The New York Jets’ star defensive tackle was honored by his alma mater in Alabama on Saturday night
New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Willaims was back at his alma mater, Wenoah High School, on Saturday night. The Alabama-based high school retired Williams’s number during a halftime ceremony, in addition to naming that Saturday “Quinnen Williams Day.”
After the ceremony, Williams said that Saturday was one of the “biggest nights of his life.”
“It’s just humbling for me, man. These guys tell me how much I inspire them. It humbles me a lot to let me know that I need to continue to do the right things on and off the field, continue to do my best, and never let up because I have guys looking up to me.”
Williams’s long career of defensive dominance started at Wenoah, where he was a four-year varsity starter. In 40 games played, the defensive tackle had 186 total tackles and 34.5 tackles for loss. He also had 19.5 sacks, with his career-best of eight coming in his senior year.
That dominance led to a highly productive career at the University of Alabama, culminating in Williams being selected third overall by the Jets in 2019. Since then, the Alabama native has dominated opposing offenses, causing havoc in the running and passing games. He has become one of the best defensive tackles in football and is arguably the most critical piece of the Jets’ defense.
Remembering your roots and how you arrived at your success is always great. Williams was afforded that opportunity on Saturday and was able to reflect on the journey that has led him to NFL greatness.
