Avery Williams (running back) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Avery Williams

Williams playing for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022
No. 26 – Atlanta Falcons
Position:	Running back / Return specialist
Personal information
Born:	(1998-07-15) July 15, 1998 (age 26) Pasadena, California, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:	200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school:	JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, California)
College:	Boise State (2016–2020)
NFL Draft:	2021 / Round: 5 / Pick: 183
Career history
Atlanta Falcons (2021–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
Jet Award (2020) 2× MWC Special Teams Player of the Year (2019, 2020) Consensus All-American (2020) First-team All-MWC (2020) Second-team All-MWC (2017)
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Rushing yards: 109 Rushing average: 5.0 Receptions: 13 Receiving yards: 61 Return yards: 1,248 Total touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Avery Williams, born on July 15, 1998, is an American professional football player. He plays as a running back and return specialist for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football at Boise State.

Early Life and High School Football

Avery Williams was born in Pasadena, California. His parents are Pam Veasey and Marvin Williams. He has Mexican heritage through his grandmother.

He first went to Saint Francis High School. Later, he moved to JSerra Catholic High School for his final year. In his senior year, he was a star player. He ran for 1,175 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. He was also named co-Most Valuable Player in the Trinity League. Even with these great achievements, he did not get scholarship offers for college football. He decided to join Boise State as a "preferred walk-on." This means he joined the team without a scholarship at first.

College Football Career

Williams started his college career at Boise State as a walk-on player. He spent his first year as a "redshirt," meaning he practiced but did not play in games. During this time, he was named the Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year.

Earning a Scholarship and Playing Time

In 2017, before his second year, he earned a scholarship. He became the main punt and kick returner for the team. He also started playing as a cornerback. That season, he made two interceptions and broke up eight passes. He also returned two punts for touchdowns. He was recognized as a second-team All-Mountain West Conference player.

Continued Success at Boise State

As a redshirt sophomore, Williams had 49 tackles. He also defended 11 passes and forced three fumbles. He returned one kickoff for a touchdown. He continued to earn honors for his play.

In his junior year, he kept up his strong performance. He made 39 tackles and broke up four passes. He also returned 22 punts for 290 yards and two touchdowns.

His senior year was outstanding. He returned 19 kickoffs for 533 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned 15 punts for 229 yards and two touchdowns. He tied a major college football record with nine career return touchdowns. He was named first-team All-Mountain West. He also won the Conference Special Teams Player of the Year award. He was chosen as a first-team All-American player.

Professional NFL Career

Williams in 2021

Avery Williams was chosen by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL draft. He was the 183rd player picked overall, in the fifth round. On June 15, 2021, he signed his first professional contract with the Falcons. This contract was for four years.

Rookie Season and Position Change

In his first year, 2021, Williams was the Falcons' main kick and punt returner. He was also a key player on special teams. Special teams are units that play during kickoffs, punts, and field goals.

In 2022, the Falcons decided to move Williams to a new position. He switched from a defensive player and returner to a running back. This was a position he had played in high school.

Injury and Recovery

On June 7, 2023, the Falcons' coach, Arthur Smith, shared some sad news. Williams had torn his ACL during team practices. An ACL tear is a serious knee injury. This meant he would miss the entire 2023 football season. He was placed on the injured reserve list on June 16, 2023.