Will Smith, a New Orleans Saints defensive end and Thomas R. Proctor High School graduate, continues to gain accolades around the region.

Will Smith

Smith, whose team won the recent Super Bowl over the Indianapolis Colts, was honored with a resolution at Wednesday’s Common Council meeting for his athletic feats and contributions to the Mohawk Valley.

“Having a local resident reach to the level that Will Smith has done and in such an exemplary way, he’s certainly a role model for all of our citizens,” said Councilman Frank Vescera, D-1, who sponsored the resolution.

Smith went on from Proctor to Ohio State University, where he was a three-year starter and won a national championship as a junior.

As a Saint, he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and had a career-high in sacks this year with 13, good for fifth in the league.

The resolution also mentions Smith’s various activities around the region, including hosting the “Evening of All-Stars” awards banquet honoring the O-D’s All-Mohawk Valley Football Team and holding the Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way Foundation’s punt, pass and kick competition and skills camp.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Councilman Jerry Kraus, D-at large, said the council should invite Smith to a meeting the next time he’s in town to congratulate him personally.