Deuce McAllister pays tribute to Will Smith at NFL Draft

Former Saints running back Deuce McAllister paid tribute to his recently fallen teammate Will Smith at the NFL Draft

The tragic death of Will Smith was something that struck a melancholy chord with virtually every NFL fan in the world. Smith was a fantastic and beloved player who made an impact on the game and on the New Orleans Saints. One of the most touching things to happen after Smith was slain in New Orleans in a road rage incident on April 9 of this year was just how beloved he was among his Saints teammates. Even several weeks later, that shone through at the 2016 NFL Draft as Deuce McAllister announced the Saints selection in Round 2.

Before announcing the pick for New Orleans, the former Saints running back stepped up to the microphone to deliver a brief, yet poignant tribute by simply telling Smith and also recently deceased Saints radio broadcaster Hokie Gajan “we love you:”

I think just about everyone can agree with Rich Eisen’s unfiltered reaction as he simply said “nice” as McAllister paid tribute.

McAllister was drafted by the Saints in 2001 where Smith joined him when he was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by New Orleans. Both players spent their entire careers with the organization that drafted them as Deuce retired in 2009 and Smith hung up his pads in 2014.

Especially with some of the stuff that we see off the field these days, sometimes there can be a dark cloud that hangs over football and the NFL. However, it’s moments like this—even in times of sadness and tragedy—that show the brotherhood and camaraderie only achieved on the gridiron.

Rest in peace, Will Smith.

For all your NFL coverage, stay in touch with the FanSided hub.