Is Serena Williams related to Ryan Williams? All you need to know after the American's viral comments about 17-year-old football star

Serena Williams has caused a stir with her supportive message for her "cousin," Ryan Williams, the 17-year-old college football sensation who is dominating headlines for his recent heroics. Given the extraordinary talent displayed by the Alabama Crimson Tide star at such a young age, many were quick to believe the facetious suggestion of a familial link to a sporting legend like the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

On September 28, Ryan Williams took the field for the Crimson Tide in a thrilling college football game against Georgia. Despite holding a 28-0 lead in the first half, Alabama found themselves trailing 34-33 with just over two minutes left on the clock when the 17-year-old pulled off a remarkable 75-yard touchdown pass.

Injecting dramatic flair into the dying moments of the game, the Alabama freshman caught a pass from the quarterback Jalen Milroe, executed a spin, and dashed into the end zone to seal a 41-34 win over Georgia.

As a clip of the 17-year-old's remarkable touchdown pass circulated on social media, Serena Williams claimed him as her "cousin" in jest, lavishing praise on his "impressive" skills.

"Honestly this is pretty impressive from my 17year old cousin ha go Cuz!" Serena Williams posted on X.

However, it is important to note that the 23-time Grand Slam champion does not actually have a familial tie to the rising football star despite their matching surnames.

Similar to Serena Williams' father Richard, Ryan Williams' father has been supporting the rising college football star in his journey

Serena Williams with her father Richard (Source: Getty)

Venus and Serena Williams' father Richard played an instrumental role in their success, as he introduced them to tennis and coached them in their formative years. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has often expressed her gratitude to her father for constantly pushing her, admitting that her career wouldn't have been possible without his guidance.

Alabama Crimson Tide star Ryan Williams has also benefitted from the unwavering support of his father. Ryan Williams' Sr., a former Division 1 athlete who played college football for the Auburn Tigers and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, has voiced his appreciation for the opportunity to share the journey with his son.

In an interview with Tuscaloosa News earlier this year, Williams Sr. expressed his immense pride in his son, disclosing that it was "crazy" to witness the 17-year-old's rise to the top.

"I went through the recruiting process myself. It's now 16 or 17 years later, and the game has changed in a lot of ways. Being able to walk him through the basics and walk with him and learn with him, it's been great," he said.

"It's crazy to witness (his fame). For me, I'm proud. He built that side of it up on his own, as far as his fame. But for me as dad sitting back, you know that's my child, it makes me proud," he added.

Ryan Williams' ultimate dream is to compete in the NFL, which could potentially create a special connection to Serena Williams, given her ownership stake in the Miami Dolphins.