P.J. Williams

P.J. Williams's Biography

Kenneth Lamar “P. J.” Williams, born on June 1, 1993, is a dynamic American football player, having acquired some of the highest accolades and made some of the most memorable plays in recent collegiate and professional history. Williams primarily held the position of safety, showing his exceptional talent and skills early on during his college career at Florida State University (FSU). Known for his agility and speed, Williams also made a mark as a sprinter on the track team, showing his athletic versatility.

Williams started this memorable journey in Ocala, Florida, where he attended Vanguard High School. There, his passion for football took flight as he played as cornerback and wide receiver. He showcased his developing skills and talent impressively leading to Rivals.com ranking him as the country’s ninth-best safety recruit. This was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent towards his craft.

Williams’ growth as a player continued when he joined Florida State University. As a true freshman in 2012, he participated in 14 games and recorded 14 tackles. In his sophomore year, he improved his performance and recorded 35 tackles, intercepted three passes, and scored a touchdown. This trajectory continued into his junior year, where he made a remarkable 74 tackles, intercepted a pass, and sacked an opponent once.

His standout performance came in 2014, where he clinched the BCS National Championship Game’s Defensive MVP title. He made an impressive seven tackles and an interception, further underlining his defensive prowess and contributing to FSU’s victory.

After achieving significant success in his junior year, Williams decided to forgo his final college year. In January 2015, he announced on Twitter that he would declare himself eligible for the 2015 NFL draft. This decision marked the start of a new chapter in his football career, and he expressed gratitude to FSU, citing his time there as some of the “best three years of his life.”

In preparation for the draft, Williams demonstrated his potential at the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite having the flu during Florida State’s pro day, he showed fluid movement and good hands in his position drills, which turned heads of over 150 scouts, team representatives, and media members. Including some major head coaches, who took a keen interest in the young player.

As expected, he attracted attention from several teams and had private workouts and meetings with the Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, despite facing a misdemeanour DUI charge which later got dropped due to lack of evidence, Williams was projected as potentially a late first or second-round pick. Sports Illustrated pegged him as the draft’s third-best cornerback and he was the fifth-best according to NFL analyst Charles Davis. Ultimately the New Orleans Saints selected him in the Draft’s third round (78th overall).

With the Saints, Williams faced injuries early on and did not participate in any games during his rookie season. However, he came back stronger in subsequent seasons, earning his first career interception in 2017 off a pass attempt made by Cam Newton and recording a notable victory against the Buccaneers where he intercepted a pass. Despite disciplinary issues that caused him to be demoted to a reserve role, he redeemed himself with consistent performances that kept him in the team.

In what became a significant milestone in his professional career, Williams intercepted a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 8, returning it 45 yards for a touchdown in a 30-20 win over the Vikings. This unique achievement earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition. His prowess on the field saw him re-sign with the Saints for subsequent years despite facing a brief suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Williams maintains a committed spirit with the Saints, consistently improving each season and registering significant victories. Despite injury issues recurring in his career, his dedication and perseverance show that his journey in football is far from over. Amid all his successes, Williams had faced legal skirmish in 2015 with a DUI arrest which was later dropped, providing a salutary tale to many.

P.J. Williams’s story is enriched with triumphs, setbacks, lessons, and resilience. His journey right from his high school days in Florida to the NFL serves as an inspiration for any aspiring football player. With his resilient spirit and his natural talent for the game, it is clear that his story is still unfolding, with more triumphs sure to come.