Jamaal Malik Williams is an NFL running back for the New Orleans Saints. After playing collegiate football at BYU, the Packers drafted him in the fourth round in 2017.
Williams took his first breath on April 3, 1995. His birthplace was Rialto, California. Jamaal went to Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California. He committed to BYU football as a two-star prospect.
Williams played four BYU seasons. He ran for 2,798 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was 2016 and 2017 All-Mountain West Conference second team.
The Packers chose Williams in the fourth round in the 2017 NFL draft. He was chosen 134th overall. Four years with the Packers, he ran for 1,837 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Detroit Lions acquired Williams in 2021. In His breakout season, he ran for 1,066 yards and 9 touchdowns. He was an alternate for the Pro Bowl.
The New Orleans Saints signed Williams to a three-year contract in March 2023. He will be crucial to the Saints in 2023.
The versatile Williams can run between the tackles and grab passes out of the backfield. Also a good blocker. Any NFL team benefits from him.
Jamaal Williams's career highlights:
Pro Bowl Alternate 2021
2021 Detroit Lions leading rusher (1,066 yards)
2021 Detroit Lions leading touchdown scorer (9).
Green Bay Packers 2017 fourth-round pick
Mountain West Conference second team 2016–2017
Jamaal Williams is a talented running back in his peak. He should positively affect the New Orleans Saints offense in 2023.
Did Jamaal Williams shatter a record?
In 2022, Jamaal Williams set the Lions' rushing touchdown record. He set the 1991 Barry Sanders record of 16 rushing touchdowns with 17 that season.
Williams broke the record against the Green Bay Packers in the Lions' season finale on January 8, 2023. He had two touchdowns, including the OT winner.
Williams's record-breaking season showed his determination. Running between the tackles and catching passes out of the backfield, he is versatile. He also blocks well. Williams is an NFL star and he is probably just scratching the surface in terms of his potential.
Additional information on Jamaal Williams's record-breaking season:
He ran 1,066 yards in 2022, second in his career.
He had a career-high with 50 receptions for 345 yards in 2022.
The 2022 Pro Bowl alternate was him.
First Lions’ running back to dash for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns since Reggie Bush in 2013.
Why did the Detroit Lions cut Jamaal Williams off despite his historic season?
Despite his remarkable season, the Detroit Lions cut Jamaal Williams for unknown reasons. Here are a few possible reasons as to why;
Salary cap: The Lions are rebuilding and need salary cap room. Williams was due $2.5 million in 2023, and the Lions thought a cheaper running back might produce similarly.
Age: The Lions may have decided Williams was not in their long-term plans at 28. Built around younger players like D'Andre Swift and Craig Reynolds.
Recent injuries: Williams has experienced some injuries. He missed two 2021 and one 2022 games. The Lions may have worried about his durability.
Contract situation: Williams and the Lions failed to reach a contract agreement. Williams wanted $4 million per year, but the Lions wouldn't go that high.
Another possibility is that the Lions thought they had superior running back choices. Swift is a promising young running back who could lead the squad in 2023. Reynolds had a solid 2022 season, and the Lions may have considered him cheaper than Williams.
Whatever the reason, cutting Williams surprised many. He was a productive running back with many Detroit supporters. However, the Lions are changing course and no longer want Williams.
FAQs
A. Jamaal Williams is 28. He was born on April 3, 1995.
A. Jamaal Williams is Rialto-born. Rialto is a city in California.
A.Jamaal Williams was a BYU football player.
A.The Packers chose Jamaal Williams in the fourth round of the 2017 draft.
