Gizmo Williams facts for kids
| No. 2 | |
| Born: | May 31, 1962 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Career information | |
| CFL status | American |
| Position(s) | WR/PR/KR |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| College | East Carolina |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1985 | Memphis Showboats |
| 1986 | Calgary Stampeders* |
| 1986–1988 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| 1989 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1990–2000 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career stats | |
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Henry Lee "Gizmo" Williams (born May 31, 1962) is an American former professional football player. He was known for his amazing skills as a kick returner and wide receiver. After he stopped playing football in 2000, Williams became a motivational speaker, inspiring many people.
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Who is Gizmo Williams?
Henry "Gizmo" Williams faced many challenges growing up. He was raised by his brother and later by an aunt, who provided him with a loving home. Despite these early difficulties, he worked hard and became a successful high school football player. His talent earned him a spot at East Carolina University.
After college, Williams began his professional football journey. He was signed by the Memphis Showboats in the United States Football League. It was during his time in Memphis that he got his famous nickname, "Gizmo." A future Hall of Famer, Reggie White, gave him the name because of his quick and shifty moves on the field. This nickname stuck with him throughout his entire career!
A Star in the CFL
After one season with the Showboats in 1985, Williams joined the Edmonton Eskimos (now known as the Edmonton Elks) in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played almost his entire CFL career with the Eskimos, from 1986 to 2000. He only took a short break in 1989 to play a half-season with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.
Even though he was only 5 feet 6 inches tall, Williams was a perfect fit for Canadian football. He was an incredible kick returner. While he also had success as a receiver, gaining over 900 yards in two seasons, he was truly famous for his exciting returns.
The Famous Flip and Record-Breaking Plays
Gizmo Williams became known for his amazing athleticism. After scoring a touchdown, he would often do an acrobatic flip in the air! This became his special trademark and fans loved it.
During his time with the Eskimos, Williams set more than 20 CFL records. As of 2026, he still holds the league's all-time records for both punt and kickoff return yardage. He also holds the record for the most kick return touchdowns, with a total of 31! These included 26 on punt returns, two on kickoff returns, and three on returns from missed field goals. One of his most unforgettable plays was a 115-yard touchdown return from a missed field goal in the 1987 Grey Cup championship game.
Honored for His Achievements
Gizmo Williams's incredible career was recognized with many honors. In 2002, his jersey number 2 was added to the Edmonton Eskimos Wall of Honour, a special place for team legends. Just four years later, in 2006, Williams was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He joined a class that included his former teammate and quarterback, Matt Dunigan.
In November 2006, a Canadian sports network, The Sports Network (TSN), voted him one of the CFL's Top 50 players of the modern era. He was ranked an impressive 25th on this list!
After his playing career, Williams continued to be involved in football. As of 2017, he was coaching the senior football team at Jasper Place High School.
See also
- List of NCAA major college yearly punt and kickoff return leaders
