACL against the Houston Texans in the third game of the 2013 preseason. Although Smith took a pay cut to remain with the Saints that season, he never played a down in New Orleans again.
Smith’s age and $13.9 million salary cap number led to his release in the offseason along with a slew of other longtime veterans.
At the time of his release, he was the last player remaining to have started a game during the Jim Haslett and Sean Payton eras.
“While it was always my dream to retire as a member of the New Orleans Saints, I recognize that the NFL remains a business first,” Smith said after his release. “I will always be grateful to Mr. (Tom) Benson, Mr. (Mickey) Loomis, and Coach Payton for the opportunity they gave me to play the sport I love in front of football’s greatest fans, amongst some of my best friends. …
“We accomplished great things during my time with the Saints, including winning the first Super Bowl in franchise history, and I am proud of my contributions during the decade I wore black and gold. My wife Racquel and I will continue our commitment to improving lives for New Orleans’ youth no matter where my next stop in professional football takes me. I’m in good spirits, thankful and focused on training. My family and I welcome the next chapter in our NFL life. Who Dat!”
Although he signed with the New England Patriots that spring, Smith was released before the regular season.
While winning the Super Bowl was the high point of Smith’s career, the low point came when he was suspended by the NFL for four games in 2012 for his involvement in the Saints’ bounty program. The suspension was later vacated and Smith returned to play in all 16 games that season.
(http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/04/new_orleans_saints_will_smith_8.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)
