Saints' Fairley to play days after unexpected death of mother

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley will play Sunday with a heavy heart after his mother died this week.

Paula Rodgers, 51, died mid-week in Alabama, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Fairley was by her side.

Fairley and Rodgers were very close, with the veteran choosing to sign with the Saints in free agency in part because it allowed his mother to attend every home game.

Fairley's agent told Rapoport that his client will play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs because he believes his mother would have wanted him to.