Will Smith had a career low 3 sacks last year in what was generally described by many as a very disappointing year. While his performance was guilty of a serious regression, there was constant talk that Will Smith was playing at less than 100% the whole season. This article claims he was battling a sports hernia (the same injury that kept Jeremy Shockey on the sidelines for several games) and that he played the 16 game season suffering as soon as week 1. The article also goes on to say how respected he is in the locker room. Smith signed a contract last off season of 6 years and worth up to $70 million. It's pretty impressive, if you ask me, that the guy got that kind of money and decided to play through a major injury instead of mailing it in. I don't care what anyone says, the guy is tough, and the Saints are lucky to have him. With that kind of guaranteed money he could have easily taken the attitude that he has nothing left to prove and refuse to play through pain. How many NFL athletes have been guilty of that very crime? The injury was bad luck, but this article further illustrates that the investment the Saints made was sound. I wouldn't bet against Will Smith bouncing back in 2009 and regaining the form that once sent him to the Pro Bowl.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saints Nation: The Saints are lucky to have Will Smith
Will Smith had a career low 3 sacks last year in what was generally described by many as a very disappointing year. While his performance was guilty of a serious regression, there was constant talk that Will Smith was playing at less than 100% the whole season. This article claims he was battling a sports hernia (the same injury that kept Jeremy Shockey on the sidelines for several games) and that he played the 16 game season suffering as soon as week 1. The article also goes on to say how respected he is in the locker room. Smith signed a contract last off season of 6 years and worth up to $70 million. It's pretty impressive, if you ask me, that the guy got that kind of money and decided to play through a major injury instead of mailing it in. I don't care what anyone says, the guy is tough, and the Saints are lucky to have him. With that kind of guaranteed money he could have easily taken the attitude that he has nothing left to prove and refuse to play through pain. How many NFL athletes have been guilty of that very crime? The injury was bad luck, but this article further illustrates that the investment the Saints made was sound. I wouldn't bet against Will Smith bouncing back in 2009 and regaining the form that once sent him to the Pro Bowl.
