Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot and killed Saturday night in New Orleans in an apparent road-rage attack. Police say Smith's vehicle was hit from behind by a Hummer, and Smith exchanged words with the driver. The driver of the Hummer shot Smith and his wife. Smith died at the scene, and his wife has been hospitalized.
Smith was 34 years old, and a father of three children. He played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Saints, and was a part of the Super Bowl-winning team in 2010.
The NFL community was stunned by the news. The Saints offered their prayers to the Smith family in a statement released Sunday morning.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Will and his wife Racquel, but more importantly with their children, William, Wynter and Lisa who are suffering and just starting to realize and deal with an unimaginable loss. We are devastated and saddened by Will's tragic and preventable death due to a senseless act that will leave a lasting scar on our community forever. Will was more than an exceptional football player he was a father, a husband, a son, a brother and teammate to so many and an inspiration to countless more. He will be greatly missed by all those he touched and impacted both on and off the football field and his legacy will continue to shine. The Saints family is hurting and devastated as it has lost a member too young and too soon."
Many of Smith's former teammates expressed their shock and anger on social media.
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