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P. J. Williams

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P. J. Williams
refer to caption
Williams in 2013
No. 25, 26
Position:Safety
Personal information
Born: (1993-06-01) June 1, 1993 (age 31)
Ocala, Florida, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:196 lb (89 kg)
Career information
High school:Vanguard (Ocala, Florida)
College:Florida State (2012–2014)
NFL draft:2015 / round: 3 / pick: 78
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:259
Sacks:4.0
Pass deflections:33
Interceptions:8
Forced fumbles:3
Fumble recoveries:2
Defensive touchdowns:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Kenneth Lamar "P. J." Williams (born June 1, 1993) is an American former professional football safety. He played college football at Florida State. He was the Defensive MVP of the 2014 BCS National Championship Game.

Early life

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Williams attended Vanguard High School in Ocala, Florida, where he played high school football.[1] He played cornerback and wide receiver. He was ranked by Rivals.com as the nations ninth best safety recruit.[2]

In addition to football, he was also a sprinter for the track team. He ran a career-best time of 10.68 seconds in the 100 meters at the prelims of the 2011 FHSAA 3A District 5 Championships.

College career

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As a true freshman in 2012, Williams played in 14 games recording 14 tackles. As a sophomore in 2013, Williams made 35 tackles, had three interceptions and scored a touchdown. He was the Defensive MVP of the 2014 BCS National Championship Game after recording seven tackles and an interception.[3][4] As a junior in 2014, Williams had 74 tackles, one interception and one sack.[5]

On January 6, 2015, Williams announced via Twitter that he decided to forgo his senior season and declare himself eligible for the 2015 NFL draft. He stated, "I will be taking my talent to the NFL, I wanna thank the NoleNation for some of the best 3 years of my life, the memories will never fade!"[6]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Williams was one of 54 collegiate defensive backs to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He performed all of the combine drills and finished first among all defensive backs in the broad jump and third in the vertical jump.[7] His mediocre time in the 40-yard dash was seen as a disappointment by scouts and analysts.[8] On March 31, 2015, Williams attended Florida State's pro day and chose to stand on the majority of numbers from the combine. He posted better times in the 40-yard dash (4.48s), 20-yard dash (2.55s), and 10-yard dash (1.58s), while also improving his vertical (41") and broad jump (11'3"). He showed smooth and fluid movement and displayed good hands in his position drills despite being sick with the flu. Over 150 scouts, team representatives, and media members attended Florida State's pro day, including head coaches Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints), Lovie Smith (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers), Todd Bowles (New York Jets), and Ken Whisenhunt (Tennessee Titans).[9] During the draft process, Williams had private workouts and meetings with a few teams, including Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys.[10][11] On April 3, 2015, Williams was arrested for DUI, but charges were dropped for insufficient evidence on April 27. 2015. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, NFL draft experts and scouts projected Williams to be a late first or second round pick.[12] He was ranked the third best cornerback in the draft by Sports Illustrated, the fifth best cornerback by NFL analyst Charles Davis, was ranked the ninth best cornerback in the draft by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and was ranked the 10th best cornerback prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[13][14][15][16]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0 in
(1.83 m) 		194 lb
(88 kg) 		31 in
(0.79 m) 		8+5⁄8 in
(0.22 m)		 4.57 s 1.55 s 2.63 s 4.28 s 7.08 s 40 in
(1.02 m)		 11 ft 0 in
(3.35 m)		 12 reps
All values from NFL Combine[17]

2015

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The Saints selected Williams in the third round (78th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft.[18] Williams unexpectedly fell to the Saints in the third round and was the 11th cornerback drafted in 2015. The pick used to select Williams originally was acquired from the Miami Dolphins along with Dannell Ellerbe in exchange for Kenny Stills.[19] On May 12, 2015, the Saints signed Williams to a four-year, $3.06 million contract and includes a signing bonus of $706,619.[20]

Throughout training camp, Williams competed against Kyle Wilson, Damian Swann, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, and Delvin Breaux for the starting nickelback on the depth chart.[21] On September 1, 2015, the Saints placed Williams on injured reserve after suffering a torn hamstring. He did not appear in any games during his rookie season and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was fired in November.[22]

2016

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Williams returned in time for organized team activities and training camp. He competed for the starting nickelback job against Damian Swann and received snaps at outside corner while Keenan Lewis was out with an injury.[23] Payton named Williams the starting cornerback, along with Breaux, after the Saints opted to release Lewis.[24]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Saints' season-opener against the Oakland Raiders and recorded five combined tackles and a pass deflection in their 35–34 loss. On September 21, 2016, Williams suffered a serious concussion while attempting to make a tackle on New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell. During the play, Donnell's right leg appeared to strike Williams' shoulder while he attempted to tackle Donnell and then took an accidental knee to the back of the helmet by Saints' linebacker Craig Robertson. The force snapped Williams head and neck back.[25] Williams crumbled to the ground and players began frantically signaling for trainer that immediately responded and strapped Williams to a backboard and carted him off the field. It was reported he had movement of his extremities and was transported to a local hospital for testing and evaluation.[26][27] Williams finished the 16–13 loss at the Giants with two solo tackles and a pass deflection. On September 21, 2016, the Saints placed Williams on injured reserve for the remainder of the season after he was diagnosed with a concussion.[28] He finished the 2016 season with seven combined tackles (five solo) and two pass deflections in two games and two starts.[29]

