Funeral held for slain NFLer Will Smith

Former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas, who was with Will Smith on the night he was shot to death, arrives as friends, family, coaches, and current and former Saints gathered for the funeral of the former Saints defensive end at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans on Saturday, April 16, 2016. (Michael DeMocker / NOLA.com The Times-Picayune)

NEW ORLEANS -- Funeral services were held Saturday for former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, who was shot and killed a week ago.

A private funeral service was held at a downtown theatre.

Saints players, former players, coaches and managers attended the service as did friends and family, according to Nola.com ' The Times-Picayune. Pallbearers included Smith's former Saints teammates.

Smith died a week ago after police said he was shot by 28-year-old Cardell Hayes during a traffic altercation.

A visitation was held Friday at the Saints practice facility in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.

Members of the Saints team and staff as well as fans -- many wearing their black and gold Saints gear -- gathered to pay their respects at Smith's orchid-covered coffin.

Nearby, a video screen showed snippets of Smith's famous tackles and sacks as well as photos from his life off the field.