Madieu Williams facts for kids
Williams with the Washington Redskins in 2012
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| No. 40, 20, 41 | |||||||||||||
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| Position: | Safety | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born: | October 18, 1981 Freetown, Sierra Leone |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 209 lb (95 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school: | Lanham (MD) DuVal | ||||||||||||
| College: | Towson (1999–2000) Maryland (2001–2003) |
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| NFL Draft: | 2004 / Round: 2 / Pick: 56 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||
Madieu Mohammed Williams (born October 18, 1981) is a former professional American football player. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). Williams was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. He played college football at the University of Maryland. The Cincinnati Bengals chose him in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft. He also played for the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Redskins.
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Early Life and College Years
Madieu Williams was born in Sierra Leone, West Africa. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Lanham, Maryland. He went to DuVal High School. After high school, he attended Towson University and later the University of Maryland.
Professional Football Career
Madieu Williams had a successful career playing safety in the NFL. He played for four different teams during his time in the league.
Playing for the Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Williams in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. In his first year, 2004, he played in all 16 games. He made 103 tackles, which means he stopped the opposing team's players many times. He also had three interceptions, where he caught the ball thrown by the other team's quarterback. One of these interceptions he returned for a touchdown!
In 2005, Williams played in only four games because of an injury. He still managed to get 23 tackles and one interception. He returned strong in 2006, playing all 16 games again. That year, he had 90 tackles and three more interceptions. In 2007, injuries caused him to miss three games, but he still made 74 tackles and two interceptions.
Time with the Minnesota Vikings
After four years with the Bengals, Williams signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2008. He missed the first seven games of the 2008 season due to a neck injury. When he returned, he made an interception that helped the Vikings win a game. He finished the 2008 season with 42 tackles and two interceptions. He played for the Vikings until he was released in July 2011.
Joining the San Francisco 49ers
Williams signed with the San Francisco 49ers in August 2011. He played one season with them.
Playing for the Washington Redskins
In April 2012, Williams joined the Washington Redskins. He became the team's starting free safety. In a game against his old team, the Minnesota Vikings, he intercepted a pass. He then ran it back 24 yards for a touchdown, helping the Redskins win.
Training and Community Work
Madieu Williams is known for his dedication to training and helping his community.
Training Methods
Madieu trains with a group of athletes called "The Stable." He says this group has helped him succeed since high school. He enjoys working out with them and feels good about the effort everyone puts in.
Community Service and Awards
In 2005, Madieu Williams started The Madieu Williams Foundation. This foundation helps young people learn about health, wellness, good nutrition, fitness, and education. He wants to teach kids early on how important it is to live a healthy life.
Williams has received special honors for his community work. In 2009, he gave $2 million to the University of Maryland. This large gift helped create the Madieu Williams Center for Global Health Initiatives. It was the biggest gift ever given to the university by an African-American former student.
On February 6, 2011, Williams received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award is given to an NFL player for their outstanding community service and excellence on the field. Every year, on Maryland Day, Williams also hosts a free football camp. Former and current college and NFL players help coach kids aged 6 to 14 at this camp.
