The Ohio State family lost one of its own late Saturday, when former defensive end and team captain Will Smith tragically lost his life when he was shot to death in New Orleans over an apparent fender bender.
A week later, the Buckeyes are set to honor the man who was an integral part of the program's run at the 2002 national title as the 2016 team holds its annual spring game at Ohio Stadium.
Honoring Buckeye great Will Smith Saturday at our Spring Game. Tribute to include helmet decal & moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/Tra3IEzpoI
— gene smith (@OSU_AD) April 12, 2016
The decal is similar to the one Ohio State wore early in the 2013 season to honor the late Maria Tiberi, daughter of 10TV sports anchor Dom Tiberi, who passed away in a car accident.
Smith played his entire professional career (10 seasons) for the Saints, winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 and earning a trip to the 2006 Pro Bowl.
He is ranks seventh all time at Ohio State with 22.0 career sacks and sixth all time in tackles for loss with 45.5. Smith earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and All-American honors in 2003.
No word on if Ohio State will wear the decal for the entirety of the 2016 season.
MORE SMITH COVERAGE:
- Former Ohio State players respond to news of Smith's death
- Urban Meyer calls Smith's death "tragic" Monday
- Video: Memorial highlight reel from Smith's 2002 season
- Remembering Will Smith's on-field accomplishments at Ohio State
