Aeneas Williams facts for kids
Williams with the St. Louis Rams in 2004
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| Position: | Cornerback Safety |
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
| Born: | January 29, 1968 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 200 lb (91 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
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| High school: | Alcée Fortier (New Orleans, Louisiana) |
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| College: | Southern (1988–1990) | ||||||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1991 / Round: 3 / Pick: 59 | ||||||||||||||||
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Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Aeneas Demetrius Williams (born January 29, 1968) is a former professional football player. He played as a cornerback and safety in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons.
Aeneas Williams played college football for the Southern Jaguars. He was then picked in the third round of the 1991 NFL draft by the Phoenix Cardinals. He spent 10 seasons with the Cardinals. For his last four seasons, he played for the St. Louis Rams.
Williams was chosen for the Pro Bowl eight times. He also earned first-team All-Pro honors three times. He was named to the National Football League 1990s All-Decade Team. In 2014, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Early Life and High School Football
Aeneas Williams was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His parents are Lawrence and Lillian Williams. He is the youngest of three brothers.
He went to Alcee Fortier High School. There, he played football with three future NFL players. In 1985, his team, the Fortier Tarpons, had a perfect 10-0 record. They won their district championship. Aeneas was chosen for the all-district team as a strong safety.
College Football Journey
After high school, Williams did not get a football scholarship. He decided to attend Southern University, where his brother Achilles also went. His main goal was to earn an accounting degree. Playing football was not part of his plan at first.
He focused on his studies for his first two years. Then, his old high school teammate, Maurice Hurst, encouraged him to try out for the team. Aeneas joined as a "walk-on," meaning he wasn't on scholarship. He started on special teams and later became a starter in his junior year.
Williams kept his football involvement a secret from his family. He only told them after he made the travel squad for the second game. In his junior year, he led his conference with seven interceptions. He was named to the All-Southwestern Athletic Conference team.
In 1990, Williams stayed for a fifth year to improve his chances for the NFL draft. He again made the All-SAC team. He also tied a Division I-AA record with eleven interceptions. He finished his college career with 20 interceptions.
Professional NFL Career
Playing for the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals
The Phoenix Cardinals drafted Aeneas Williams in the third round in 1991. He was the sixth cornerback chosen that year. He quickly became a starting player for the team.
Rookie Season Highlights (1991)
Williams made his NFL debut in September 1991. He had three tackles and his first career interception. In Week 2, he recovered two fumbles and had another interception. He also intercepted passes from famous quarterbacks like Jim McMahon and John Elway. He finished his first season with six interceptions, tying for the most in the NFC.
Continued Success (1992-1993)
Williams continued as a starting cornerback in 1992. He played in all 16 games. In 1993, he had a memorable game against the New Orleans Saints. He scored two touchdowns in that game. One was from recovering a fumble and running it back 20 yards. The other was an interception he returned 46 yards for a touchdown. This was his first "pick-six." He was selected for his first Pro Bowl after the 1993 season.
Leading the Defense (1994-1997)
In 1994, Williams signed a new contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He continued to be a top player. He set a career-high with nine interceptions that season. He also had 26 passes defended. In 1995, he scored two more touchdowns from interceptions.
In 1996, Williams signed another long-term contract. He set a career-high with 77 total tackles. He also had six interceptions and his first career sack. In 1997, he scored two more touchdowns from interceptions. He was a key part of the Cardinals' defense.
Playoff Appearances (1998)
In 1998, the Arizona Cardinals had a winning record of 9-7. This was the only winning season for the team during Williams' time there. He played in his first playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. He had two interceptions in that game, helping the Cardinals win. In the next game against the Minnesota Vikings, he had another interception, but the Cardinals lost.
Final Years with Cardinals (1999-2000)
In 1999, Williams continued to be a starting cornerback. During a game against the San Francisco 49ers, he was involved in a play where quarterback Steve Young suffered a concussion. This injury sadly ended Young's career. In 2000, Williams had a huge play. He returned a fumble 104 yards for a touchdown, tying an NFL record. He finished his time with the Cardinals after the 2000 season.
Joining the St. Louis Rams
Super Bowl Run (2001)
In 2001, the St. Louis Rams traded for Aeneas Williams. He quickly became a starting cornerback for the Rams. He had a great season, making 73 tackles and four interceptions. He also returned two interceptions for touchdowns.
The Rams had a fantastic season, reaching Super Bowl XXXVI. Williams played a big role in their playoff run. In a game against the Green Bay Packers, he had two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns. He also recovered a fumble. In the NFC Championship game, he made a game-clinching interception against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the Rams lost the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots, Williams' performance was outstanding.
Later Career and Retirement (2003-2005)
In 2003, Williams switched positions to play free safety. He continued to be a leader on defense. After the 2004 season, he quietly retired from football.
Over his career, Aeneas Williams scored 12 defensive touchdowns. He had 9 touchdowns from interceptions and 3 from fumble recoveries. He also had 55 career interceptions. He recovered 23 fumbles. He was a 4-time All-Pro selection.
Life After Football
In 2008, Aeneas Williams was honored by the Arizona Cardinals. His name was added to their Ring of Honor. In 2009, he presented the George Halas Trophy to the Cardinals after they won the NFC Championship.
Williams is now the founding pastor of Spirit Church in St. Ann, Missouri. He is married to Tracy, and they have three daughters and one son.
Aeneas Williams was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and 2013. He was finally elected to the Hall of Fame on February 1, 2014. He was officially inducted on August 2, 2014. In September 2014, he was also inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.
