One of the greatest defensive players in Minnesota Vikings history is moving forward in the voting process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
Kevin Williams, who was a defensive tackle for the Vikings from 2003-13, is one of 52 modern-era players to advance in the voting. He spent 2014 with the Seahawks and the 2015 season with the Saints.
Williams was one of the premier defensive tackles of his era and led one of the most dominant stretches of run defense in league history. He made six Pro Bowls from 2004-10 and was voted first-team All-Pro in five of those seasons.
Those coincided with defenses that allowed the fewest rushing yards in the league each season from 2006 to 2008. In 2009, they plummeted to second in run defense.
The ninth-overall pick of the 2003 draft was equally dominant against the pass as he was against the run. Williams had 22 sacks in his first two seasons and 60 sacks during his tenure with the Vikings. He was also surprisingly athletic at 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, running a 4.81 forty-yard dash at the Combine, scoring four touchdowns on two interception returns and two fumble recoveries.
Williams finished his career with 63 sacks, nine forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries, and five interceptions. Hopefully, the Hall of Fame gets this one right and inducts Williams, who was not only dominant but consistent.