Joe Williams (linebacker)

Last updated

Joe Williams
No. 97
Position: Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1965-03-05) March 5, 1965 (age 60)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:237 lb (108 kg)
Career information
High school: McKinley (Baton Rouge)
College: Grambling State
Undrafted: 1987
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Sacks:1.0
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Stats at ArenaFan.com

Joseph Dennis Williams (born March 5, 1965) is an American former professional football linebacker who played one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Grambling State University. He was also a member of the New England Steamrollers and Denver Dynamite of the Arena Football League (AFL).

Contents

Early life and college

Joseph Dennis Williams was born on March 5, 1965, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. [1] He attended McKinley Senior High School in Baton Rouge. [1]

Williams was a member of the Grambling State Tigers of Grambling State University from 1983 to 1986. [1]

Professional career

Williams signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL) on May 19, 1987, after going undrafted in the 1987 NFL draft. [2] He was later released on August 31. [2] On September 23, Williams signed with the Steelers again during the 1987 NFL players strike. [2] He played in three games for the Steelers during the 1987 season and posted one sack. [3] He was released after the strike ended. [2]

Williams played in all 12 games for the New England Steamrollers of the Arena Football League (AFL) in 1988, recording 21 solo tackles, four assisted tackles, two sacks, three fumble recoveries, four carries for six yards and one touchdown, and one reception for one yard. [1] [4] He was an offensive lineman/defensive lineman during his time in the AFL as the league played under ironman rules. [1] [4] The Steamrollers finished the 1988 season with a 3–9 record. [5]

Williams appeared in all four games for the Denver Dynamite of the AFL in 1989, posting one solo tackle and four sacks. [1] [4] The Dynamite went 3–1 and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Pittsburgh Gladiators. [6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Joe Williams". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Joe Williams Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  3. "Joe Williams". Pro Football Reference . Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 "Joe Williams". ArenaFan.com. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  5. "1988 New England Steamrollers (Arena)". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  6. "1989 Denver Dynamite (Arena)". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 16, 2025.