Former New Orleans Saints defensive captain, Will Smith, was shot multiple times after a traffic collision late Saturday night. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Raquel, is still in the hospital after being shot twice in the leg. The alleged shooter, Cardell Hayes, has been arrested on a second-degree murder charge and the gun used was collected at the crime scene. Hayes, a former prep football standout, was attending the University of New Orleans. It is still unclear what caused Hayes to brandish his firearm after what seemed to be a routine fender bender.
Police statement on Will Smith murder. @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/RTFpku3pgA
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) April 10, 2016
Smith was born on July 4th, 1981. He grew up in Queens, New York. He played college football for Ohio State University, where he was a superstar. He was drafted 18th overall by the Saints in 2004. Smith played all nine of his NFL seasons with New Orleans. He amassed 457 tackles, 67.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, and two interceptions throughout his career. He is often acknowledged as the key cog on the Saints’ defensive unit that turned things around for head coach, Sean Payton. Smith and Payton were always on the same page, and the chaos surrounding the team after Hurricane Katrina, allowed them to bring the entire locker room closer together. A few years later, Smith and quarterback Drew Brees, led the Saints to a world championship during the 2009-2010 season. The Saints beat the Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl 44, and the city of New Orleans was on top of the world. Smith was named an AP All-Pro Honorable Mention for his play during that season.
The football world will be shook up for quite some time after an act of violence like this took one of the league’s former defensive stars. Unfortunately, Smith joins a list of unique company with players like Sean Taylor and Steve McNair, who were also murdered in cold blood. Smith leaves behind his wife and three children.
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