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 on August 16, 1980, is a former American football player. He was a talented defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Minnesota Vikings picked him ninth overall in the 2003 NFL draft.

College Football Journey

Williams went to Oklahoma State University. He was a key player on the Oklahoma State Cowboys football team's defense. He started 42 games during his time there. He made 160 tackles, 38 tackles for loss, and 18.5 sacks. He helped his team get much better. They went from winning only 3 games in 2000 to 8 wins in 2002. This led them to play in the Houston Bowl in 2002. This was a big deal, as it was only their second bowl game in 14 years.

Professional Football Career

Joining the NFL: The 2003 Draft

After a great showing at the Senior Bowl, Kevin Williams became a top pick for the 2003 NFL draft. The Minnesota Vikings chose him as the ninth overall pick. This was a big moment for his career.

Playing for the Minnesota Vikings

Williams with the Vikings in January 2009

In 2003, Williams had an amazing first year with the Vikings. He led the team with 10.5 sacks. This was the second-most sacks ever by a Vikings rookie. He started 12 games as a defensive end. Then, he moved to nose tackle for the last 4 games. He set a Vikings rookie record with 3.0 sacks in one game. He was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month. He was one of the few rookie defensive ends to start the season opener for the Vikings.

Williams continued to play well. He had 11.5 sacks in 2004, 4 in 2005, and 5 in 2006. He played alongside teammate Pat Williams. Together, they were known as the "Williams Wall" or the "Williams Wrecking Crew." They were very strong on the field. Their play helped the Vikings have the best rushing defense in the league for three years in a row (2006–2008).

In December 2006, the Vikings signed him to a new 7-year contract. This showed how important he was to the team.

In 2007, Williams made two big plays. In the NFL Kickoff game, he intercepted a pass from Joey Harrington. He ran 54 yards for a touchdown! This was the Vikings' first touchdown of the season. Later that year, he intercepted another pass from Trent Dilfer. He returned it for another touchdown. This was his second interception touchdown of the season.

In 2008, Williams faced a temporary suspension. This was due to an issue with a health supplement he was taking. He and Pat Williams appealed the decision. A judge allowed them to keep playing while the case was reviewed. The review continued for a few years. In 2011, he was suspended for two games under new league rules.

Time with the Seattle Seahawks

Williams with the Seahawks in 2014

On June 12, 2014, Williams signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He played in all 16 games that season. He made 30 tackles and 3 sacks. He helped the Seahawks have the best defense in the league for points allowed. Williams played in his first ever Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLIX. He made 3 tackles in the game. However, the Seahawks lost to the New England Patriots 28–24.

Playing for the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints signed Williams to a one-year contract on June 12, 2015. He made a special play in a game against the Carolina Panthers. He blocked an extra point attempt. His teammate, Stephone Anthony, picked up the ball and ran it back for two points. This was the first time anyone had done this in NFL history.

Retirement from Football

On July 27, 2016, Kevin Williams signed a special one-day contract with the Minnesota Vikings. After that, he officially announced his retirement from professional football.

Kevin Williams' NFL Stats

Personal Life

Kevin Williams finished high school at Fordyce High School in 1998. Many of his football records from high school are still unbroken. In June 2005, he married Tasha. She was a college basketball player at Louisiana Tech. She helped her team reach the NCAA Tournament. Kevin studied general studies and earned his degree from Oklahoma State in 2003.