Drew Brees Comments on Will Smith's Death in MMQB Interview

In 2009, the New Orleans Saints captured their first Super Bowl. It was a historic accomplishment not only because it resuscitated a franchise but also because the Saints became a rallying cry for post-Katrina New Orleans. 

On the offensive side, things were led by superstar quarterback Drew Brees. Defensively, the Saints saw a breakout 13-sack season from defensive end Will Smith, who was killed following a traffic accident Saturday.

“We’ll all gather back in New Orleans 10 years after winning the Super Bowl, 20 years, 50 years, to celebrate what a great thing it was for our team and for our city,” Drew Brees told MMQB.com's Peter King on Sunday night. “And we’ll be together, but something will be missing. No Will.”

Cardell Hayes, 28, was charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting Smith after the two exchanged words, per Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. Police say Hayes and Smith engaged in an argument after Hayes rear-ended Smith's car. Hayes then shot Smith several times in the back and torso. Smith's wife, Racquel, also received treatment after being shot.

“Think about it. A guy [Hayes] thought, whatever, that he was cut off. Just a simple thing, driving a car. And he reacts to someone he thinks did that. And lives are ruined. One guy is going to spend the rest of his life in jail. One guy is dead. One family loses its leader, its father, its husband, forever," Brees told King.

Smith, 34, spent his entire decade-long career with the Saints. He recorded 459 tackles and 67.5 sacks during his career, eventually walking away after failing to make the New England Patriots roster in 2014. Brees spoke of what he meant as a teammate:

"

Tough, so tough. A Saint through and through. Sean cleaned house, and Will stayed. I always thought there was nothing more I’d ever want from a  teammate than what Will brought every day. He really was the cornerstone of our team. Will could always reference what it was like before we got there. His wisdom was so welcome. Not a rah-rah guy, but a guy you’d rely on every day. I would engage him, and he’d smile, and he would always be like, ‘We’re in this together.’

"

Brees and Smith were teammates for seven seasons in New Orleans. 

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