Will Smith (defensive end)

Will Smith (defensive end)
Name	Will Smith
Caption	Smith with the New Orleans Saints in 2009
Birth date	21 November 1981
Birth place	Queens, New York
Height	6 ft 2 in
Weight	270 lb
College	Ohio State University
Position	Defensive end
Nfldraft	2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18
Teams	New Orleans Saints (2004–2011), Cincinnati Bengals (2012)

Will Smith (defensive end) was an American professional American football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). A standout at Ohio State University, Smith was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and became a key contributor to the Saints' defensive front, including their run to a Super Bowl XLIV championship. His career included Pro Bowl recognition, impactful postseason play, and a season with the Cincinnati Bengals before his untimely death in 2016.

Early life and high school

Born in Queens, New York, Smith moved to Rome, New York during his youth and later attended Tiffin Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio. At Tiffin Columbian, he played for the school football team alongside teammates who pursued NCAA Division I FBS opportunities, earning statewide recognition in Ohio. Smith also participated in track and field events representing his high school and drew scouting attention from programs such as Ohio State Buckeyes football, Penn State Nittany Lions football, Michigan Wolverines football and West Virginia Mountaineers football.

College career

Smith enrolled at Ohio State University and joined the Ohio State Buckeyes football program under head coach Jim Tressel. Playing in the Big Ten Conference, he developed alongside defensive standouts like A. J. Hawk and Santonio Holmes, contributing to Buckeyes defenses that competed for conference titles and BCS National Championship Game appearances. Smith earned All-Big Ten Conference recognition and drew praise from NFL scouts for his pass-rushing production, athletic testing at Pro Day, and tape against opponents such as the Michigan Wolverines football and Penn State Nittany Lions football.

Professional career

Drafted 18th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Smith joined a roster featuring players like Drew Brees, Marques Colston, and Reggie Bush. Under head coaches Jim Haslett and later Sean Payton, and coordinators including Willie Shaw and Gregg Williams, Smith became a fixture at right defensive end in a scheme that often used a 4–3 alignment. He recorded multiple seasons with double-digit sacks, teaming with linemates such as Jevon Kearse and Charles Grant and later joining forces with Jonas Gray and situational pass rushers.

Smith played a significant role in the Saints' 2009 season, which culminated in a victory in Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts led by Peyton Manning. He made key plays in playoff wins against teams like the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings. In 2012, Smith signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and reunited with coaching staff members he knew from his time in the NFL, playing alongside starters such as Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson. Injuries and the physical toll of a lengthy career affected his later seasons.

Playing style and achievements

Smith was noted for his combination of size, strength, and quickness off the snap, traits compared to established pass rushers like Jevon Kearse and Jason Taylor. Coaches cited his ability to set the edge against running backs from teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his pass-rush repertoire included powerful swim moves and productive bull-rush techniques taught in NFL camps. Statistically, Smith registered multiple seasons with 8+ sacks, earned Pro Bowl consideration, and was part of a Saints defense that featured leaders like Jahri Evans on the offensive side and Darren Sharper in the secondary.

Personal life

Smith married and had a family, residing in the New Orleans metropolitan area during much of his tenure with the Saints. He engaged with community programs connected to the Saints' outreach and philanthropic efforts, collaborating with organizations and teammates who supported initiatives in New Orleans neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Katrina. Smith also maintained relationships with Ohio State alumni and participated in alumni events with figures such as Eddie George and Orlando Pace.

Legacy and honors

Smith's legacy includes his contribution to the New Orleans Saints' first Super Bowl title and his standing among Ohio State defensive alumni who transitioned to productive NFL careers. He received team awards and postseason accolades during his tenure, and his impact is remembered by Saints contemporaries like Darren Sproles and Trent Cole. Posthumous tributes from franchises such as the Saints and the Bengals, as well as from former coaches including Sean Payton and Marvin Lewis, recognized his on-field leadership and community involvement.

Category:1981 births Category:2016 deaths Category:American football defensive ends Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football players Category:New Orleans Saints players Category:Cincinnati Bengals players