2017

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Williams entered training camp competing for a job as the starting cornerback, opposite Breaux, against rookie first round pick Marshon Lattimore. Payton named him one of the starting cornerbacks with Ken Crawley to begin the regular season after Breaux suffered a fractured fibula during camp.[30]

He started the Saints' season-opener at the Minnesota Vikings and recorded eight combined tackles during their 29–19 loss. The following week, he recorded a season-high ten combined tackles and a pass deflection in the Saints' 36–20 loss to the New England Patriots. On September 24, 2017, Williams made three combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception off a pass attempt by Cam Newton in New Orleans' 34–13 victory. Although he played well, Williams was demoted to a reserve role behind Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley due to an unspecified disciplinary issue prior to their Week 4 matchup at the Miami Dolphins. Payton declined to further comment on the matter, stating it was between the team and Williams.[31] In Week 9, Williams recorded two combined tackles and deflected a pass during a 30–10 victory over the Buccaneers after returning from a four-game stretch where he did not record a stat. On November 26, 2017, he made three solo tackles, three pass deflections, and intercepted Jared Goff in the Saints' 26–20 loss at the Los Angeles Rams. Williams finished the 2017 season with 47 combined tackles (34 solo), nine pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and six starts.[32]

The Saints finished the season first in the NFC South with an 11–5 record and received a wildcard playoff berth. On January 7, 2018, Williams played in his first playoff game and recorded a tackle and a pass deflection during the Saints' 31–26 victory over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wildcard game. The following week, he recorded four combined tackles and defended a pass as the Saints lost 29–24 at the Vikings.[32]

2018

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In Week 8, Williams intercepted a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins and returned it 45 yards for the touchdown in a 30–20 win over the Vikings, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.[33]

2019

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Williams in a game against the Tennessee Titans

On April 2, 2019, Williams re-signed with the Saints.[34] He was suspended for two games on October 15, 2019, for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.[35] He was reinstated from suspension on October 29, 2019, and the team received a roster exemption for him. He was activated the next day. In week 11 against the Buccaneers, Williams recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Jameis Winston in the 34–17 win.[36]

2020

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On April 7, 2020, the Saints re-signed Williams to a one-year, $2 million contract.[37]

In Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, Williams recovered a fumble lost by running back Jalen Richard during the 34–24 loss.[38] In Week 17 against the Panthers, Williams recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by P. J. Walker during the 33–7 win.[39]

2021

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On March 29, 2021, Williams re-signed with the Saints on a one-year contract.[40][41] In a game against the Buccaneers on October 31, 2021, Williams intercepted Tom Brady's pass intended for Chris Godwin and returned it 40 yards for a game-clinching pick six, and his second career defensive touchdown.[42]

2022

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On April 4, 2022, Williams re-signed with the Saints on a one-year contract.[43] He was placed on injured reserve on October 8.[44] He was activated on November 7.

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2016 NOR 2 2 7 5 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
2017 NOR 16 6 47 34 13 0.0 1 2 7 0 7 9 0 0 0 0
2018 NOR 15 7 53 44 9 1.0 2 1 45 1 45 9 2 0 0 0
2019 NOR 14 8 44 34 10 1.0 3 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0
2020 NOR 15 3 40 31 9 0.0 0 1 30 0 30 2 0 2 0 0
2021 NOR 16 5 42 36 6 2.0 3 3 86 1 46 5 1 0 0 0
2022 NOR 11 3 26 17 9 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
89 34 259 201 58 4.0 9 8 168 2 46 33 3 2 0 0

Playoffs

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2017 NOR 2 0 5 4 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
2018 NOR 2 2 11 9 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
2019 NOR 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2020 NOR 2 0 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
7 2 17 14 3 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0

Personal life

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On October 5, 2014, Williams was involved in a car accident in Tallahassee, Florida. He and his two passengers, including teammate Ronald Darby, left the accident scene. Williams returned a short time later, the police officer on scene reported that Williams stated that his phone was dead and he went to make a phone call. The Tallahassee Police Department initially identified the accident as a hit and run, but downgraded the incident, issuing Williams two tickets one for driving on a suspended license. The accident was not included in Tallahassee's public online database of police calls.[45]

On April 3, 2015, Williams was arrested for DUI in Tallahassee, Florida. Williams was pulled over after making an illegal left turn and swerving while he was driving a rental vehicle on a suspended license. The officer claimed Williams had blood shot and watery eyes and displayed slurred speech. He was arrested after declining to perform a field sobriety test and to take a breathalyzer at Leon County Jail.[46][47] On April 27, 2015, it was reported that the DUI charge had been dropped. Paperwork filed by the state attorney stated, "The state is unable" to prove that Williams was driving and that his faculties were impaired by alcohol."[48]

