Jimmy Williams (cornerback, born 1979) facts for kids

Jimmy Ray Williams (born March 10, 1979 – died July 7, 2022) was an American professional football player. He was a talented cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Jimmy was first picked by the Buffalo Bills in the 2001 NFL Draft. He also played college football at Vanderbilt. Before college, he played at Episcopal High School (Baton Rouge) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He later played for the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans.

Playing Football at Vanderbilt

Jimmy Williams was one of the most sought-after players to join Vanderbilt. He started his college career as a running back. He was amazing, leading his team in rushing yards, return yards, and touchdowns. This earned him a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team.

In 1998, his coach, Woody Widenhofer, suggested he try playing on the other side of the ball. Jimmy switched to cornerback and quickly became an All-SEC player in the same year. In 1999, he made a famous play against Northern Illinois. He returned a punt for a touchdown in the final minutes, helping Vanderbilt win 34–31. He is one of only three players in Vanderbilt history to return both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown.

For three years, Jimmy was a top player for his team in both interceptions and kickoff returns. After his senior year, he went to the NFL Draft combine. This is where professional teams evaluate college players. In 2013, Jimmy was honored by being chosen for the Southeastern Conference Football Legends Class.

Jimmy's Professional Football Career

Jimmy Williams was drafted in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He was the 33rd pick in the 6th round. However, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers. There, he played as a punt returner and cornerback until the 2004 season.

In 2005, he joined the Seattle Seahawks. With the Seahawks, he played in his first Super Bowl in 2005. His team lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in that game. On May 19, 2008, he signed with the Houston Texans. After the 2008 season, he was not re-signed and became a free agent. This means he was able to sign with any team he wanted.

NFL Statistics: How Jimmy Played

This table shows Jimmy Williams's statistics during his time in the NFL.

Key to the Statistics:

• GP: Games Played (how many games he played in)
• COMB: Combined Tackles (total tackles he made)
• TOTAL: Total Tackles (tackles where he was the only one)
• AST: Assisted Tackles (tackles where he helped another player)
• SACK: Sacks (tackles of the opposing quarterback)
• FF: Forced Fumbles (when he made an opponent drop the ball)
• FR: Fumble Recoveries (when he picked up a dropped ball)
• FR YDS: Fumble Return Yards (how many yards he ran after picking up a fumble)
• INT: Interceptions (when he caught a pass meant for an opponent)
• IR YDS: Interception Return Yards (how many yards he ran after an interception)
• AVG IR: Average Interception Return (average yards per interception return)
• LNG: Longest Interception Return (his longest run after an interception)
• TD: Interceptions Returned for Touchdown (when he scored a touchdown after an interception)
• PD: Passes Defensed (when he broke up a pass)

Life After the NFL

After his time in the NFL, Jimmy Williams went back to his hometown of Baton Rouge. He wanted to help his old school, Episcopal High School. He coached the middle school football team there until 2010. He also worked as the assistant athletic director and defensive coordinator at the high school.

Personal Life

Jimmy Williams passed away on July 7, 2022, at the age of 43.