Former Ohio State great and Super Bowl champion Will Smith was tragically murdered early late Saturday night in New Orleans — the city which he starred at defensive end for the Saints.
The news shocked us all, but it certainly hit home with some of Smith's former teammates at Ohio State as well as some other great Buckeyes. Reactions from other fellow Ohio State players from all years are below.
Former Ohio State running back Beanie Wells:
Awful news smh. #RIPWILLSMITH former buckeye Great. One of the coolest and smoothest dudes I've ever met.
— Beanie Wells (@BeanieWells26) April 10, 2016
Former Ohio State defensive end Jay Richardson:
Sending Love and Payers to the family and friends of my Buckeye Brother Will Smith. Tragic news today. ..Still can't believe it. Bad dream.
— Jay Richardson (@JayRichardson99) April 10, 2016
2010 Wooden Award winner and current Boston Celtic Evan Turner:
My prayers go out to the family of Buckeye Great, Will Smith. Another life taken due to https://t.co/ASXIsStMRN
— evan turner (@thekidet) April 10, 2016
Former Ohio State cornerback Dustin Fox:
I have no words right now. I can't believe this. #RIP
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) April 10, 2016
Two-time teammate LeCharles Bentley:
Between OSU & New Orleans, I spent 6 years with Will Smith as a teammate. Not many people left like him. pic.twitter.com/YwycKDkp0G
— LeCharles Bentley (@OLineWorld65) April 10, 2016
Former Buckeyes fullback Branden Joe:
Sending prayers to the Smith Family and all of the people who knew and loved Will.
— Branden Joe (@BrandenJoe38) April 10, 2016
Former Ohio State safety Donte Whitner:
My heart is broken R.I.P to my former teammate & friend Will Smith!!! My condolences goes out to his family! You will be missed
— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) April 10, 2016
Mike Adams, a former Ohio State offensive tackle:
RIP big 93! Senseless violence took one our brothers smh #BuckeyeNation #sacredbrotherhood
— Mike Adams (@Channel75live) April 10, 2016
Former Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter:
Such a terrible tragedy. Will had young children and very helpful in my development https://t.co/DHoTQDIs8A
— Bobby Carpenter (@Bcarp3) April 10, 2016
Malcolm Jenkins:
Words can't express how much I will miss my teammate and friend Will Smith! With a heavy heart I'm praying hard for his wife and family...
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) April 10, 2016
Ohio State All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis:
I am in absolute shock to hear about Will Smith's death. My prayers go out to the Smith family. So sad. So senseless.
— James Laurinaitis (@JLaurinaitis55) April 10, 2016
Former defensive back and current Super Bowl champion Bradley Roby:
RIP Buckeye
— Bradley Roby (@BradRoby_1) April 10, 2016
Even some players who recently played for Ohio State like Michael Thomas and Darron Lee expressed their condolences.
Speechless.
— Darron Lee (@DLeeMG8) April 10, 2016
Wicked man Rip Buckeye Great Will Smith !
— Mike Thomas (@Cantguardmike) April 10, 2016
RIP Will Smith. Heartbreaking. Prayers to his family and loved ones.
— Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) April 10, 2016
I never got to meet you but we're forever apart of a sacred brotherhood! Rest in peace.. pic.twitter.com/qyNL0YUhif
— Nick Vannett (@N_Vannett81) April 10, 2016
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer and Smith's defensive coordinator with the Buckeyes, current Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, also weighed in.
Heart breaking news at the loss of buckeye great, Will Smith. Buckeye Nation extends our prayers to his family during this difficult time.
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) April 10, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to former OSU and Saints' Will Smith; his family and teammates. He touched so many lives. Tragic. Shocked
— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) April 10, 2016
LeBron James:
Prayers and condolence sent out to Will Smith #RIP and his beautiful family! So sad man. Good dude he was man!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2016
Ohio State Athletics Director Gene Smith:
Prayers are with the Smith family. Will is a symbol of what we want our student-athletes to be. He will be missed by the entire OSU family.
— gene smith (@OSU_AD) April 10, 2016
And finally, Smith's coach at Ohio State, Jim Tressel, tweeted this morning:
For I know the plans I have for youplans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 #QuietTime
— Jim Tressel (@JimTressel5) April 10, 2016
Love & prayers to the Smith family, Buckeye family & Saints family. Our brother Will--humble, caring, selfless family man. We love you Will.
— Jim Tressel (@JimTressel5) April 10, 2016