References

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  1. ^ "Vanguard alumni PJ Williams drafted by the New Orleans Saints". Ocala Post. May 2, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  2. ^ Rivals.com
  3. ^ Winston and Williams earn MVP honors
  4. ^ Beck, Ted. "Ocala native gives life to 'Noles in title game". Ocala.com. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  5. ^ "P.J. Williams 2014 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. August 1, 2019. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  6. ^ Hinnen, Jerry (January 6, 2018). "Florida State CB P.J. Williams announces he will enter draft". CBSsports.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  7. ^ Stites, Adam (February 23, 2015). "NFL Combine 2015: Full results for defensive backs". SBNation.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  8. ^ Brooks, Bucky (February 23, 2015). "NFL combine: Trae Waynes shines; P.J. Williams has work to do". Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  9. ^ Brandt, Gil (March 31, 2015). "Mario Edwards, Jr. upgrades his draft status at FSU's pro day". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  10. ^ Wilson, Aaron (March 25, 2015). "Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams to visit Ravens, sources say". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  11. ^ Kahn, Jeffrey (April 9, 2015). "P.J. Williams takes pre-draft visit to Dallas Cowboys'". 247sports.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.[dead link‍]
  12. ^ "FSU's P.J. Williams could be taken in first round of the NFL Draft". orlandosentinel.com. February 16, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  13. ^ "*P.J. Williams, DS #10 CB, Florida State". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  14. ^ Burke, Chris (April 14, 2015). "2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Cornerbacks". si.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  15. ^ Davis, Charles (April 1, 2015). "2015 NFL Draft prospect rankings by position". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  16. ^ Mayock, Mike (April 27, 2015). "2015 NFL Draft: Mike Mayock's top 100 prospects". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  17. ^ "NFL Draft Profile: P.J. Williams". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  18. ^ "New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft". NewOrleansSaints.com. May 1, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  19. ^ "2015 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  20. ^ "Spotrac.com: P. J. Williams contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  21. ^ Polacek, Scott (September 1, 2015). "P.J. Williams Injury: Updates on Saints CB's Hamstring and Recovery". Bleacherreport.com. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  22. ^ Wilkins, Dan (September 1, 2015). "Report: Saints place P.J. Williams on IR with torn hamstring". thescore.com. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  23. ^ Underhill, Nick (August 5, 2016). "IR no more: Cornerback P.J. Williams starting to turn heads at Saints camp". theadvocate.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  24. ^ "New Orleans Saints release first unofficial depth chart for the 2016 season". FoxSports.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  25. ^ "Saints place CB P.J. Williams on injured reserve, sign OT Tony Hills".
  26. ^ Greer, Jordan (September 18, 2016). "Saints' P.J. Williams carted off field after multiple hits to head". sportingnews.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  27. ^ "Update: Saints' P.J. Williams carted off, able to move fingers and toes after scary collision". Nola.com. September 18, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  28. ^ Triplett, Mike (September 22, 2016). "Saints place CB P.J. Williams (concussion) on injured reserve". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  29. ^ "NFL Player stats: P. J. Williams (2016)". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  30. ^ Anderson, Roy (September 1, 2017). "Saints release first unofficial depth chart of regular season *UPDATED*". whodatdish.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  31. ^ "Sean Payton on benching P.J. Williams: 'That would be between us and P.J'". Nola.com. October 1, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  32. ^ a b "NFL player stats: P.J. Williams (2017)". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  33. ^ "James Conner, Adrian Peterson among Players of the Week". NFL.com. October 31, 2018. Archived from the original on November 3, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  34. ^ Williams, Charean (April 2, 2019). "Saints sign P.J. Williams to a one-year deal". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.
  35. ^ Triplett, Mike (October 15, 2019). "Saints' P.J. Williams suspended 2 games for violating substance- abuse policy". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  36. ^ "Brees throws for 228 yards, 3 TDs as Saints beat Bucs 34-17". ESPN. November 17, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  37. ^ Gantt, Darin (April 2, 2020). "Saints bring back cornerback P.J. Williams". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.
  38. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Las Vegas Raiders - September 21st, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  39. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers - January 3rd, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  40. ^ "New Orleans Saints agree to terms with CB P.J. Williams on one-year contract". NewOrleansSaints.com. March 18, 2021.
  41. ^ "2021 NFL Transactions: Signings – March". NFL.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  42. ^ "Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints - October 31st, 2021". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  43. ^ "New Orleans Saints agree to terms with defensive back P.J. Williams on one-year contract". NewOrleansSaints.com. April 4, 2021.
  44. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. October 8, 2022.
  45. ^ McIntire, Mike; Bogdanich, Walt (November 14, 2014). "Florida State Player Fled Crash but Got Only Traffic Tickets". The New York Times. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  46. ^ Goodbread, Chase (April 3, 2015). "Florida State prospect P.J. Williams arrested on DUI charge". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  47. ^ Deen, Safid (April 3, 2015). "Former FSU CB P.J. Williams arrested, charged with DUI". tallahassee.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  48. ^ Huguenin, Mike (April 27, 2015). "DUI case against Florida State CB P.J. Williams dismissed". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
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