Mike Williams (wide receiver, born 1984) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mike Williams

Williams with the Seahawks in 2011
No. 88, 17, 18
Position:	Wide receiver
Personal information
Born:	(1984-01-04) January 4, 1984 (age 41) Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:	Henry B. Plant (Tampa)
College:	USC (2002–2003)
NFL Draft:	2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10
Career history
Detroit Lions (2005–2006) Oakland Raiders (2007) Tennessee Titans (2007) Seattle Seahawks (2010–2011) Toronto Argonauts (2013)*
Career highlights and awards
Heisman Trophy Finalist 2003 Consensus First Team All American 2003 First Team All Pac10 2003 CBS Sportsline National Player of the Year Fred Belitnikoff Award Runner Up 2003 ... PreSeason All American 2003 Second-team All Pac10 2002 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year 2002 Set USC and Pac10 Freshman Records for Yards (1,265), TDs (14), Recs (81) 2002 Set Freshman National Records Yards, Recs, TDs(tied) 2002
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 127 Receiving yards: 1,526 Receiving touchdowns: 8
Player stats at PFR

Michael Troy Williams (born January 4, 1984) is a former American football player. He played the wide receiver position in the National Football League (NFL). In college, he played for the USC Trojans and was named an All-American in 2003, which means he was one of the best college players in the country.

Williams was chosen by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. He also played for the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks.

High School Sports Star

Williams was born in Tampa, Florida, where he went to Henry B. Plant High School. He was a talented athlete who played both football and basketball.

Success on the Football Field

Williams was a standout football player from his sophomore year. He was known for catching the ball and scoring touchdowns. Over his three years on the high school team, he caught 101 passes for 2,223 yards and scored 38 touchdowns. His amazing performance earned him many awards, including being named a Tom Lemming All-American.

Basketball Achievements

Williams was also a star on the basketball court. He was a starter for all four years and helped his team win over 100 games. As a senior, he averaged 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He was so good that he was a finalist for the McDonald's All-American team. When he graduated, he held the school record for the most blocks and rebounds.

College Career at USC

Williams decided to attend the University of Southern California (USC) to play for coach Pete Carroll. Other top colleges wanted him, but USC was the one that saw his potential as a wide receiver. He wore the No. 1 jersey and played in every game during his two years at USC.

In his first year, he set records for a freshman at both USC and in the Pac-10 Conference. He caught 81 passes for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was named the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American.

In his second year, he was even better. He caught 95 passes for 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's best receiver, and finished eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, the award for the best player in college football. He was also named a first-team All-American.

College Statistics

Professional Football Journey

The NFL Draft Rule Change

After his amazing sophomore year, Williams wanted to join the NFL. At the time, a rule said a player had to be out of high school for three years before they could be in the NFL Draft. Another player, Maurice Clarett, challenged this rule in court and won at first.

Believing the rule had changed, Williams declared for the 2004 NFL draft. He hired an agent, which meant he could not go back to play college football. However, a higher court overturned the decision, and the old rule was put back in place. This meant Williams was not allowed to enter the draft, and he also couldn't play for USC. He had to sit out the entire 2004 football season.

Detroit Lions

Even after missing a full year of football, the Detroit Lions still believed in his talent. They picked him with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. In his first year, he played in 14 games and caught 29 passes for 350 yards and one touchdown. His second season was less successful, and he played in only eight games.

Time with Other Teams

In 2007, Williams was traded to the Oakland Raiders. Later that year, he signed with the Tennessee Titans. He played in a few games for both teams but did not have a major impact.

Williams (17) and Marshawn Lynch during the Seahawks' playoff win in January 2011.

Comeback with the Seattle Seahawks

After being out of the NFL for two years, Williams got another chance. In 2010, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was reunited with his old college coach, Pete Carroll.

This turned out to be a great move. Williams became a starting receiver and had the best season of his professional career. He caught 65 passes for 751 yards. He had one game with 10 catches for 123 yards and another with 11 catches for 145 yards. The Seahawks rewarded him with a new contract.

In the playoffs that year, Williams scored a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints and two more against the Chicago Bears. The next season, he had a tough year due to injuries. The Seahawks released him in 2012.

Toronto Argonauts

In 2013, Williams signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL), but he was released by the team a week later.

NFL Career Statistics

Coaching Career

After his playing career ended, Williams decided to become a coach. He started coaching at high schools in Los Angeles, including Brentwood School, Locke High School, and Van Nuys High School.

Later, he moved back to his hometown of Tampa, Florida, to become the head coach at Wharton High School. After three successful seasons there, he became the head coach at T.R. Robinson High School, where he led the team to a district championship.