FOXBORO — Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said this week he’s hoping wide receiver Kyle Williams starts to see more opportunities.
Williams, a 2025 third-round pick out of Washington State, is a potential big-play threat for an offense that’s been lacking in explosive passing plays.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound wideout has two catches on two targets for 20 yards through three games. But with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, he’s the fastest player in the Patriots’ wide receiver corps.
Williams showed off his big-play ability at times in training camp. He averaged 17.1 yards per reception as a senior with the Cougars in 2024, catching 70 passes for 1,198 yards with 14 touchdowns.
Get to know Williams better on and off the field in our latest new Patriots Q&A.
What’s your first football memory?
My first football memory was my first sack. When I was in flag football, I was always the littlest dude. So I used to line up at nose guard. I used to crawl between people’s legs and then pull flags. So that was probably my first football memory.
What was your top high school football memory?
I was a quarterback in high school, so I think it was my freshman year. We had a scrimmage against Chaminade (College Preparatory). That was the blue turf that I played on before Boise State, and I threw like a 60-yard bomb for a touchdown.
You went to three different high schools. Why did you switch?
Just not being the kid that I wanted to be.
What’s your top college football memory?
It’s gotta be my first touchdown, freshman year, San Jose State. Corner post.
What made Washington State special?
It was a small town, but you felt the camaraderie between the town and the school. Everybody fed into each other. Even though it was a small town, you had a lot of spirit, and everybody was just so nice to you. And the history with Mike Leach — that really stood out.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a football player?
I’d probably be like a streamer, like a Twitch streamer, a gamer. Or honestly, I wanted to do the Navy SEALs. I watched “Lone Survivor” and “13 Hours.” Just watching those movies always made me think Navy SEALs seemed cool.
Wide receiver Kyle Williams of the New England Patriots during a July 25 practice in Foxboro. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald)
What video games do you play?
I’m all around. Spider-Man, Batman, 2K, Madden, Call of Duty. You put any game up on the loaded screen, I’m gonna play and I’m probably gonna be the best at it.
Have you played Kayshon Boutte in Madden?
I haven’t played him, and that’s one person I don’t want to play at Madden. I’ll play him in 2K, but not Madden.
Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
I’m a lefty, so Michael Vick was always my favorite.
Do you have a favorite movie?
“Paid in Full.”
Favorite musical artist?
Rod Wave.
Who have you been closest with on the team so far?
My buddy over there, Jeremiah Webb. That’s my right hand right now.
Who’s the funniest player on the team?
I’m gonna have to go with Jeremiah Webb. Him and Pop (DeMario Douglas) are the two guys. Those two are comedians.
What’s been your favorite thing about the New England region?
I’m still a West Coast, best coast type of guy. But I’d probably say the shorter distances to travel to get to different states. On the west, if you drive four hours in Cali, you’re still in Cali. Here, you drive three or four hours, you could be in New York, Rhode Island, all different places. So I’d say traveling is probably the best part.
Is there a player across the league you think is underrated or underappreciated?
Being in the league now and watching different film, just seeing with my own eyes — (Raiders wide receiver and former Patriot) Jakobi Meyers. Very good player.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I can cook.
What’s your dish?
I like to make steak and rice, pasta, lasagna. I make some good lasagna, mac and cheese, and banana pudding. And I can play the guitar.
When did you start playing guitar?
I took it as a class my sophomore year of high school. That was the only class I had an A in, and it just came naturally. I saved some money up and bought a smaller guitar, and I just kept playing.
Originally Published: September 26, 2025 at 10:25 AM EDT