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Wife of late Will Smith speaks at Saints HOF induction (The Associated Press)

KENNER, La. (AP) -- The wife of slain former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith said Friday that the defensive end's zest for life and refusal to accept failure has guided her recovery from the physical and emotional wounds she suffered on the night her ''worst fear came true.''

Racquel Smith, who was shot twice in the legs when her husband was fatally shot last April 9, made her first public remarks since Will Smith's death at the former Pro Bowl player's formal induction into the Saints Hall of Fame.

''There were days when I couldn't get out of bed, nor did I want to,'' Racquel Smith said.