Alvin Williams (American football) facts for kids

Alvin Williams (born January 17, 1965) is a former professional football player from the United States. He played for five seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL). During his career, he played for teams like the New England Steamrollers and the Denver Dynamite. Before playing professionally, he played college football at Texas Southern University.

Alvin Williams' Early Life and College Football

Alvin Williams was born on January 17, 1965. He grew up in Houston, Texas, and went to M. B. Smiley High School.

After high school, Alvin played college football for the Texas Southern Tigers. He was part of their team from 1984 to 1987.

Alvin Williams' Professional Football Career

After finishing college, Alvin Williams joined the New England Steamrollers in the Arena Football League (AFL) in 1988. The AFL was a different kind of football league played indoors on a smaller field.

Playing for the Steamrollers

In 1988, Alvin played 11 games for the Steamrollers. He was a versatile player, meaning he played both wide receiver (catching passes) and defensive back (stopping opponents). This was common in the AFL because of "ironman rules," where many players played both offense and defense. That season, he caught 35 passes for 369 yards and scored seven touchdowns. He also made 29 solo tackles and had two interceptions on defense.

Time with the Pittsburgh Gladiators

In 1989, Alvin played all four games for the Pittsburgh Gladiators. He continued to be a strong player, catching 12 passes for 235 yards and five touchdowns. On defense, he had 11 solo tackles and two interceptions. His excellent performance that year earned him a spot on the first-team All-Arena list, meaning he was one of the best players in the league. The Gladiators had a good season, finishing 3–1, but lost in the championship game, ArenaBowl III.

Years with the Denver Dynamite

Alvin then moved to the Denver Dynamite. In 1990, he played in all eight games. He focused more on defense that year, making 28 solo tackles and grabbing three interceptions. The Dynamite made it to the playoffs but lost in the first round.

He stayed with the Dynamite for the 1991 season, playing all ten games. He had another great defensive year, making 42 solo tackles and an impressive six interceptions. For his strong play, he was named to the second-team All-Arena list as a defensive specialist. The Dynamite again reached the playoffs but were defeated in the first round.

Final Seasons with New Orleans and Sacramento

In 1992, Alvin played for two different AFL teams. He started the season with the New Orleans Night, playing six games. He caught 16 passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned 20 kickoffs for 374 yards and scored one touchdown.

Later in 1992, he played three games for the Sacramento Attack. He continued to contribute on defense, making six solo tackles and one interception. He also caught one pass for a long 46-yard touchdown.

Alvin Williams had a successful five-season career in the Arena Football League, known for his skills on both offense and defense.