Jarvis Williams (defensive back) facts for kids

Jarvis Eric Williams, Sr. (born May 16, 1965 – died May 25, 2010) was an American football player. He played as a defensive back in college and then professionally. Williams played for the University of Florida and was named an All-American. He then played seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants. Williams died suddenly when he was 45 years old.

Early Life and High School

Jarvis Williams was born in Palatka, Florida in 1965. He went to Palatka High School. He was a very important player for the Palatka Panthers high school football team. In 1981, his team won the Florida Class 3A state championship.

College Football Career

Williams received a sports scholarship to attend the University of Florida. This university was in Gainesville, Florida, close to his hometown. He played cornerback for the Florida Gators football team. His coach was Galen Hall. Williams played for the Gators from 1984 to 1987.

As a freshman and sophomore, he was part of two of the best Gators teams ever. In 1984 and 1985, the team had amazing records of 9 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie. They also had the best records in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during those years.

Many people remember Williams for a very strong tackle he made in 1986. He tackled Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Melvin Bratton. The hit was so powerful that Bratton was unconscious for a short time.

Williams was named a first-team All-SEC player in 1986. In 1987, he was chosen as a first-team All-American. He started 45 games in a row over his four years, which is one of the highest totals for a Gators player. He also had 10 interceptions during his college career. In his last year, he led the team in tackles with 77. He also led in punt returns, with 20 returns for 222 yards.

In 2001, Jarvis Williams was honored by being added to the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. He was recognized as a "Gator Great."

Professional Football Career

The Miami Dolphins picked Jarvis Williams in the 1988 NFL Draft. He was the 42nd player chosen overall in the second round. He played safety for the Dolphins from 1988 to 1993.

In Miami, Williams played again with his former Gators teammate, Louis Oliver. The Dolphins drafted Oliver in 1989. Together, Williams and Oliver were the starting safeties for the Dolphins for five seasons. In his first five years with the Dolphins, Williams caught 14 interceptions. One of these he returned 42 yards for a touchdown in 1990.

He played his last NFL season for the New York Giants in 1994. During that season, he made 60 tackles and caught two interceptions in 13 games.

Over his seven years in the NFL, Williams played in 104 regular season games. He started in 95 of those games. He made a total of 575 tackles and caught 16 interceptions. He also scored one touchdown.

Life After Football

After his NFL career, Jarvis Williams worked as a volunteer assistant football coach. He coached at Interlachen High School in Interlachen, Florida. He also worked as an assistant coach at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, Florida.

Jarvis Williams' son, Jarvis Eric Williams, Jr., also played college football. He was the starting fullback for the Jacksonville University Dolphins football team from 2009 to 2010. In his first year, he was named the 2007 Pioneer Football League Newcomer of the Year. At that time, Williams' former Gators teammate, quarterback Kerwin Bell, was the coach at Jacksonville University.

Jarvis Williams died suddenly on May 25, 2010. He was 45 years old.

See also

• 1987 College Football All-America Team
• List of Florida Gators football All-Americans
• List of Florida Gators in the NFL Draft
• List of University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame members
• List of Miami Dolphins players
• List of New York Giants players