Kevin Williams (defensive tackle) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kevin Williams

Williams with the Minnesota Vikings in 2007
No. 93, 94
Position:	Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1980-08-16) August 16, 1980 (age 44) Arkadelphia, Arkansas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	311 lb (141 kg)
Career information
High school:	Fordyce (Fordyce, Arkansas)
College:	Oklahoma State
NFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9
Career history
Minnesota Vikings (2003) Seattle Seahawks (2014) New Orleans Saints (2015)
Career highlights and awards
5× First-team All-Pro (2004, 2006–2009) 6× Pro Bowl (2004, 2006–2010) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team PFWA All-Rookie Team (2003) Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor 50 Greatest Vikings Minnesota Vikings All-Mall of America Field Team
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 528 Sacks: 63.0 Forced fumbles: 10 Fumble recoveries: 13 Interceptions: 5 Defensive touchdowns: 4
Player stats at PFR

Kevin Williams (born August 16, 1980) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Williams was known for his strong defensive skills. He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Minnesota Vikings picked him ninth overall in the 2003 NFL draft.

Kevin Williams' College Football Journey

Williams went to Oklahoma State University. He was a key player on the team's defense. He started 42 games during his college career. Williams made 160 tackles and 18.5 sacks. His team improved a lot while he was there. They went from a 3–8 record in 2000 to 8–5 in 2002. This helped them reach the Houston Bowl in 2002. It was only their second bowl game in 14 years.

Kevin Williams' NFL Career Highlights

Joining the NFL: The 2003 Draft

Kevin Williams showed great skill at the Senior Bowl. This made him a top pick for the 2003 NFL draft. Experts thought he would be chosen early. The Vikings picked Williams as the ninth overall player.

Time with the Minnesota Vikings

Williams with the Vikings in Jan. 2009

In 2003, Williams made a big impact as a rookie. He led the Vikings with 10.5 sacks. This was the second-most sacks by a Vikings rookie. He started 12 games as a defensive end. Then he moved to nose tackle for the last 4 games. Williams set a rookie record with 3.0 sacks in one game. He was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month. He had 18 tackles and 5.0 sacks that month.

Williams continued to play well. He had 11.5 sacks in 2004. He played alongside Pat Williams. They were called the "Williams Wall" or "Williams Wrecking Crew". They were very strong on the field. This helped the Vikings have the best rushing defense. They held this title for three years in a row. In 2006, the Vikings signed Williams to a new contract. It was a 7-year deal worth up to $50 million.

In 2007, Williams scored his first NFL touchdown. He intercepted a pass and ran 54 yards. Later that season, he scored another touchdown. He intercepted a pass and returned it for a score. This was his second interception touchdown that year.

In 2008, Williams faced a suspension. He was suspended for four games. This was for taking a substance that was against the rules. Williams and Pat Williams appealed the decision. A judge allowed them to play while the case was reviewed. The case lasted through 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he was suspended for two games. This was under new league rules.

Playing for the Seattle Seahawks

Williams with the Seahawks in 2014

On June 12, 2014, Williams joined the Seattle Seahawks. He signed a one-year contract. He played all 16 games that season. He recorded 30 tackles and 3 sacks. The Seahawks had the best defense in the league. Williams played in his first ever Super Bowl. This was Super Bowl XLIX. He made 3 tackles in the game. However, the Seahawks lost to the New England Patriots.

Time with the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints signed Williams in 2015. He signed a one-year contract. In a game against the Carolina Panthers, he blocked an extra point. His teammate, Stephone Anthony, picked it up. Anthony then returned it for two points. This was a first in NFL history.

Retirement from Football

On July 27, 2016, Kevin Williams retired from professional football. He signed a one-day contract with the Minnesota Vikings. This allowed him to retire as a Viking.

Personal Life of Kevin Williams

Williams graduated from Fordyce High School in 1998. Many of his football records still stand there. He married Tasha in June 2005. Tasha played college basketball at Louisiana Tech. She helped her team reach the NCAA Tournament. Kevin studied general studies at Oklahoma State. He earned his degree in 2003.