Williams’ captainship won’t change the way he goes about his business. His consistent buoyancy is one of the characteristics that earned him that title. He wants to continue serving as the leader he’s always been, without beating himself up as much as he has in the past.
Throughout his entire life, Williams has been his “own biggest critic” and “biggest enemy.” When things haven’t gone his way, he couldn’t help but dwell on it. That can’t happen now that he’s an official team captain, and it’s something he’s worked on.
“All these plays are six seconds, and each play is different, so if you made a bad play, you gotta be able to move on so that you are ready for that (next) play if it’s your number that gets called,” Williams said. “… I just felt like that was a very immature mindset that I had my whole life. And then once I realized that, once I’m able to fix that, man, I feel like I’ve grown and evolved into a way and a man that, I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”
That effort hasn’t gone unnoticed by coaches.
“He epitomizes, as do a lot of our guys in our locker room, what we’re looking for in Rams,” McVay said. “I thought it was cool that he got recognized by his teammates. I think he’s just continued to mature into the best version of himself while still maintaining the authenticity to who he is.”
Added offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur: “Here he is with a fresh contract and the captain status, and it’s all rightfully deserved. He’s got great energy. His work ethic matches that energy. And he’s a better person on top of all that. And he’s been a productive player in this league.”
Coming off a career-highs in rushing attempts (316), yards (1,299) and touchdowns (14), Williams is close to achieving his best self on the field. But he’s just getting started in his personal life.
His new contract gives Williams financial freedom to support his family in new ways, and he’s already started planning out that process. Taking care of his parents, giving money to his sisters each month for their bills and setting up 529 plans for his nieces and nephews to help them pay for college are all on his to-do list. Football, family and faith are his only concerns, and he’s pouring everything he has into them.
“I just want to be able to continue to play football at a very high clip, continue to keep showing the world who I am and what I can do, and take care of my family,” Williams said. “And give the most praise to the Lord that I can and follow his mission every single day. That’s probably my biggest three concerns right now in life. And that’s the only thing I see going forward.”