Mike Williams (wide receiver, born 1994) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mike Williams

Williams with Los Angeles Chargers in 2021
No. 81, 18
Position:	Wide receiver
Personal information
Born:	(1994-10-04) October 4, 1994 (age 30) Holly Hill, South Carolina, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	218 lb (99 kg)
Career information
High school:	Lake Marion (Santee, South Carolina)
College:	Clemson (2013–2016)
NFL Draft:	2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7
Career history
Los Angeles Chargers (2017–2023) New York Jets (2024) Pittsburgh Steelers (2024) Los Angeles Chargers (2025)*
Career highlights and awards
CFP national champion (2016) First-team All-ACC (2016) Second-team All-ACC (2014)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Receptions: 330 Receiving yards: 5,104 Receiving touchdowns: 32
Player stats at PFR

Michael K. Williams (born October 4, 1994) is an American former professional football wide receiver. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons. He was mostly known for his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. Williams also played for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football for the Clemson Tigers. The Chargers picked him seventh overall in the 2017 NFL draft. Williams announced his retirement from professional football on July 17, 2025.

Early Life and High School Football

Mike Williams grew up in Santee, South Carolina. He went to Lake Marion High School & Technology Center. There, he was a star player on the school's football team.

As a junior, he caught 66 passes for 1,296 yards. He also scored 11 touchdowns. In his senior year, he had 60 catches for 1,395 yards and 10 touchdowns. Experts rated him as a top recruit. He decided to play college football at Clemson University.

College Football Career

Williams at Clemson in 2015

Williams started his college career at Clemson in 2013. As a first-year player, called a "true freshman," he played in all 13 games. He caught 20 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2014, his second year, he became a regular starter. He had a great season with 57 catches for 1,030 yards. He scored six touchdowns that year.

His 2015 season was cut short. In the very first game, he broke a bone in his neck. This happened when he collided with the goal post after catching a touchdown pass. He missed the rest of the season. He was given "redshirt" status, meaning he could play an extra year later.

Williams returned strong in 2016 as a redshirt junior. He started all 15 games for Clemson. He led his team with 98 catches, 1,361 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He scored touchdowns in 9 different games. This included three against rival South Carolina. He also had over 100 receiving yards in five games.

In the National Championship Game against Alabama, Williams was a key player. He caught eight passes for 94 yards and one touchdown. Clemson won the championship 35–31. After this big win, Williams decided to leave college early. He entered the 2017 NFL draft.

Professional Football Journey

Before the NFL draft, experts thought Williams was one of the best wide receivers. He showed off his skills at the NFL Combine and Clemson's Pro Day.

Joining the Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers picked Mike Williams as the seventh player overall in the 2017 NFL draft. He was the second wide receiver chosen that year. The Chargers signed him to a four-year contract.

First Seasons with the Chargers (2017-2019)

Williams' first season in 2017 was tough due to a back injury. He missed the first six games. He made his NFL debut in Week 6. He finished his rookie year with 11 catches for 95 yards.

In 2018, Williams scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 2. He had a fantastic game in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He caught seven passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns. He even ran for a touchdown! He helped the Chargers win a close game. For this, he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. He ended the 2018 season with 43 catches, 664 yards, and ten touchdowns.

The 2019 season was a big one for Williams. He had his first game with over 100 receiving yards against the Green Bay Packers. He finished the season with 49 catches for 1,001 yards and two touchdowns. He led the entire NFL in yards per catch, averaging 20.4 yards.

Later Years with the Chargers (2020-2023)

In 2020, the Chargers kept Williams by picking up an option on his contract. He continued to make big plays. In Week 5, he caught five passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints. He finished the season with 48 catches for 756 yards and five touchdowns.

The 2021 season was a breakout year for Williams. He set new personal bests with 76 catches and 1,146 receiving yards. He also scored nine touchdowns. He worked very well with quarterback Justin Herbert. In March 2022, Williams signed a new three-year contract with the Chargers.

In 2022, Williams continued to be a strong receiver. He had several games with over 100 receiving yards. He caught 63 passes for 895 yards and four touchdowns. However, he suffered a back injury late in the season. This injury kept him out of the Chargers' playoff game.

His 2023 season was cut short. In Week 3, he tore a ligament in his knee (ACL tear). This injury ended his season early. He had 19 catches for 249 yards and one touchdown before the injury. The Chargers released him in March 2024.

Time with the New York Jets

In March 2024, Williams signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets. He played in nine games for the Jets. He caught 12 passes for 166 yards.

Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers

On November 5, 2024, the Jets traded Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Just five days later, he played in a game for the Steelers. He caught a 32-yard game-winning touchdown pass. This helped the Steelers win 28–27 against the Washington Commanders. For the 2024 season, combining his time with the Jets and Steelers, he had 21 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown.

Return to the Los Angeles Chargers and Retirement

On March 12, 2025, Mike Williams signed a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, on July 14, 2025, he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Just three days later, on July 17, 2025, Mike Williams announced his retirement from professional football.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season Stats

Playoff Stats