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Slain Former New Orleans Saints Player Will Smith Honored With Ceremonies, Parade

Smith's former teammates were pallbearers at the private service.

Funeral services were held Saturday for former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith, who was fatally shot a week earlier.

The private funeral was held at the Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans and was followed by a private burial service, according to NOLA.com.

Smith's former Saints teammates were pallbearers at the service, according to The Associated Press.

On Friday, fans were invited to pay their respects at a Saints practice facility, according to the team. Fans were given the opportunity to sign guest books and view pictures of Smith's life on and off the field, the team said.

Smith's widow, Racquel Smith, attended the viewing in a wheelchair. She was shot in the leg after a car accident Saturday night that police say resulted in 28-year-old Cardell Hayes opening fire. Smith was shot eight times, according to authorities.

Later that night, a second line parade, a mainstay in the city, in honor of Smith stretched two city blocks, according to NOLA.com. His jersey number — 91 — was also projected on the Louisiana Superdome.

Image: Racquel Smith, Pierre Thomas
Racquel Smith, widow of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, talks to former Saints running back Pierre Thomas, during a public viewing of Smith's casket inside the team's NFL football training facility in Metairie, La., Friday, April 15, 2016. Smith was shot to death, and Racquel wounded by gunfire, after an altercation following a traffic accident last Saturday. Thomas was with them when he was killed.Gerald Herbert / AP