Sam Williams (defensive back) facts for kids
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| Position: | Defensive back | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | July 22, 1952 Cameron, Texas, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 192 lb (87 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Rockdale (Rockdale, Texas) | ||||||
| College: | New Mexico Highlands (1970–1972) California (1973) |
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| NFL Draft: | 1974 / Round: 12 / Pick: 289 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
Samuel Charles Williams, born on July 22, 1952, is a former American football player. He was also known as Samaji Adi Akili. Sam played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons. He played for the San Diego Chargers and the Houston Oilers. The Chargers picked him in the 1974 NFL draft. Before turning pro, Sam played college football at New Mexico Highlands University and the University of California, Berkeley.
Contents
Early Life and College Football
Growing Up in Texas
Samuel Charles Williams was born on July 22, 1952. His hometown was Cameron, Texas. He went to Rockdale High School in Rockdale, Texas. In 2009, he was honored by being added to the Rockdale Sports Hall of Honor.
College Football Journey
Sam started his college football career at New Mexico Highlands University. He played for the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys from 1970 to 1972. After that, he moved to the University of California, Berkeley. He played for the California Golden Bears in 1973. Being a "letterman" means he earned a special award for playing well in a sport.
Professional Football Career
Joining the San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers picked Sam Williams in the 1974 NFL draft. He was the 289th player chosen overall. This happened in the 12th round of the draft.
In his first year, 1974, Sam played in 13 games for the Chargers. He started 12 of those games. During that season, he made one interception, one sack, and recovered one fumble. He continued to play for the Chargers in 1975. That year, he appeared in 11 games and started eight of them.
Time with the Falcons and Oilers
On April 7, 1976, Sam was traded to the Atlanta Falcons. He was traded for another player named Tom Hayes. However, Sam was released by the Falcons on September 7, 1976.
Later that year, on November 4, 1976, Sam signed with the Houston Oilers. He played in four games for the Oilers during the 1976 season. This was his final season in the NFL.
Life After Football
After his football career ended, Sam Williams changed his name. He became known as Samaji Adi Akili.
