Will Smith, a former Ohio State defensive end and Super Bowl champion with the New Orleans Saints, tragically lost his life on a Saturday night after a traffic incident in New Orleans.

Will Smith, a former Ohio State defensive end and Super Bowl champion with the New Orleans Saints, tragically lost his life on a Saturday night after a traffic incident in New Orleans.

At just 34 years old, Smith’s death left a profound mark on the sports community, as he was widely respected for both his athletic accomplishments and his character.

His contributions on the football field, both at Ohio State and in the NFL, solidified his legacy as one of the best to ever play the game.

 

Early Life and Ohio State Career

 

Will Smith’s journey to football stardom began long before he became an iconic figure at Ohio State University.

Born and raised in the streets of New Jersey, Smith’s passion for football was evident from a young age.

His physicality, speed, and determination on the field made him a standout player throughout his high school years, earning him the opportunity to play at a prestigious program like Ohio State.

 

Smith’s career at Ohio State began in 2000, and he immediately made an impact. Playing under head coach Jim Tressel, Smith quickly became a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ defense, a unit that would go on to dominate college football during the early 2000s.

Over the course of his four years in Columbus, Smith established himself as one of the top defensive ends in the country, earning numerous accolades and cementing his place in Ohio State history.

 

By the time his senior year rolled around in 2003, Smith had already achieved significant success, earning the title of team captain and leading the Buckeyes to an outstanding season.

He was a unanimous All-American selection, a three-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree, and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2003.

His dominance on the field helped Ohio State to a top-tier defensive ranking, and his performance in the 2002 national championship game against Miami stood as one of the defining moments of his college career.

2002 National Championship

In the 2002 national championship game, Ohio State faced off against the heavily favored Miami Hurricanes.

Miami, a team that boasted an impressive lineup of future NFL stars, was the defending national champion and had been nearly unbeatable throughout the season.

However, the Buckeyes, led by coach Jim Tressel, pulled off one of the most memorable upsets in college football history, securing a 31-24 overtime win.

Will Smith’s performance in the game was crucial to the Buckeyes’ success.

Smith recorded eight tackles in the national championship game, showing his ability to step up in the biggest moments.

His relentless pursuit of the quarterback, ability to stop the run, and overall defensive discipline made him an invaluable asset to his team.

His play in the national championship helped to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in Ohio State history.

Career Statistics at Ohio State

Will Smith’s college career stats are a testament to his dominance on the field.

Smith ranks seventh all-time in Ohio State history with 22.0 career sacks, trailing only legendary players such as Mike Vrabel, Jason Simmons, Joey Bosa, Matt Finkes, Eric Kumerow, and Vernon Gholston. He also ranks sixth all-time at Ohio State in tackles for loss, with an impressive total of 45.5. This combination of speed, power, and football intelligence helped Smith terrorize quarterbacks and offensive linemen throughout his career.

In 2002, during Ohio State’s national championship season, Smith recorded 59 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

His performance during the 2003 season was even more impressive, as he tallied 49 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

These numbers put Smith firmly in the conversation as one of the best defensive players in college football, earning him a spot as a finalist for numerous prestigious awards and accolades.

 

NFL Career with the New Orleans Saints

 

Will Smith’s success at Ohio State did not go unnoticed, and in 2004, he was selected 18th overall in the NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. His transition to the NFL was smooth, and Smith quickly became one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. Over the course of his nine-year career in the NFL, Smith appeared in 139 games, recording 457 tackles, 67.5 sacks, and 20 forced fumbles.

His ability to disrupt offenses and bring pressure on quarterbacks was key to the Saints’ defense during his tenure.

 

Smith’s impact was not limited to just regular-season play. His performance in the postseason was just as vital to the Saints’ success.

In 2006, Smith earned a Pro Bowl selection after a standout season, solidifying his place among the league’s elite defensive players. He continued to excel throughout his career, ranking fourth all-time in sacks in New Orleans Saints history, with 67.5 sacks.

His leadership and playmaking ability helped elevate the Saints’ defense, earning them a reputation as one of the toughest units in the NFL during his time.

 

Smith’s NFL career was highlighted by his contributions to the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010.

The Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 31-17, in a game that marked the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl win. While Smith did not record a sack in the game, his presence on the field and leadership throughout the season played a key role in the Saints’ success.

Smith’s ability to be a consistent and disruptive force was a major reason why the Saints were able to win it all that year.

 

Tragic End to a Bright Life

 

Sadly, Will Smith’s promising future was cut short on the night of April 9, 2016, when he was tragically shot and killed in a traffic-related incident in New Orleans.

Smith had been involved in a minor car accident with another vehicle, and after the incident escalated, he was fatally shot by the driver of the other car.

The news sent shockwaves through the sports world, particularly in New Orleans, where Smith was beloved as a local hero and a key figure in the Saints’ Super Bowl win.

 

Smith’s death was a devastating loss for his family, friends, and the entire football community. His legacy as a dominant force on the football field and as a respected leader and teammate continues to be remembered.

The impact he made during his time at Ohio State and in the NFL will never be forgotten. Smith’s combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership qualities set a standard for future generations of defensive players to follow.

 

Legacy

 

Will Smith’s legacy is one of excellence, both on and off the field. As a player, his dominance as a defensive end and his ability to change the course of a game with his playmaking ability will be remembered for years to come. Whether it was his performances in college, his Pro Bowl selection, or his Super Bowl victory, Smith’s contributions to football are forever etched in history. Off the field, Smith was known for his humility, leadership, and commitment to helping others, making him a role model for many young athletes. Though his life was tragically cut short, the memories of his incredible career and the impact he had on those around him will continue to live on.