Former Ohio State defensive end Will Smith will be honored as a member of the New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor at halftime of the Saints-Buccaneers game this Sunday according to a release by the organization.
Smith, who starred on the defensive-line with the 2002 national champion Ohio State team, was a tireless worker that made himself into an All-Big Ten performer. He was the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Lineman of the Year, and First Team All-American in 2003.
After being drafted in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Saints, he immediately excelled at the next level. He made the NFL’s All-Rookie Team in 2004 after compiling 7.5 sacks and forcing five fumbles.
Smith made the Pro-Bowl in 2006 and played for the Saints from 2004 to 2013. He was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 2016.
Of course the Smith story ended in tragedy when he was shot during a traffic incident in April of 2016. He is survived by his wife Racquel and their three children, William, Wynter and Lisa.
