Tragedy Strikes Football World: Former Ohio State and Saints Star Will Smith Fatally Shot at 34 After Traffic Dispute

The football world is mourning the tragic and untimely death of former Ohio State All-American and longtime New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, who was fatally shot Saturday night in New Orleans. Smith, a beloved figure in both college and professional football circles, was just 34 years old at the time of his death.

According to authorities, the incident occurred after a traffic collision in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans. What began as a fender-bender reportedly escalated into a confrontation, during which Smith was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Racquel, was also injured in the altercation and transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. The alleged shooter remained at the scene and was taken into custody by police.

Smith’s sudden death has left the Ohio State community, the city of New Orleans, and the broader football world in shock. Known for his intensity on the field and his gracious demeanor off of it, Smith’s legacy spans a college championship, a decorated professional career, and a meaningful post-football life in the city he called home.

Before making his name in the NFL, Smith built an outstanding college career with the Ohio State Buckeyes. A four-year letterman and team captain in 2003, Smith etched his name into Buckeye lore with his relentless play as a defensive end. Statistically and impact-wise, he ranks among the greatest to ever wear scarlet and gray.

Smith recorded 22.0 career sacks at Ohio State, placing him seventh all-time in program history—a list that includes NFL stars like Mike Vrabel, Joey Bosa, and Vernon Gholston. His 45.5 tackles for loss rank sixth all-time for the Buckeyes, a testament to his disruptive presence on the defensive line.

Arguably his most impactful collegiate season came in 2002, when he helped lead Ohio State to a perfect season and a national championship victory over the heavily favored Miami Hurricanes. In that title game, Smith was a force, notching eight tackles and pressuring quarterback Ken Dorsey all night long. That season, Smith totaled 59 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. His ability to dominate the edge was pivotal in Ohio State’s first national title in over 30 years.

Smith’s senior season in 2003 was even more statistically impressive. He racked up 49 tackles, including a jaw-dropping 20 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. His dominance earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors and All-American recognition. By the time he graduated, Smith was already regarded as a first-round NFL prospect—and rightfully so.

In the 2004 NFL Draft, Smith was selected 18th overall by the New Orleans Saints. It marked the beginning of a nine-year NFL career, all of it spent in New Orleans. Smith would go on to play 139 games in the NFL, finishing his professional career with 457 total tackles, 67.5 sacks, and 20 forced fumbles. His 67.5 sacks rank fourth all-time in Saints franchise history.

One of the high points of Smith’s NFL journey came during the 2006 season, when he was named to the Pro Bowl after posting 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and helping anchor a Saints defense that powered the team to its first-ever NFC Championship Game appearance. But perhaps even more memorable was the 2009 season when the Saints, bolstered by a stout defense and Drew Brees’ prolific offense, won Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts. For Smith, that Super Bowl ring marked the pinnacle of a career rooted in hard work, leadership, and quiet consistency.

Off the field, Smith was equally impactful. After retiring, he remained in New Orleans and dedicated much of his time to charitable endeavors, particularly programs aimed at empowering underprivileged youth. He was widely respected by teammates, coaches, and community members for his dedication to service and his embrace of the city he once only represented on the field but later came to love and call home.

As word of Smith’s death spread, tributes poured in from across the sports world. Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, who coached at the university years after Smith had moved on to the NFL, called him “a Buckeye legend and a man who embodied leadership in every facet of life.” Former teammates, including Saints quarterback Drew Brees and linebacker Jonathan Vilma, expressed their heartbreak over the loss of a man they considered a brother.

“Will was the soul of our locker room,” said Vilma, who played alongside Smith during the Saints’ Super Bowl run. “He was tough, smart, and cared deeply about doing things the right way—on and off the field.”

Even those who never played alongside him knew Smith by reputation. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement mourning the loss of a “great competitor and an even better person,” while the New Orleans Saints organization released a heartfelt message calling Smith “one of the cornerstones of our franchise and a champion in every sense of the word.”

Smith’s tragic death also reignited conversations about gun violence and road rage in America. New Orleans, in particular, has seen its share of violence in recent years, and Smith’s death now adds a high-profile layer to the ongoing concerns about public safety. Local officials acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged a full investigation.

“This is a senseless tragedy,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a press conference the day after the shooting. “Will Smith gave so much to our city and represented the best of what New Orleans could be. His loss is a blow to us all.”

Beyond the headlines, beyond the accolades, and beyond the stats, Will Smith leaves behind a legacy built on resilience, leadership, and compassion. He came from humble beginnings, rose to the heights of collegiate and professional football, and stayed grounded throughout. He was a captain at Ohio State, a Pro Bowler in New Orleans, and a champion in life.

He is survived by his wife Racquel and their three children. For them and for the many lives he touched, his death leaves a void that can never be fully filled. But his life, his passion, and his contributions—to football, to family, and to community—will be remembered.

As Buckeye Nation, the city of New Orleans, and the entire football world grieve the loss of Will Smith, one thing remains certain: legends never die. Their impact ripples through generations, etched not just in record books but in hearts and minds.

Rest in peace, Will Smith. A warrior on the field. A gentle soul off it. Forever a Buckeye. Forever a Saint.