GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 27: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals walks the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The football world continues to be in a state of shock following the tragic death of Will Smith. Smith, a former New Orleans Saints player and Ohio State Buckeye, was shot to death in New Orleans following an altercation stemming from a fender bender. Police have booked Cardell Hayes with a second-degree murder charge.

According to The Advocate, Hayes attempted to sue the city of New Orleans in 2005 and in 2014 he pleaded guilty as a first-time offender for carrying an illegal firearm. He was sentenced to six months probation for that and a possession of drug paraphernalia charge. There is no word yet on whether or not Cardell had since obtained the proper license to carry a firearm, not that it matters in this particular situation considering the end result.

Former LSU Tiger Tyrann Mathieu reacted to the latest developments of the story on Twitter by sharing his own connection to the tragedy. Mathieu says he knew Cardell.

https://twitter.com/Mathieu_Era/status/719200582754390017

Mathieu was not done simply mentioning his awareness of Cardell, nor did he expand on his relationship with the suspected shooter. The two played high school football in the New Orleans area, but played at slightly different times. It is feasible to believe they may have crossed paths somewhere in the hotbed of football that is New Orleans, considering how tight a region it can be when it comes to football. But Mathieu used his voice on Twitter to go off on a political rant that is worth considering for a wider discussion.

Mathieu’s concerns are something communities in many cities can relate to on some level. Coming from Mathieu, who has battled his own demons, it should resonate well with many as well, especially given his roots to the New Orleans area. He speaks from experience and from the heart. It is also encouraging to see a player use his voice for a call to action for positive changes, and hee’s hoping Mathieu figures out a way to help spearhead a movement to address some of the concerns he has laid out.

[Larry Brown Sports]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.