Aaron Williams (American football) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Aaron Williams

Williams with the Buffalo Bills in 2015
No. 23
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(1990-04-23) April 23, 1990 (age 35) San Jose, California, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	199 lb (90 kg)
Career information
High school:	McNeil (Austin, Texas)
College:	Texas (2008–2010)
NFL Draft:	2011 / Round: 2 / Pick: 34
Career history
Buffalo Bills (2011–2016)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Big 12 (2010)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 257 Pass deflections: 36 Interceptions: 7 Forced fumbles: 3 Fumble recoveries: 1 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Aaron Williams, born on April 23, 1990, is a former American football player. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). Williams played college football for the Texas Longhorns. The Buffalo Bills picked him in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft.

Early Life and High School Football

Aaron Williams grew up in Austin, Texas. He went to McNeil High School. During his time there, he was a top football player. Experts like Rivals.com thought he was the best safety recruit in 2008. Scout.com also ranked him as the second-best cornerback recruit.

He was named first-team All-State by Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine. He also made the 2008 Parade All-American team. Williams was chosen for the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl game. This game features the best high school football players. Besides football, he also played baseball and ran track & field. He decided to play college football at the University of Texas.

College Football Career

Williams started his college career at the University of Texas in 2008. As a freshman, he played in 13 games. He started one game as a cornerback. He made 13 tackles and had one interception. He even ran that interception back 81 yards for a touchdown.

In 2009, his sophomore year, he played in 13 games. He missed one game due to an injury. That season, he recorded 31 tackles. He also had two sacks and three interceptions.

During his junior year in 2010, Williams started 11 games. He missed two games because of an injury. He finished the season with 45 tackles. He also had one quarterback sack and forced two fumbles.

Professional NFL Career

Williams with the Bills in 2011

The Buffalo Bills chose Aaron Williams in the 2011 NFL draft. He was the 34th player picked overall. This made him the second pick in the second round.

For his first two seasons, Williams played as a cornerback. In 2013, the Bills moved him to play safety. This change happened for the 2013 football season.

In March 2014, Aaron Williams signed a new contract with the Bills. It was a four-year deal worth $26 million.

Injuries and Retirement

In 2015, Williams faced a serious injury. It happened during a game against the New England Patriots. He was trying to make a tackle and was hurt. He was taken off the field in an ambulance. Reports later confirmed he had a neck injury.

In 2016, Williams scored his first NFL touchdown. He returned a blocked field goal attempt for the score. This happened in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. Later that season, he suffered another neck injury. This occurred during a game against the Miami Dolphins. He was placed on injured reserve in November 2016. This meant his season was over.

The Buffalo Bills released Aaron Williams on March 9, 2017. On January 31, 2018, Williams announced his retirement from the NFL. He played for six seasons, all with the Buffalo Bills. His decision to retire was mainly due to the multiple head and neck injuries he had throughout his career. Other teams were concerned about these injuries when he tried out for them in 2017.

NFL Career Statistics