Mario Williams facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mario Williams

Williams with the Houston Texans in 2006
No. 90, 94
Position:	Defensive end
Personal information
Born:	(1985-01-31) January 31, 1985 (age 40) Richlands, North Carolina, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:	300 lb (136 kg)
Career information
High school:	Richlands
College:	NC State (2003–2005)
NFL Draft:	2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1
Career history
Houston Texans (2006–2011) Buffalo Bills (2012–2015) Miami Dolphins (2016)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-Pro (2008) 2× Second-team All-Pro (2007, 2013) 4× Pro Bowl (2008, 2009, 2013, 2014) NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year (2007) Third-team All-American (2005) 2× First-team All-ACC (2004, 2005) NC State Wolfpack Jersey No. 9 honored
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 399 Sacks: 97.5 Forced fumbles: 16 Fumble recoveries: 5 Pass deflections: 21 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Mario Jerrel Williams (born January 31, 1985) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Williams played college football for the NC State Wolfpack.

He was chosen as the first overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft by the Houston Texans. During his career, he was selected for the Pro Bowl four times. He also played for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.

Early Life and High School Football

Mario Williams grew up in Richlands, North Carolina. He went to Richlands High School. There, he was a star in both football and track.

As a senior, he made 87 tackles and 13 sacks. He also played running back and rushed for 590 yards. In 2002, he was named an All-State player by the Associated Press. His high school even retired his jersey number, 82. Williams also competed in track & field, throwing the shot put.

College Football Career

Williams played college football at North Carolina State University. He was part of the NC State Wolfpack team from 2003 to 2005. In just three seasons, he set a school record for the most sacks. This record stood until 2017.

Professional Football Career

Playing for the Houston Texans

Williams with the Texans in 2006

In the 2006 NFL draft, the Houston Texans chose Williams as the first overall pick. Many thought they would pick another player, Reggie Bush. Williams signed a large contract worth $54 million over six years.

In his first season (2006), Williams played in all 16 games. He had 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He also forced one fumble.

The 2007 season was a great year for Williams. He made 59 tackles and 14 sacks. He even scored a touchdown after returning a fumble. Many people saw him as one of the best defensive players. He was named a first-team All-Pro player. He was also voted as an alternate for the Pro Bowl game.

In 2008, Williams continued to play well. He had 12 sacks and 53 tackles. He was chosen for his first Pro Bowl as a starter. He was also a first-team All-Pro for the second year in a row. He went to the Pro Bowl again after the 2009 season.

In 2010, Williams had to stop playing early due to a hernia injury. He was placed on injured reserve. In 2011, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle and was again placed on injured reserve. After the 2011 season, his contract with the Texans ended. He became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team.

Texans Team Records

Mario Williams holds some important records for the Houston Texans:

• He has the second most career sacks (53) in team history.
• He has the second most career forced fumbles (11) for the team.

Playing for the Buffalo Bills

On March 15, 2012, Williams signed a six-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. The contract was worth up to $100 million. At the time, this was the biggest contract for a defensive player in NFL history. He wore jersey number 94 for the Bills.

In 2012, Williams played in all 16 games. He made 46 tackles and 10.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles.

On September 15, 2013, Williams had an amazing game against the Carolina Panthers. He recorded 4.5 sacks, which broke the Bills' record for most sacks in a single game. He finished the 2013 season with 13 sacks. In 2014, he had 14.5 sacks. He was named to the All-Pro First-team and the 2015 Pro Bowl.

In 2015, the Bills got a new head coach, Rex Ryan. Williams did not like the new defensive strategy. His performance dropped, and he only had 5.0 sacks that season. On March 1, 2016, the Bills released him from the team.

Playing for the Miami Dolphins

On March 8, 2016, the Miami Dolphins signed Williams to a two-year contract. He played one season with the team. On February 16, 2017, the Dolphins released him.

NFL Career Statistics

Personal Life and Community Work

Mario Williams enjoys boating. He had a special design made for his MasterCraft X80 boat. He also cares about his community. In 2011, he gave five Chevrolet Camaros to the Houston Police Department. In 2013, he donated five Dodge Chargers.

In 2012, Williams launched his own breakfast cereal called "MariO's". The money from selling the cereal goes to a charity in Buffalo. This charity helps children with cancer and their families.

While playing for the Bills, Williams lived in Orchard Park, New York. He bought a large home there in 2012.

Sometimes, people called him "Wario Williams" online. This nickname came from the Nintendo character Wario. People thought Williams played with a similar strong and determined style.

See also

In Spanish: Mario Williams para niños

• List of North Carolina State University people