SEC players mourn the death of former New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith

By now, you may have heard the tragic story of the death of former New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith.

Smith and his wife were shot at the scene of a car accident late Saturday night in what has been determined to be a road-rage incident:

Former Saints DE Will Smith was shot to death on Saturday night following a traffic collision. He was 34. https://t.co/jMfvcJOfQu

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 10, 2016

Police statement on Will Smith murder. @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/RTFpku3pgA

— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) April 10, 2016

The former All-American from Ohio State was a first round selection of the New Orleans Saints. He played for the Saints from 2004-13, before ending his career in 2014 after a brief preseason stint with the Patriots.

It is clear that playing SEC country for the duration of his NFL career provided him the opportunity to impact the lives of many young football players from the area.

We’ve collected some of their thoughts following this weekend’s unfortunate events.

Former Alabama RB Mark Ingram was Smith’s teammate with the New Orleans Saints:

Devastated. Lord please be with the Smith family at this tragic time. Nonsense man…

— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) April 10, 2016

Former Auburn LB Takeo Spikes was in the league for almost the entire duration of Smith’s 10-year NFL career:

Can't believe we will no longer have Will Smith w/us. My heart goes out to his family. Wishing his wife the best. #AllLivesMatter #NFL #MBA

— Takeo Spikes, M.B.A (@TakeoSpikes51) April 10, 2016

Former Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo was briefly teammates with Smith during his preseason stint with the Patriots in 2014:

Praying for strength for The Smith Family. #ripwillsmith91 https://t.co/TEj1ewTAX9

— Jerod_Mayo51 (@jerod_mayo51) April 10, 2016

Given that Smith played his entire NFL career in New Orleans, there are several SEC players from that area that grew up as big fans of his work or became fans once at nearby LSU:

Wow life's too short, RIP Will Smith appreciate all the knowledge u gave me. Prayers up for your family ??

— Glenn Dorsey (@GlennDorsey72) April 10, 2016

My heart is so heavy #RIPWillSmith

— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) April 10, 2016

RIP Will Smith.. Grew up a huge fan man

— Malachi Dupre (@MalachiDupre) April 10, 2016

Can't believe this man https://t.co/z8aM0IeUO9

— T.Bill$ (@_TBJXIII) April 10, 2016

RIP WILL SMITH.. #NewOrleans

— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) April 10, 2016

Nick Cole

Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.