Will Smith: The forgotten NFL hero who was killed in a road rage accident

Will Smith, an NFL defensive end with the New Orleans Saints, would have turned 44 today if he were alive. The athlete passed away in a road rage incident, and his loss has been deeply felt by the NFL.

Born on July 4, 1981, in Queens, New York, Smith played college football at Ohio State University, where he was a key part of the team that won the 2002 national championship. He managed to earn his First-Team All-American honors in 2003.During his nine-season career with New Orleans, Smith became crucial to the team’s defense. Smith was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2006 and played a vital role in the Saints' 2009 Super Bowl XLIV-winning season, leading the team with 13 sacks.

NFL remembers Will Smith the athlete whose father passed away

Many people may not know this but Smith was deeply involved in community work. He founded a nonprofit organisation aimed at helping women and children in need and remained in New Orleans to support recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

Tragically, on April 9, 2016, Smith’s met with a road rage incident in New Orleans. After a minor collision between his SUV and another vehicle, an argument escalated and he was fatally shot.

Smith died at the scene, and his wife, Racquel, was also wounded. The shooter, Cardell Hayes, was arrested immediately and later convicted of manslaughter.Smith’s death shocked the sports world and sparked discussions about gun violence and anger management. The New Orleans Saints and the broader NFL community continue to remember him for his achievements on the field and for the kindness and dedication he showed off it.